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“I am co-owner, with my husband Ted, of Fairwinds Farm & Stables, Inc., a riding stable and B&B in Cecil County, MD. Ted and I got our start on my parent’s dairy farm in Newark, DE where we started a pony ride and horse-drawn carriage business to supplement the dairy income.” “From 1983-98 we managed Carousel Farm, a New Castle County riding facility in Wilmington, DE. In 1998 we bought Fairwinds Farm in North East, MD, while also managing a trail ride business within Fair Hill NRMA.”
“Over the years at Fairwinds we have built the business to include riding lessons, pony rides, birthday parties, summer camp, hay rides, trail rides, tea parties, horse-drawn carriages, scout programs, corporate and special events, a wedding and event venue, and a bed & breakfast. We also provide film locations and work as animal wranglers for film and TV. I am the author of the Lucky Foot Stable series of books for young horse lovers and my screenplay Cream of the Crop was filmed in Cecil County in 2021. Ted and I present an agritourism speech called “Top Ten Ways to Avoid Getting a Real Job”, and I teach Equine Science at Cecil College.”
“We are very involved in the community in various capacities and we love what we do!”
What new things are going on in your life, business, or farming operations?
“Most recently in the farming operation, we added honey production and adapted our hay production to fields closer to home and bought some interesting baling equipment.”
“In our lives, we have welcomed 3 wonderful grandsons to the family: James, (3) and Connor and Cal, (1), and celebrated 39 years of marriage and working together on the farm.”
“In the business, we have grown our wedding and special event business and started doing corporate events and bus tours. We have also provided farm locations for several movies, including Cream of the Crop, a farm-related film that I wrote, and DBM films directed and produced. (Watch the trailer here) and DVDs are available on joanndawson.com.) It will be seen on Amazon Prime in December. Our riding lesson program has grown to 150 students/week.”
How has your experience in LEAD influenced your use of leadership skills/approaches?
“The leadership sessions dealing with how to be a better employer helped me to develop strategies in dealing with the people who work with us on the farm, as far as listening to their concerns, making them feel as though they are a key part of the success of the business (which they are) and providing a good example for them to be able to look up to and follow.”
How did your LEAD experience inspire you to serve in industry leadership positions?
“LEAD taught me the importance of being involved in the community; not just the farming community but to expanding my involvement in tourism, economic development, women’s business groups, and the Chamber of Commerce. Serving on the board or just being a member of these types of groups has taught me the value of networking and allowed me to share my knowledge of agriculture with those who may not understand the issues facing the industry today.”
How did your international travel study experience impact you personally and professionally?
“Seeing how farms and agribusinesses were managed in Chile gave me an insight into the progressive ideas that are being utilized not just in the U.S. but around the world. The amazing hospitality and goodwill of the people we met was uplifting and made me even more determined to carry on that spirit on my own farm and in the B&B.”
What value does LEAD offer to Maryland and agriculture as a whole?
“One of the most important values that LEAD provides is in guiding LEAD fellows in the process of influencing government agricultural policies. I learned a lot about the legislative process and the many ways that we can advocate for agriculture with our elected leaders. It taught me the value of speaking up.”
What advice would you offer a potential LEAD fellow applicant and a present LEAD Fellow?
“Take advantage of everything the experience can give you. Pay attention in the sessions and ask questions. I asked so many questions I was annoying (as my fellow Class VII members will attest!) but I wanted to learn all I could, especially on the international trip. Get to know your fellow LEADers and just enjoy every moment! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so be grateful and don’t waste a second of it!”
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