Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, along with members of the Chester County Agricultural Development Council (Ag Council), recently presented two agriculture awards at a public meeting that also revealed a draft of Chester County's first agriculture economic development strategy.
The 2021 Chester County Farmer of the Year award was presented to Darryl King, owner-operator of Manor Hill Farms in West Grove, where he and his wife, Pam, grow row crops on 220 acres. Darryl also owns Manor Hill Hay and Grain in Cochranville, a self-serve store selling pine shavings, hay, and straw.
Darryl was nominated for the award by the Chester County Ag Land Preservation Board for his work championing farmland preservation and encouraging his peers to consider environmentally friendly practices like no-till farming and the use of cover crops to retain and build soil health.
In addition to Darryl's devotion to natural resource management, he is being honored for his community spirit and willingness to help others in need, especially new farmers. Whether it's helping with a broken piece of machinery, giving planting advice, or even helping to rebuild after a natural disaster, he is often one of the first to volunteer.
The Duncan Allison Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture was presented to Betsy MacCauley of Atglen for more than 30 years of service to the agriculture industry through her work as a 4-H club livestock leader.
4-H is an informal education program for youths ages 8 to 18 that is designed to teach youth life skills. The program is built on subject matter projects developed by Penn State Extension and the National 4-H Council.
An accomplished farmer, MacCauley has impacted the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of aspiring young farmers through her ongoing volunteerism, leading Chester County's Golden Fleece Sheep Club, judging competitions, mentoring youths, and welcoming visitors from all over the country to her family's award-winning sheep farm.
Following the award announcements, consultants from agriculture specialist ACDS unveiled a draft of Chester County's agriculture economic development strategic plan and discussed opportunities to create technological advancement, strategic partnerships, and industry resilience.
To learn more, visit http://www.chescofarming.org.
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