Please describe your farm operation/involvement in agriculture

I have a 20-acre sheep and hay operation, where we also offer on-farm camping opportunities and experiences for the public. I work for the Maryland Department of Agriculture as the Maryland Conservation Partner Coordinator as well, coordinating outreach efforts to help get soil and water quality conservation practices on the ground on Maryland farms.

Tell us about your journey in the agricultural industry. How did you get involved, build your business, etc.?

I’m a born and raised farm kid– I’ve never imagined a future for myself that didn’t center around farming. After studying agriculture at University of Maryland, I worked for an equine non-profit for a while in public outreach and event planning before moving on to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

My farm has been in the family for generations, but didn’t become a sheep farm until 2000. The camping business came along in 2021, and we’ve been working on developing it further ever since.

How does your work intersect with your identity?

I grew up in a relatively conservative farming area, and for the longest time, was convinced that queer people were unwelcome in the industry. Because of this, it’s become incredibly important to me to use what resources I can to help increase visibility of the queer community within agriculture. At my last job, I ran a fundraising campaign benefiting the Pride Center of Maryland, and years later they’re still getting orders on the rainbow and trans pride flag horse merchandise I designed. At my current job, I’ve discussed with a coworker and the state Secretary of Agriculture forming what would potentially start as an employee resource group and hopefully expand into a more widespread effort.

What does visibility for LGBTQ+ people in food and ag mean to you?

Visibility for any identity—not just LGBTQ+ people—is so important in the food and ag sectors. Within food and ag, we are supporting the world. Everyone's voices deserve to be heard and respected. Something I encountered a lot during my time at K-State was students who grew up in small towns and had never been exposed to people unlike themselves. This often fueled hatred and exclusion of people who were different. Visibility for queer people in ag shows that it doesn't have to be that way forever.

What do you hope the future of farming will look like for the next generations?

I’d love to see a future in which people from outside agriculture feel welcome and encouraged to join the industry, regardless of their background or identity. I think we're making great strides, but still have a ways to go.

I also hope the trend of sustainability and soil conservation continues and grows more widespread, so that we can ensure that there's healthy and productive land for our future generations.

What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ individuals looking to enter agriculture or struggling to find their place?

Put yourself out there and do your research! Take advantage of every opportunity you can to grow your knowledge and network– attend conferences, pasture walks, farm tours, networking events, get involved with organizations, seek out nearby communities– the list goes on. There is so much benefit from learning and getting first-hand knowledge from other farmers, and your local industry professionals can help connect you with educational and financial resources.