Cory Spies '03
St. Michael’s Winery announced in April that winemaker, Cory Spies ‘03 is the new owner! St. Michael’s Winery is located in downtown St. Michael’s, Md., and features wines that represent the essence of the region in their boutique tasting room. Spies is not only an agronomy alum, but a parent of two current AGNR students pursuing degrees in Landscape Architecture and Agricultural & Resource Economics.
Olivia Scuderi ‘24
Olivia Scuderi ‘24, an Animal Science alum and current law student at Maryland Carey School of Law, is interning with the U.S. House Parliamentarian this summer. The internship will consist of learning the legislative procedure regarding how the House conducts business. This non-partisan office ensures all legislation adheres to a specific order or rules when it is being developed by the House. Congratulations Olivia on this internship!
Laurie Savage ’95
Brown Cow Creamery moved its operation to Mount Airy, Md., at the former Rock Hill Orchard, taking over the creamery and retail farm stand. This expands their regenerative, multi-generational family farm to both Damascus and Mount Airy. Laurie Savage ’95, puts her Agricultural & Resource Economics degree from AGNR to work running the creamery, a
family-run pasture-based farm known for its cheeses, grass-fed beef, milled flour, farm-fresh eggs, and homemade ice cream. They are one of two dairy operations in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve.
Mary Ellen Clark ’99
Clark Family Farms had a special wooly feature in the TV mini-series Lady in the Lake, starring Natalie Portman. Hope, a sheep who struggled with health issues as a lamb, made her big debut as a movie star representing the Leicester Longwool breed. Mary Ellen Clark ’99 uses her Animal Science degree to run the family farm along with her daughter, Caroline, current AGNR Animal Science student, husband Matt, and son Preston in Frederick County.
The Butler Family
Butler’s Orchard celebrated its 75th anniversary. AGNR roots run deep in this three-generation alumni family: George ’50, Wade ’78 (farm owner), Angela ’78, Ben ’10 (farm and finance manager), and Tyler ’08 (general manager). Butler’s Orchard is located in Germantown, Md. in Montgomery County. The 300-acre farm includes a farm market, large u-pick program, festivals, and farm events. The Butler’s are not just providing farm fresh produce to families but they are also helping families and friends make memories! Cheers to 75 Years to these AG-mazing Terps!
Donation by the Van Echo Family
The Campus Farm expanded with the addition of Oberhasli dairy goats courtesy of Animal Science alum Cheyenne Van Echo ‘24 and her family farm, Le Chèvre d’Or in Rocky Ridge, Md. Cheyenne, who just finished her first year in veterinary school at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, shows and judges myotonic goats nationally. The dairy goats kidded in April 2025, and the addition of the small ruminants will expand classes and experience for Animal Science students to learn about lactation, breeding, and welfare.