A pair of Frederick County, Maryland farm owners has been recognized nationally as one of the 2019 Young Outstanding Farmers.

Ben and Kate Sowers of South Mountain Creamery in Middletown were among four pairs of farmers across the U.S. to be awarded the distinction by Outstanding Farmers of America.

Qualifying farmers demonstrated progress in their farming, soil and water conservation and contributions to the community.

Ben says diversifying the farm to include a creamery and a 12,000 customer home delivery system of meat and produce has helped their business grow, but only through the consideration of his staff and community.

“A lot of the ways we grow and things like that are ‘What are good at?’ ‘What does this mean to the community?’ ‘What does it mean for everybody that works here?'” Ben Sower said.

The Sowers received their award on Sunday.