Nearly 100 visitors will be coming to Adams County on July 17 and 18 for the annual Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers Conference according to Kay Hollabaugh, president of the organization. “We are so excited to be hosting so many amazing farmers and their families for the 99th year, she said.”
The organization, which sprouted in 1927 as a means to foster stewardship and leadership in the agricultural sector, is a long-running and prestigious agricultural honors program . Today, the award is co-sponsored by American Agriculturist magazine and by Cooperative Extension programs in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia.
Candidates to receive this award are nominated by individuals and organizations. Once nominated, candidates receive application forms to complete. The applications are viewed and scored by a three-judge panel in the winter months. Final selections are made in late March. Scoring is weighted as follows: 75% farm management/financial progress; 15% agricultural leadership involvement and 10% non-agricultural leadership. The winners will be honored at the annual banquet on July 16.
This year – for the first time in the organizations’ history – attendance is being opened to the general public for the full day bus tour on Saturday, July 17. The group will be visiting some of the finest businesses Adams County has to offer – with behind the scene tours not generally seen by the public. The group will depart on motor coaches on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and will visit the Hanover Shoe Farms, Ag Com, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Conewago Chapel, Rice Fruit Co., and Hollabaugh Bros., Inc. Lunch will be provided at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in York Springs. The buses will return to Gettysburg by 4:30 p.m.
“Adams County has a unique combination of microclimate, rich soils and industrious farmers which has resulted in a long list of Master Farmers over the years. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the newest class of Master Farmers and experience some of the best agricultural enterprises anywhere – this year in the heart of Adams County”, said Dave Wenk, immediate past president of the organization.
Only 20 seats remain to participate in this tour which will be enjoyed by young and old. If you’re interested, please act quickly! To register, visit MAMFA.org!
