Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame

March 2, 1997

1997: Richard & Harriett Holloway

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Holloway Family

Henry and Richard Holloway, along with their wives Barbara and Harriett, formed Holloway Brothers partnership in the late 1960’s when they purchased the 410-acre property and farm business previously owned by Henry and Richard’s parents Clifford & Agnes Holloway in Darlington, Harford County. Holloway Brothers farm 600 acres of owned and rented cropland, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, hay and straw. They run an 80-cow commercial beef herd, feeding and finishing their own calves, some of which are sold direct to customers for freezer beef. A 50+ sow farrow-to-finish operation was part of their farm business up until the early 1980s when they sold the sow herd. Much like their father and prior generations, Henry and Richard have been conservation-minded, continuing practices such as contour cropping and no-till. They have passed on their message of stewardship and promoted agriculture education by hosting Harford County Farm Visitation Day and school and other non-ag groups at the farm on numerous occasions over the years. The Holloway family has been involved and active in many local, state and national organizations and boards, including multiple leadership positions, with Harford County and Maryland Farm Bureau, Maryland Agricultural Commission, 4-H, Maryland Cattleman’s Association, Maryland State Fair, Maryland 4-H Foundation, and insurance and bank board positions. Henry, Richard, Barbara and Harriett have volunteered their time to many church and community activities, continually giving to their local community and agriculture.

Ceremony Date: 2/5/1998

1997: W. Blan & Francis Harcum

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Harcum Family

Blan and Louise Harcum are the owners of Beechnut Farms in Wicomico County. The Harcums have been farming for 54 years and the farm has been in the family for 330 years. They operate a 700 acre dairy and vegetable farm known for its quality of production and conservation practices. The farm has soil and water conservation plans, uses crop rotation, nutrient management an integrated pest management. Each year students come from all over Wicomico County to discover where milk comes from and what lambs really look like. “This is as close as some of these kids get (to animals),” Harcum said. “Most of these kids live in the city (Salisbury) and don’t get to see a farm.” In the last six years more than 9,000 school children have visited their farm. The Harcums are active in all facets of agriculture as well as their church and other community organizations. Mr. Harcum currently serves as president of the Wicomico County Farm Bureau. He is also a member of the Wicomico County Republican Central Committee, Masonic Lodge and Tall Cedars, 4-H All Stars, Southern Delaware Truck Growers Association, Emmanuel United Methodist Church and several other political and dairy associated organizations. Mrs. Harcum, currently a school teacher, is also an education leader for the American Association of University Women.

Ceremony Date: 2/5/1998

March 2, 1996

1996: William Sutton Family

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Sutton Family

 The Suttons, with their son Billy Jr., own and operate Bittersweet Dairy Farm north of Chestertown and have done so for 42 years. The dairy and grain farm are in its third generation and consists of more than 300 tillable acres. At the age of nine, Bill Sr. started his Holstein breeding program with only $25. When he turned 18, he took over the management of his father’s herd along with his own herd. Bill Sr. served as a Kent County Commissioner from 1990 to 1994 and was president for 16 months. He played a central role in the creation of the county’s new range Comprehensive Plan. Bill has also served on boards of many local and regional organizations, including the Kent County Soil Conservation District, president of the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Maryland 4-H All Stars and the Kent County Planning Commission. Ann has been equally active in the Kent County Fair, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation District Auxiliary, and many other groups. The family was recognized as “Master Farmers” by the Pennsylvania Farm Magazine in 1980.

Ceremony Date: 2/6/1997

March 8, 1995

1995: Leon & Shirley Enfield

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Enfield Family

The Enfield family runs a dairy and grain farm in Frederick County. Not only is their business successful, winning a “Quality Award” every year since 1988 from the Maryland &Virginia Milk Producers Association, but they have used soil conservation practices on their farm since 1948. Examples of environmental practices they have installed include: contour strips, crop rotation, no-till and land nutrient management. Leon has served as vice president and past president of the Frederick County Farm Bureau, chairman of the local legislative committee, president of and an alternate to the Appeals Board of Frederick County, the Board of Election Supervisors and served on the Frederick County Advisory Board of Maryland National Bank, past president of the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association and past president of the Associated Young People of Frederick County Farm Bureau. In 1967 he was appointed to the Frederick County Government Study Commission. He has been active in the Organization of Coalition of Land Use Education and a member of the Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. Shirley has served as chairman of the Women’s Committee of the Frederick County Farm Bureau, past president of the Frederick County Council and has served as a Frederick County Council Delegate.

Ceremony Date: 2/1/1996

March 2, 1995

1995: John & Ruth Schillinger

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Schillinger Family

John and Ruth Schillinger own Papa John’s, a vegetable and bedding plant farm situated on 340 acres in Anne Arundel County. In 1889, Ruth Schillinger’s grandfather purchased the original 54 acres of land for $900. In 1936, John Schillinger moved to the farm owned by Ruth’s father. The farm has been in the family for 109 years. Alongside the vegetables, the Schillingers began to plant tobacco in 1939 and phased it out around 1977. They now produce numerous varieties of vegetables and bedding plants and have been selling to supermarkets since 1992. The Schillinger family has developed new tools for irrigation and planting that have significantly improved their production.  In addition, they continually operate their farm for school children as well as agricultural leaders visiting from abroad. The Schillinger family is active in the agricultural community as well as civic and political activities.

Ceremony Date: 2/1/1996

March 8, 1994

1994: Donald & Betty Cole

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Cole Family

 Donald and Betty Cole farm over 1,050 acres in Hampstead. They raise beef cattle and produce feed crops including soybeans, corn and hay. Mr. Cole estimates that a current herd consists of 325-350 dairy steers. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are both members of the Maryland Farm Bureau. They were dairy farmers for 35 years, until six years ago when they left out with the government’s Dairy Termination Program. Mr. Cole served as a director of the Mid-Atlantic Division of Dairymen Incorporated and served on the corporate board of the organization. Mr. Cole is vice chairman of Central Maryland Farm Credit and has been a director for about 12 years. He serves as chairman of the audit committee and is a member of the executive committee. Mr. Cole has also been involved with Southern States directorships. He is a Baltimore County petroleum director for Southern States Cooperative, and has served on the Hampstead Cooperative many times over the years. All of the Cole family’s 4-H involvement was through the Baltimore County 4-H Program, in which each of their three children: Dale, Donna and Dawn were active participants. The Cole family is active in the United Methodist Church where Mr. Cole has been an organist for more than 40 years and Mrs. Cole has been the choir director for 30 years. Mrs. Cole has been a 4-H leader for 28 years and was the one of the original founders of Baltimore County’s Dairy Bowl Contest. She was involved in the extension advisory committee, a member of the Maryland 4-H All Stars, President of the Baltimore County Extension Homemakers, a member of the Maryland Dairy Princess Association Committee and a member of the Junior Committee for the Maryland Holstein Association. In 1989 she was chosen as Baltimore County Extension Pioneer.

If children learn by example, the children of Betty and Donald Cole have had the best kind of example.

Ceremony Date: 2/2/1995

March 2, 1994

1994: Oren & Fannie Bender

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Bender Family

Oren and Fannie Bender along with their six children own and operate Cove Run Farms. Oren’s passion has driven his learning, especially about the dairy industry. The farm itself is a showplace for flowers and well manicured lawn and the farm house and barn. Needless to say, Oren and Fannie worked hard to create the “home place,” exactly that…a place to call home. Oren was involved in several entities throughout agriculture and the local community. In early 1960, he became a charter member of the first Garrett County Holstein Association and later served as president. He was instrumental in bringing Johnny Morris to Garrett County to help the dairy farmers prepare animals for dairy shows and classifications, etc. Oren was ordained as a minister in 1972 and has continued to delve in both careers wholeheartedly. Oren held many barn meetings to promote the growing of registered Holsteins for the county. He was the first chairman of the Garrett County Sale, judged dairy shows in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, pedigree reader for Somerset County, served on the Eastern Southern States Board of Directors, chairman of the Regional Farm Credit Association. He was a guest speaker for many events including in the State of Georgia. Oren had two Bibles: The Holy Bible and the Holstein World. For his dedication to the industry, Oren received numerous awards throughout agriculture, including the Farming for Better Living Award (1968), Progressive Breeder Award, BAA Award and the Milk Production and Type Award. The Cove Run Farm kitchen became the diner for church and dairy clients alike. Fannie’s touch of hospitality is coveted by all who enter her home. The coffee pot was always ready to perk some fresh coffee with a few cookies. As anyone can gather, Fannie was a very strong supporter and backbone of the successful operation. She describes some conflict with wanting more family focus. The family was pulled between the farm duties, community and church needs. As a result, she has developed a back of steel and a heart of gold. Her keen business sense and organization skills kept the farm and family afloat.

Ceremony Date: 2/2/1995

March 2, 1993

1993: Norman & Annice Fike

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Fike Family

The Fikes have owned and operated Richland Orchard in Talbot County for more than 50 years. While they produce a variety of produce and livestock, their main focus is on their apple orchard. “We were farming for 50 years and just did what was natural,” said Annice. “From 1934 to 1966, we went from horse-drawn farm implements to tractors,” said Norman. “It (the award) isn’t something you work for; it is just something that happened. We didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. We want to say thanks to everyone who contributed to us being successful. Thanks to the people who helped, challenged and inspired us. You can’t do it alone,” said Annice. The Fike family hosted a German exchange student, as well as several foreign students from the University of Maryland during holiday vacation days. The guests at Richland Orchard were given a chance to learn about different facets of agriculture. The family also sponsored two refugee families, who lived in their home. The Fikes toured several countries in the South Pacific 20 People to People agricultural tour. Norman and Annice have been very involved in both the agricultural and local community. Mr. Fike founded the Easton Farmers’ Market. He served as president of the Talbot County Farm Bureau, president of Maryland State Farm Bureau, active in organizing Soil Conservation District and remained active from 1958 through 10 terms of office, ending in 1992, served on Talbot County School Board Committee to create a plan for integrating schools and president of State Horticulture Society in 1956. Mrs. Fike generously volunteered and served for many organizations, including: 4-H Club, the Association of Woman for the Farm Bureau, Talbot Homemakers, and Memorial Hospital, director of Christian Education in her local district congregations and the Red Cross.\

Ceremony Date: 2/3/1994

March 2, 1992

1992: Harold & Helen Marie Walter

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Walter Family

Harold and Helen Walter, along with his brother Carl, own and operate Harry H. Walter and Sons in Charles County. The 600-acre farm is a prime producer of tobacco and grain. Harry H. Walter and Sons are a third generation farm family. Harold served as a member of Charles County Farm Bureau, and served as its president for six years. He also served on the Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors and most recently on the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Political Action Committee. Harold served as the Board Director for Colonial Farm Credit. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. Mrs. Walter was the chairman of the women’s committee for the Charles County Farm Bureau. Steve Walter, Harold Walter’s son, serves on the Southern Maryland Tobacco Board.

Ceremony Date: 2/4/1993

1992: William & Pearl Eby Overholt

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Overholt Family

William Overholt remembers riding the train into Pocomoke one early January morning when he was five years old. Moving from Ohio to his great grandfather’s Somerset County strawberry farm, Overholt said he immediately fell in love with farming and has never left. He took over farm management and went from strawberries to dairy cows, corn, soybeans and tomatoes. In his more than 60 years of farming, Overhalt has developed his great grandfather small plot into a six farm family system and was recently named to the Governor’s Agricultural Hall of Fame in Maryland. The Overholts were the fifth family named to the Hall of Fame and the first Somerset County family ever named. “I’ve been wondering myself why we’re so special,” Overholt said. “We’re humbly honored. We’re very appreciative but at the same time we’re very meek.” Overholt credits his farming success to his diversity of crops, his experimentation with new farming technology and tools and his family. “Right after my family, the next greatest thing was no-till farming, new machinery and Choptank Electric. We’re grateful for them all.” When William and Pearl married in 1941, the farm had no electricity. Cows were milked by hand at 5:00 a.m. and farm machinery was primitive. “We went from the backbreaking walking plow on up to the modern day plow,” he said. With some savings, the Overholts were able to purchase the newest technology as it became available. The family had one of the first cab-type tractors in the area and was one of the first to experiment with the no-till method of farming almost 30 years ago. No-till farming is a method where beans or other small plants are planted around the uncut stocks popcorn or green grow in the year before. With the stocks, soil is saved from the wind and water intrusion, Overholt said “Probably the greatest change in my time is the new machinery available with no-till farming. Without a doubt, those were revolutions in farming.” William Overholt said his wife was always supportive when he wanted a new piece of machinery. “Pearl never found fault with anything I wanted. She never said ‘you can get that if you get me a piano first.’” The Overholt’s two sons, Lloyd and Howard, now manage the farm although at times, William Overholt said he worries about their futures as farmers. Lloyd initially left the farm to pursue a Russian language degree in Florida and returned to work the family land. Howard came to the farm from high school and never left. “I’m proud they stayed but I’m wondering if I did the right thing by encouraging them to stay,” Overholt said.” I worry about how they’ll do.” But, he said, he expects them to carry on. “Dairy cows keep the farm’s profitable now and crops should be good this year,” he said.

Ceremony Date: 2/4/1993

March 8, 1991

1991: Y.D. & Lonnie Hance

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: Hance Family

 Young “Duke” Hance is a seventh generation Calvert County tobacco farmer. Upon returning from the United States Army in 1945, Mr. Hance returned to his family’s 320 acre farm, Taney Place, to grow tobacco and raise feeder cattle along the Patuxent River. Y.D. as he was known to his friends, and his wife, Lonnie, raised three daughters on this farm that had been in his family since 1800. In 1972, Mr. Hance was the first to be appointed as the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture. During his tenure as Secretary, he helped develop the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program. He was an active member of the Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations. He was chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Calvert Soil Conservation, president of the Calvert County Farm Bureau, president of the Maryland Farm Bureau in 1965 and chairman of the Maryland Agriculture Commission from 1969 to 1972 and the University Of Maryland Board of Regents. Y.D. returned to his farm again in 1978 to farm in partnership with his youngest daughter Susie, the eighth generation to operate Taney Place Farm. He retired from the farm in 1983, but continued to remain active in Soil Conservation and Farm Bureau. He also served as an outside director on the Southern States Cooperative Corporate Board and Chairman of the Calvert County Board of Appeals. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Ceremony Date: 2/6/1992

1991: C. Rodmand & Jean Myers

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Myers Family

 Catoctin Mountain View Farm’s Rodman and Jean Myers, and their four children Patty, Cheryl, Bobby and Andrea have all been heavily involved in agricultural activities throughout the county, state and nation. They were recognized for “demonstrating exceptional commitment to Maryland agriculture and to the communities where they live and work.” The Myers family has been in farming since 1962. Rodman and Jean Ogle Myers met while members of the Creagerstown Boys and Girls 4-H Clubs. In August of 1955, they married, and in 1961 they were named the Maryland State Grange Young Couple. Rodman worked for his father until 1962 when they purchased the Harry Zentz farm. In 1967, they purchased the William Zentz farm and in 1970, they purchased the Claude Favorite Farm. In 2012, they purchased 40 acres nearby which had been leased since 1962. The four farms total 425 acres, and are located two miles north of Thurmont. The Myers family started with 30 cows and a few heifers. In 1991, they had 140 cows and 80 heifers of different ages. Dairy cattle were milked until 2006, and currently beef cattle graze in the fields. Their primary crops are corn, hay, barley, wheat, straw and soybeans. Over the years, they have built four silos, a milking parlor, a free stall barn, machine sheds and a new home. As the farms were purchased, they eliminated fence rows, cleared land and installed underground tile drainage, water troughs and used strip and contour practices. Rodman’s activities include co-founder and current president of the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, Thurmont Grange member since 1948, Catoctin FFA Alumni member since 1976, 1968 Maryland Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer Award, 1978 Master Farmer Award, Maryland State Grange Master from 1978-1982, 2013 Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Award for Excellence in Volunteerism and 2016 Maryland Fair Person of the Year. Jean’s activities include Thurmont Grange member since 1956, Maryland State Grange Flora from 1974-1976, Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show Committee since 1957 and won Grand Champion Cake in 1990 and 1991, and Thurmont’s St. John’s Christian Pre-School Board of Directors since 1999. The Rodman and Jean Myers Family is very honored to be inducted into the Maryland Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Ceremony Date: 2/6/1992

March 2, 1991

1991: Roland & Mildred Darcey

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: Darcey Family

Roland and Mildred Darcey purchased Edgewood Farm located in Upper Marlboro in 1956 and were steadfast advocates for farmers on a local, state and national level. As longtime cooperators with the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, they installed many best management practices to conserve the soil and improve water quality. Edgewood Farm is 150 acres total with approximately 10 acres in farmstead, 60 acres in forests, meadows, and natural areas, 10 acres in pasture and 70 acres of cropland. The farm has highly productive fine sandy loam soils of the Collington-Wist soil series with slopes ranging from 1 to 8 percent. Edgewood Farm operation has changed since the 1950s, transitioning from tobacco, swine, beef, hay, straw, and silage corn to primarily corn, soybeans and horses. Roland and Mildred were committed to the farming industry and were staunch advocates for Maryland farmers. They were a perfect team and served on many local, state and national organizations and working groups to promote agriculture and improve the community. Roland served as president of the Prince George’s County Farm Bureau for more than 20 years and served as 1^st Vice President of Maryland Farm Bureau. He was former grand master of the local Centennial Masonic Temple and former president of South Gate Lions Club. Mildred was a member of Electra Chapter #2 Order of the Eastern Star, South Gate Ladies Lions and Prince George’s County Farm Bureau. Roland and Mildred were life-long members of Bell’s United Methodist Church in Camp Springs. Roland left the family farm in Camp Springs in his early years to work for USDA in Beltsville but quickly learned he wanted to work for himself. He often said: “I worked for the U.S. government research farm in Beltsville for three or four days. They had me working with the hogs. I said, ‘I got hogs at home, I better go tend to my own.’” He never looked back from that experience. By 1980, Roland and Mildred owned land in all five Southern Maryland counties.

Ceremony Date: 2/6/1992