Farm Credit Awards $100,000 to Beginning Farmers
Farm Credit recently awarded $100,000 in prizes to ten beginning farmers through their Farmers on the Rise program. Each recipient received $10,000 to help their operations grow and honor their outstanding achievements in agriculture. The following agriculturalists received this year’s honor:
- Jonathan and Laura Brittingham of Millsboro, Delaware
- Ashlee Butkiewicz of Factoryville, Pennsylvania
- John-Robert and Gracie Helsley of Edinburg, Virginia
- Chris and Emily Molnar of Pipersville, Pennsylvania
- Andrew and Theresa Mussaw of Elkton, Maryland
- Cindy Smith and Beth Williams of Knoxville, Maryland
- Rhonda Smith of Portage, Pennsylvania
- Katie Stevens of Frederick, Maryland
- Mackenzie and Eli Strawser of Herndon, Pennsylvania
- Jesse and Lisa Vivian of Brockway, Pennsylvania
“With more than 100 applications from producers located across our 100-county footprint this year, it is certainly encouraging to see so many hard-working individuals paving their way in agriculture” says Tom Truitt, CEO of Horizon Farm Credit. “The journeys we see through the Farmers on the Rise program excite us about the future of agriculture and inspire all of us at Farm Credit to continue serving those who work tirelessly each day to pursue their dreams. We are honored to support beginning farmers, like those selected for this award, and we cannot wait to see the continued impact they make toward building a strong and vibrant agriculture industry.”
Steve Connelly, the Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, was present to recognize and congratulate award recipients, noting that Maryland and other states’ departments of agriculture are proud of the achievements of beginning farmers.
The Farmers on the Rise program was established in 2021 to honor beginning farmers with three to ten years of experience from diverse agricultural communities. Recipients are selected based on their efforts in agriculture, financial character, leadership and community involvement, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about the program, click here.