PHOTO RELEASE: Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Tours Howard County Farms 

Three Clark family members (Martha Clark holding grandson, her daughter Nora Crist), Cynthia Skalny, Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Assistant Secretary Hans Schmitt and Secretary Atticks, and baby goats!

Annapolis, MD (May 10, 2023)- Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks toured five Howard County farms to view farming operations and practices and to hear from the farmers about their successes and challenges. Throughout the day, Secretary Atticks visited Larriland, Fine Idea, Colmont, Elioak, and Manor Hill Farms.

Other officials who joined the tour included Howard County Council member David Yungmann, staffer Cynthia Skalny and Howard County Executive Deputy Chief of Staff Brian Shepter. The tour began at the Howard County Soil Conservation District Office before heading over to nearby Larriland Farm, which is well known for its orchards and pick-your-own fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Secretary Atticks meeting President of Larriland Farm, Lynn Moore.

The second stop was a horse operation on Fine Idea Farm in Mt. Airy, a top-notch facility for boarding and training. The farm has completed conservation projects that benefit water quality and farm management.

Secretary Atticks, farm owner Abby Gibbon, and David Plummer, District Manager of the Soil Conservation District 

The delegation then traveled to Colmont Farm for lunch and a discussion with members of the farming community.

The tour then stopped at Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, which has been operating since 1797 and currently has  a produce operation and a petting farm. The produce operation includes a roadside market, Community Supported Agriculture and cut-your-own flowers. The petting farm, which opened to the public in 2002, has farm animals to pet, a Fairy Forest to explore, educational tours, parties, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides and more.

The group last stopped at Manor Hill Farm for a tour of one of Maryland’s largest in production on-farm breweries. The farm also sells its own beef, fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Co-Owner of Manor Hill Farm, Rachel Mull.

“Maryland has a diverse landscape which supports many specialized farms, including these farms in Howard County” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “The county’s agricultural sector is strong and varied and I am glad I had this opportunity to meet with some of the county’s farmers to hear about their challenges.” 

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