The Mill Agronomy

As a Certified Crop Advisor and Agronomist at The Mill, I partner closely with local farmers to develop agronomic solutions that balance maximum yield potential with economic efficiency. My approach is rooted in one guiding belief: when the farmer succeeds, I succeed. That principle has shaped my entire career in agriculture.

My journey began on my grandfather’s farm, where I discovered a deep passion for the land and the people who work it. I went on to earn a degree in Agricultural Science from Penn State University and have spent the last 33 years helping growers navigate the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture.

At The Mill, I focus on building relationships with each grower — taking the time to understand their operation and goals in order to provide personalized recommendations that drive results. I’m committed to staying current with the evolving landscape of production agriculture and continuing to bring practical, proven solutions to every field I walk.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, our family, and our grandson — with a granddaughter on the way. When I get the chance, you’ll also find me in the woods, hunting deer or turkey and enjoying the outdoors that’s always been a part of who I am.

I’m excited about the future of agriculture and remain committed to helping growers rise to meet new challenges, season after season.

As one of The Mill’s Agronomists, I truly believe I have one of the best jobs in the world. Every day, I have the opportunity to work alongside farmers, nursery managers, turf professionals, and equine facilities — sharing knowledge, offering support, and helping each one succeed in their goals. My focus is always on promoting soil health, improving efficiency, and reducing environmental impact, all while fostering long-term sustainability for the communities we serve.

I was fortunate to grow up in the rural beauty of Harford County — a setting that shaped my appreciation for agriculture and the land we strive to protect. After earning my degree in Agronomy and Environmental Science from Delaware Valley College, I began my career as a Golf Course Superintendent, which gave me a strong foundation in plant science and land management.

Over two decades ago, The Mill reached out with an opportunity, and I’ve proudly been part of the team ever since. The relationships I’ve built, the ideas I’ve shared, and the progress I’ve seen have made this journey incredibly fulfilling.

Family always comes first in my life. When I’m not in the field, you’ll likely find me outdoors — especially during hunting season — or giving back to the community in any way I can. The friendships I’ve made through my work at The Mill are truly priceless, and I look forward to continuing to support our customers and community for years to come.

My name is Ben Hushon and I became a partner in The Mill in 2003. I manage the agronomy side of The Mill which includes fertilizer, application and helping our farmers grow food. I have a passion for helping to share the incredible news of how farmers are increasing yields while having less impact on our local streams and rivers. I am also involved regionally in this process as a board member of the Mid-Atlantic 4R. My parents modeled Faith, Family and Farming and I have seen the fruits of also keeping those priorities along with trying to add a smile or kind word to every situation. I have been blessed by having 3 brothers who are all involved in agriculture as well as having my son and a nephew both working with us at The Mill. My wife Cindy, and I had two children Tim and Tabitha, and now have 3 healthy grandchildren who are so much fun! I love being part of bringing new and innovative ideas to the ag community as we work with a focus of continuous improvement in yields, water quality and soil health. I think we have built a team at The Mill that is also passionate about continuous improvement and I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

As the Sustainable AgTech Director at The Mill, I lead our Decision Ag Solutions program — a forward-thinking precision agronomy service focused on improving farm profitability through data-driven, sustainable management practices. My work centers on helping growers make more informed decisions that enhance nutrient efficiency, maximize yield potential, and support long-term soil and environmental health.

Agriculture runs deep in my roots. I grew up around my grandfather’s farm and was inspired early on by my father’s leadership in ag retail. That foundation shaped my passion for serving the agriculture community and finding innovative ways to support growers through both cutting-edge technology and trusted agronomic knowledge.

I take great pride in partnering with farmers to deliver proven solutions that create real, measurable impact — not just for today, but for the next generation. Sustainability isn't a buzzword for us; it's a commitment we live every day.

When I’m not in the field or working with data, you’ll find me outside with my growing family — enjoying time on the playground, playing sports, or diving into a good tractor book with the kids.

Based out of The Mill of Hampstead, I serve as an Agronomist and Certified Crop Advisor, working closely with local growers to make informed, results-driven decisions for their crops. My focus is always on providing agronomic solutions that balance productivity and profitability, helping our customers achieve long-term success.

A lifelong resident of Carroll County, I only stepped away to earn my B.S. in Horticultural Science from North Carolina State University. Since then, I’ve built my career in the seed and chemical industry, supporting farmers across the region with practical expertise, dependable service, and a passion for the land we work.

When I’m not in the field or with a grower, you’ll likely find me in my own garden or out in the woods hunting — whether it’s deer, turkey, or whatever the season calls for. I especially enjoy hunting trips with my three children and hiking with my wife. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Union Mills Homestead, where I proudly chair the Maryland Microbrewery Festival — a celebration of local history and craftsmanship.

If you ever have a question about agronomy, I’m always happy to talk it through and help find the right answer together.

Congratulations to Chris who recently acquired his Certified Crop Advisor status!

As a Field Agronomist at The Mill, I partner with local farmers to support the success of their operations through comprehensive crop planning, seed selection, fertilizer and chemical recommendations, and precision agriculture practices. My goal is to provide growers with the right tools, knowledge, and products they need to thrive — season after season.

I grew up in a rural town in Harford County, Maryland, where my passion for agriculture took root early on. That passion led me to earn a B.S. in Agricultural Science and Technology from the University of Maryland in 2015. Since then, I’ve been committed to serving our agricultural community with integrity and personalized support.

What drives me most is helping growers make informed, confident decisions — the same way I would if I were farming that land myself. I believe in offering the right solution, not just the quickest one, and I take pride in standing alongside our customers as a trusted advisor.

When I’m not in the field, you’ll likely find me outdoors — hunting, fishing, or spending time with my family, friends, and dog. I look forward to working with both new and longtime customers, helping them move their operations forward with every season.

I’ve been part of The Mill team since 2009, and currently serve as the Crop and Warehouse Manager at our Hampstead location. My day-to-day responsibilities include assisting customers with their fertilizer and crop management needs, offering guidance on soil health and product recommendations, and coordinating delivery logistics to keep operations running smoothly.

My journey at The Mill began in the warehouse, where I learned the importance of operational efficiency and customer service from the ground up. From there, I became a crop applicator, gaining firsthand experience in the field before stepping into my current management role. That path has given me a well-rounded perspective and a deep appreciation for what our customers need to succeed.

Outside of work, I stay rooted in agriculture. My wife and I raise beef cattle and grow crops on our farm in Sparks, Maryland. We’re also looking forward to a new adventure — welcoming our first child into the world soon. I’m passionate about applying my farming experience to help others overcome challenges and improve their operations, and I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned along the way.

Smoke has been with The Mill since 2003.

He has been crop advising for more than 45 years. In 1966 Smoke began working at Southern States and became a manager at the Shawsville location in 1976. In 1977 Smoke brought in bulk fertilizer to the company. Smoke has been known for being a talented trapshooter. In 1989 he was recognized as the top shooter at The York County Trapshooting League Championship.

Before joining The Mill, I worked in the grain trading industry, where I helped producers navigate the complexities of crop marketing and risk management. That experience deepened my understanding of the challenges farmers face and strengthened my commitment to supporting them with practical, results-driven solutions.

I earned a degree in Agricultural Systems Technology with a minor in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University, combining technical know-how with a strong foundation in agribusiness. I was raised on a farm in Harford County, Maryland, where my passion for agriculture was instilled early and continues to guide my work today.

At The Mill, I oversee agronomy operations, ensuring our customers receive the products, services, and support they need to run successful, efficient operations. Whether it's coordinating logistics, refining internal processes, or working closely with our agronomy team, my goal is always to make sure our growers are well taken care of — every step of the way.

JJoe has been a dedicated member of The Mill team since 2008, bringing nearly two decades of hands-on experience and leadership to our agronomy operations. He started his career at The Mill of Black Horse as part of the dock crew, where he quickly stood out for his work ethic and willingness to take on new challenges. Over time, Joe expanded his role to include GPS system management, custom fertilizer blending, and the development of our liquid automation facility — all key components in improving the precision and efficiency of our services.

Since 2015, Joe has managed The Mill’s sprayer fleet, overseeing logistics, maintenance, and operational excellence across our agronomy division. In 2019, he became a co-lead of The Mill's Decision Ag Solutions Program, a role that allows him to apply his deep knowledge of agronomic practices and data-driven technologies to help farmers make smarter, more profitable decisions on their operations.

Joe’s commitment to innovation and practical results has made him a trusted partner to both his team and the customers he supports. Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and their son — a Thanksgiving Day baby born in 2016 — making memories together at home and outdoors.

Hello, I’m Connor Mann, Head Drone Lead at The Mill. I am a Certified Drone Pilot and Pesticide Applicator to provide a unique but essential tool for our customers. I was born and raised in Hampstead, Maryland, and attended Hereford High School, then went on to further my studies at SUNY Cobleskill, to major in Plant Science and minor in Precision Agriculture. I work with The Mill because they are a family-run business that truly cares about their customers and their success. I find precision agriculture as an essential tool for growers and work on helping them implement it into their operations day in and day out. If I’m not behind the sticks of a drone, you can find me out on the water fishing, hunting, or on my family Christmas tree farm in Hampstead.