WEST CHESTER, PA — AgConnect on Monday announced nine finalists for the inaugural Chester County Best of Agriculture Awards and opened public voting to determine winners in three categories recognizing contributions to the county’s agricultural sector.
Public voting runs from February 16 through March 1, 2026, the organization said. Winners will be named in March following the close of voting.
The awards were created to allow residents to recognize farmers, agricultural professionals and organizations that contribute to Chester County’s agricultural industry. Finalists were selected based on the number of public nominations received in each category.
Finalists for Young and Emerging Person in Agriculture are
- Yatin Kapu, Grow Careers intern at Trellis for Tomorrow;
- Casi Long of Herd and Harvest Market; and
- Becky Brett of Toad Stop Farm.
Finalists for Woman in Agriculture are
- Sammy Smenkowski of Full Circle CSA;
- Emma de Long of Kneehigh Farm; and
- Gwen Marcy of Seven Stars Farm.
Finalists for Community Impact in Agriculture are
- Milky Way Farm;
- Trellis for Tomorrow; and
- Growing Roots Partners.
AgConnect stated that the awards are driven by public nominations and voting.
For Chester County residents, the public vote offers an opportunity to recognize local farms and agricultural organizations that play a role in the county’s economy and land preservation efforts.
Voting details and information about the finalists are available at go-agconnect.org.
AgConnect is a public-private partnership between the County of Chester and the Chester County Economic Development Council focused on supporting agriculture in Chester County.
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