WEST FRIENDSHIP, Md. — Trisha Boyce and her husband Jarred decided nine years ago that they wanted their own farm. They wanted a place into which they could pour their dreams and create a third-generation dairy farm.
Property in Talbot County, Maryland became available and thus began Chapel’s Country Creamery, Woodbine Farms in February, 2017.
Currently milking 40 Holsteins and a few Brown Swiss, the care and wellbeing of their cattle remains a top priority. Their high-quality herd is home to 11 Excellents. Trisha’s inspiration for top cows was the 1980 World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion, Northcroft Ella Elevation, who was owned by Trisha’s grandfather, George Knight.
In their careers, Trisha and Jarred have owned 47 Excellent Holsteins and Jersey, 23 of which were bred by Trisha and Jarred. Woodbine animals are consistent winners and have earned multiple All-Maryland Awards. Probably the most known cow family is Delt-Air King Tut Kutlass (EX-94-2E) who is in her fifth lactation and has thus far produced over 150,000 pounds of lifetime milk. Kutless’ most recent heifer calf, Woodbine MD Kooper, sold in the 2025 Maryland Holstein Sale. She consistently placed among the top two in the Maryland Holstein Spring Show, Maryland State Fair and All-American Eastern National Holstein Show.
A second notable cow in their herd is Delt-Air Callen Candy (EX-90-2E) whose 2024 calf, Woodbine Sidekick Crumble, stood as junior champion at All-American Eastern National Holstein Show. In 2025, a spring calf, Woodbine Hulu Poppy, was named reserve junior champion at the Queen Anne’s County Fair, Maryland State Fair 4-H Show. She stood second at the Premier National Junior Holstein Show and third at the World Dairy Expo.
Trisha is a calf and heifer specialist and loves the showring, pouring so much effort and love into each of the show-string animals, evident by the animals’ success. The milking herd boasts a BAA score of 111.
When the Boyces moved to the Easton, Pa. area in 2017, Trisha was pregnant with a severely broken leg. New neighbors, the Cloughertys, aided in getting them settled. The Cloughertys two young children, Annette and Daniel, were excited to help with farm tasks. That relationship blossomed into developing a leasing program at the farm, allowing youths to grow and develop by incorporating dairy projects. With Tricia’s persistent mentorship, the two were able to overcome heavy challenges and succeed at county, state, and national shows. Tricia’s ability to combine support, encouragement, teaching and occasional “tough love” has elevated the Woodbine team.
Tricia has become a great mentor and role model, inspiring youths to become farm owners. The decision to open their farm to youths of Talbot County for 4-H dairy leasing, comes with intention and commitment. They are opening their property, equipment and animals to people who aren’t their family, which introduces a certain amount of liability. Trisha and Jarred have opened their farm to seven other Talbot 4-H members to lease and carry the dairy project. All of them can attest to how that experience has influenced and shaped their lives.
Beyond leasing opportunities, her extensive 4-H dairy background in Pennsylvania and looking at Maryland’s “Show Like a Pro” Dairy Workshop, an idea came to mind to create a day of learning that was more easily accessible for folks on the Delmarva Peninsula.
She launched “Spring in the Ring” in 2021, welcoming 25 youths annually. Participants also compete in a dairy skill-a-thon contest. Tricia has experienced success in dairy judging in both 4-H and collegiate levels. She and Jarred host dairy judging practices annually and offer classes and instruction to help team members build their skills.
The Boyces attend and support other 4-H events and fundraisers that keep the Talbot Ag & Education Center bustling with activities. They are always willing to donate items, provide helping hands and share ideas. Their on-farm creamery, Chapel’s Country Creamery, is one of very few in the state where the milk stays on the farm from the milk tank to the cheese vat.
Help is needed to maintain the animals and make the cheese. Woodbine Farm has welcomed high school interns from several counties to the farm. They are able to provide work experiences for the students based on their individual interest, whether it is on the animal side or the creamery. Trisha’s goal is to be able to provide the foundational stepping stones for youth to grow and learn work ethic, skills and knowledge. At the state level, Trisha serves as a director for the Maryland Holstein Association.
In the eight years Trisha has been a Maryland dairy farmer, she has demonstrated excellence and leadership in dairy herd development, mentorship and in youth dairy community development. Whether it’s in the show ring, the milking parlor or the wash rack, Trisha embodies the qualities and characteristics of a young dairy leader. She is a great friend and mentor for the next generation and dedicated to the standard of excellence in dairy farming.
