Today we’d like to introduce you to Renée Wilson.
Hi Renée, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up on my family’s fourth-generation dairy farm in northern Maryland and developed a passion for connecting families with agriculture. As a “Farm Kid” my childhood was filled with unique experiences. Some of my favorite memories included riding my black and white pony “Little Bit,” taking my cow to a studio for a Turkey Hill Commercial, and exhibiting animals at fairs.
My sister and I learned the meaning of hard work and resilience at an early age. My parents encouraged us to pursue any degree that interested us. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in Telecommunication – News. Part of my schooling included working for the college station. Monkeys, elephants, big cats, and Miss America were some of my favorite feature story pitches.
In 2016, I returned home. My father, Steve, and I created a small roadside stand, which is now known as The Farmyard. Over the years, we’ve welcomed tens of thousands of guests to our 40-acre farm and served as leaders in agritourism. I am grateful to be a Horizon Farm Credit 2022 Farmers on the Rise Award Recipient and the Baltimore County Farm Bureau 2023 Ag Innovator of the Year. My business offers a horseback riding program, educational classes and tours, special events, a snowball stand and more. We also partner with Farmyard Friends Learning Center, a non-profit that emphasizes the importance of conserving rare and unique breeds of livestock.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up, our family had the mantra “You’re a farm girl. You can do anything,” and I believed it.
When I toured my college’s campus, the admissions director mentioned that my chances of being accepted into the competitive News Track were very slim. Hearing that inspired me to work even harder, and I’m grateful to have graduated from the program Summa Cum Laude.
My team and I have overcome numerous hurdles, including operating a small business during COVID (2020/2021), a relocation (2021), a rebuild (2022) and an attempted re-zoning request (2024). We are now battling with the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, which proposes putting transmission lines through a section of my farm.
Despite all of these challenges, I know my calling is larger. I’ve seen the positive impact my farm has on visitors’ physical and mental health. The Farmyard provides a place for children and adults to build confidence and employable skills, a deeper sense of unity in our community, the acknowledgment of the need to conserve rare breed livestock, and the healthy discussion between consumers and farmers about American agriculture.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My mission is to provide authentic agricultural experiences and build positive relationships between farmers and consumers. My family is deeply rooted in our community and dedicated to helping raise the next generation. We work closely with the local 4-H and FFA programs and assist with connecting children with farmers to select one of seven different species to exhibit at fairs. One of the greatest rewards is seeing three generations from the same family enjoying time on our farm. The Farmyard is open for free during general hours of admission, and the programs are designed to create a better opportunity for people to be involved with the industry that produces food, fiber, and more. The Farmyard has four main sectors: on-farm education, events, a snowball stand, and a riding program. Our Equine Program received a Maryland Horse Industry Board Grant in 2025 and 2026. I am proud to work alongside the Farmyard Friends Learning Center, a 501(c)(3) that focuses on ag education, specifically involving rare and unique breeds of livestock.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I am guided by my values of hard work, overcoming challenges with grace, and serving others before anything else. I aim to promote the benefits of connecting the public with the agriculture industry at the local, state, and national levels, and feel blessed to share my farm and animals with our guests. I find deep joy in encouraging others, helping them grow into their fullest potential, and making meaningful contributions to our communities. Every visitor has a different story, and I’m grateful to be able to offer a positive impact.
Pricing:
- FREE to visit during our general hours of operation
- $5-$15 Classes and Refreshments
- $15 – $45 Events and Other Programming
- $50+ Riding Lessons and Special Events
- Making a positive impact in the lives of others – PRICELESS
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefarmyardllc.farm/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefarmyardmd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefarmyardmaryland/
