Donna Saathoff
The Talbot County Economic Development Commission welcomes its newest member, Donna Saathoff.
Donna Saathoff, along with her husband and family, own and operate Family Affair Farm, a diversified farming operation in Talbot County. Donna and her family have farmed in Talbot County for more than 100 years and recently received the Century Farm Award from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Secretary of Maryland Department of Agriculture Joe Bartenfelder.
The Saathoff farm was a traditional grain and poultry operation until 2012, when Donna and her family decided to re-imagine their farming operation by launching Family Affair Farm. Today, Family Affair Farm is a quaint u-pick strawberry, blueberry and blackberry operation that quickly established itself as a local favorite for families to come together and experience the joys of spending time outside on the farm and eating delicious and nutritious fruit. Donna states her passions are growing delicious berries and inspiring people to embrace a love and appreciation for the land, and she shares these passions with families when they come to visit her farm.
Donna will serve on the Talbot County Economic Development Commission as the representative of the agriculture industry. She replaces out-going agriculture industry representative, Gerald O’Mara, who served the EDC with distinction for a number of years.
“We are extremely excited to have Donna Saathoff join the EDC,” says Sam Shoge, Talbot County Economic Development Coordinator. “Donna brings a wealth of knowledge regarding not just traditional farming, but value-added farming and agri-tourism as well. This perspective is a great addition to the EDC.”
Donna holds a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management and Hospitality from Chesapeake College and describes the program as being very instrumental in the way she runs her farm. Donna resides in Cordova with her husband Robert.