The MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture program hosted its 2025 annual Fall Farm Tour and included over 30 participants from locations across Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The group visited three farms in Cecil County, including an equestrian center, orchard, and vineyard.
The tour, which took place Oct. 2, 2025, began at Fair Hill Equestrian Center in Elkton, Md., a historic site with deep ties to the state’s equine heritage. Set within the 5,600-acre Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, once owned by William duPont Jr., the facility has long been recognized as one of the finest equestrian venues in the country. The group learned about the history of Fair Hill and its transformation into a world-class event and racing destination. Participants toured the newly established turf track, a state-of-the-art Kentucky bluegrass oval built to host top-level competitions, watched jockeys practice on the training dirt track, and heard about the upcoming Maryland 5 Star --
one of only two CCI5* events in the United States and among just seven worldwide, which brings together elite riders and horses for an international showcase. The visit highlighted both Fair Hill’s rich legacy and its exciting role in shaping the future of equestrian sport in Maryland.
The second stop was Milburn Orchards, a farm nestled in the rolling countryside of Elkton. This operation is a living portrait of multi-generational farming. Founded in 1902 by Esma B. Milburn, the farm is now operated by the fourth generation. During the visit, the Women In Agriculture group toured the orchard by wagon, explored the packing house and cold storage, and enjoyed a catered lunch before visiting the farm market. Attendees sampled the famed apple cider donuts, shopped locally made goods, and wandered through the expansive “BIG BackYard.” They also learned how the U-Pick operation works, as well as the many apple varieties and other produce grown on the farm, including peaches and berries. The visit also highlighted Milburn’s adoption of dwarf apple trees, an innovation that improves fruit quality and eases harvesting while reflecting the family’s enduring legacy of over a
century.
The final stop on the tour was Broken Spoke Winery in Earleville, Md., where owners Rob and Thea Hall have built a business rooted in their love of wine, agriculture, and community. Since its grand opening in June 2017, Broken Spoke has embraced its motto, “Take a Break; Start a Conversation,” inviting visitors to relax, connect, and celebrate life’s moments. Visitors learned about the farm’s history, the winemaking process, and the variety of wines produced on site including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling which reflect the Hall family’s devotion to food, friends, and the power of conversation.
MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture is dedicated to providing knowledge and resources to women who share a passion for agriculture. Farm tours enable women to stay engaged, educated, and empowered. Additionally, farm tours offer various perspectives that women can apply to their own operations. We would like to thank the MidShore Regional Council for its support of the tour.
For more information on the operations, visit their websites at:
https://fairhillinternational.org
https://milburnorchards.com
https://www.brokenspokewinery.com
For more information on the Mid Atlantic Women in Agriculture program visit:
www.go.umd.edu/womeninag.