Small-scale farmers working with UMES Extension specialists in their respective programs were recognized Nov. 25, 2025 at an award ceremony during the 22nd annual UMES Extension Small Farm Conference.
Young Farmer Achievement Award
Chris Malaughin (far left), 21, from Caroline County, Maryland, took home the Young Farmer Award along with a certificate of appreciation for his work on an alley-cropping project.
“Chris is the driving force” on his family’s Fowling Creek Farm, said Dr. Nadine Burton (center), an alternative crop specialist with UMES Extension.
With his parents’ support, she said: “He approaches agriculture with curiosity and innovation always eager to try new techniques, ask the right questions and seek better ways to make things work.”
While many of his peers are pursuing careers “behind computer screens or in cities away from the land,” Burton said, Malaughin chose farming, a path rooted in purpose, perseverance and passion.
“From early mornings to late evenings in the field, Chris demonstrates not only a strong work ethic, but also an unwavering commitment to community,” Burton said.
Malaughin “believes in being part of the solution” through his contributions to the Maryland Food Bank.
“Chris ensures that fresh, healthy produce reaches families who need it most. His actions remind us that agriculture is not just about planting seeds in the soil, it’s about planting hope in the hearts of people,” Burton said.
She thanked him for his hard work, spirit of innovation and desire to make a difference.
“You are proof that the next generation of farmers is not only ready but already leading the way.”
Alternative Crops Recognition Award
Burton also called on Taieshia Hyacinth (above far right), owner of Caribe Locavore Farm in Dover, Delaware, to be recognized.
“Her early exposure to both urban energy and rural tradition gave her a unique perspective that would blossom into a deep love for agriculture,” Burton said of the Brooklyn, New York-born Afro-Caribbean American.
Hyacinth grows specialty vegetables like okra, collards, callaloo, amaranth and Scotch-bonnet peppers, and traditional crops, herbs and fruit. The farm also produces pasture-raised eggs and baked goods.
“Her success did not come by chance; it came through learning, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence,” Burton said.
Hyacinth’s 20-year background in finance brought a business acumen to her agricultural pursuits that set her apart, Burton said. She strengthened her expertise through formal agricultural training, completing UMES Extension’s Alternative Crop Course, and programs through the Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center, Delaware State University and Annie’s Project.
“Beyond her farm gates, Taieshia stands as a leader and advocate,” Burton said. “She is an active member of the First State African American Farmers Association, where she works collaboratively to uplift others, ensuring that beginning farmers have support and access to resources to thrive.”
Alley Cropping Recognition Award
Another participant in UMES’ Alternative Crop Program, Corine Pugh (far right) of CP Farms, received an award for working with Dr. Lila Karki (far left) on an alley-cropping project.
Pugh planted nearly 100 pecan trees on an acre of her Westover, Maryland, family-operated farm. In the rows, or alleys, between the trees, she integrated roughly 250 plants each of squash, eggplant, cantaloupe and bell pepper, with the later the underperformer.
Agricultural practices she adopted were micro-irrigation systems (drip tape), composting, mulching, minimal tillage, cover crops and integrated pest management, Karki, an associate professor of agricultural economic and extension specialist, said.
“Her field serves as a demonstration site for educating interested growers in the benefits of alley cropping, particularly in managing weather variability and enhancing farm profitability,” he said.
Pugh hosted a UMES Extension Field Day in August highlighting the practice.
Integrated Pest Management Recognition Award
Michael Edwards (far right), owner of Wood Duck Landing Farm in Princess Anne, Maryland, was recognized by Dr. Simon Zebelo (far left) for his “long-standing partnership, innovation and generosity” to UMES.
Their collaboration began seven years ago with trap-crop trials, where it was discovered squash could effectively attract pests away from watermelon, Zebelo said.
“Michael not only hosted those experiments, he adopted the system himself, reducing pesticide use on his farm and sharing his experience with other growers,” said the professor of entomology and plant biology at UMES.
Also related to research with UMES’ Center for Integrated Pest Management, of which Zebelo is director, Edwards “opened his fields for our hemp trials (2020-23), where we installed corn-earworm traps.” He also allowed us to use his blueberry bushes for four years for spotted-wing drosophilia (fruit fly) studies, “work that would not have been possible without his generosity.”
In 2022, the two collaborated on a USDA-SARE Farmer Grant to evaluate the use of sweet corn for trapping corn earworm in hemp plots.
“Michael has been an exceptional partner and steadfast supporter of research and student training at UMES,” Zebelo said. “His farm remains open to students for insect collection in my entomology and IPM classes, and he continues to support UMES and UMCP faculty conducting field experiments.”
Specialty Herbs Recognition Award
Awardee Lacey Walker (far right) of Fox Haven Organic Farm and Learning Center in Jefferson, Maryland, has worked with UMES specialty herbalist Henriette den Ouden (far left) since the inception of UMES’ herb demonstration garden.
Walker is an herb farmer, herbalist, forager and educator at Fox Haven, serving as its director of the Learning Center Farm. She created the farm’s Fresh Herbal CSA and its Herbal Internship Program.
“Lacey teaches aspiring herb growers how to cultivate the plants and create value-added products,” den Ouden said. “Many of the herb growers UMES now works with have been inspired by her.”
Walker is dedicated to improving the herb farm located in the Catoctin valley near Frederick, den Ouden said. Last year, Fox Haven expanded acreage for herb growing.
“Lacey is always exploring better harvesting tools and also took the initiative to build a large commercial dryer at the facility,” den Ouden said.
She also leads the Chesapeake Herbshed, a group of growers, product makers and practitioners that meet regularly in support of each other and to make connections with buyers.
“Last spring, Fox Haven hosted UMES’ annual herb growers meeting. The group enjoyed the beautiful facility and absorbing Lacey’s knowledge,” den Ouden said.
Small Farm Incubator Recognition
Berran Rogers, coordinator of UMES’ Small Farm Program, also recognized Diane Welburn, co-owner of Welburn Management, for its support on a Small Farm Incubator Program. (More next issue).
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu., 410-621-3850.
Photos by Kara Nuzback, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, KANuzback@umes.edu.
