Everyone in the ag community knows just how diverse mid-Atlantic agriculture is.

Within a couple hours’ drive, you’ll see vast orchards in Adams County, Pa.; modern animal ag operations down on the Eastern Shore; and in between some of the most intensive and innovative small farms anywhere in the country.

The 2021 class of Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers is a cross section of this region’s diverse agriculture:

Full profile stories and slideshows are being posted this week, starting today with a profile of Brad and Kay Hollabaugh. Wednesday will feature John and Aimee Good, and Thursday will feature P. Thomas and Alice Mason.  

87th class

This year’s crop of Master Farmers comprises the 87th class of Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers.

It is America’s longest-running and most prestigious agricultural honors program. It sprouted in 1927 as part of a Master Farmers of America program to foster stewardship and leadership. At that point, the program was initiated by Pennsylvania Farmer magazine and USDA.

Today, the award is co-sponsored by American Agriculturist magazine and by Cooperative Extension programs in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia. AgChoice Farm Credit, MidAtlantic Farm Credit and FS/Growmark are supportive partners.

The Master Farmer award is the lifetime achievement award of agriculture that recognizes exemplary role models of outstanding management, land stewardship and community leadership.

Candidates are nominated by individuals and organizations. Once nominated, candidates receive application forms to complete. This year’s applications were viewed and scored by a four-judge panel in February and March. Final selections were made in late March.

Scoring is weighted as follows: 75% farm management/financial progress; 15% ag leadership involvement; and 10% non-ag leadership.

For more information on the Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer Association, visit midatlanticmasterfarmer.com.