The county ag office will be hosting the inaugural Farm to Fork contest during the Howard County Fair. Apply by July 18 to be considered.
HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The first ever burger battle of the year will go down in August at the Howard County Fairgrounds and potential competitors have only today and Friday, July 18, to apply for a spot at the grill.
Farm to Fork Face-Off 2025 will take place Aug. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The Howard County Office of Agriculture will be choosing just three chefs from those who apply to compete live at the Howard County Fair in the Farm-to-Fork Face-Off, which is described as a high-energy burger throwdown using locally grown beef, fresh picked produce and top notch chefs.
"These coveted spots are reserved for Howard County chefs, restaurant owners, food truck operators, private chefs and rising stars. This isn’t just a competition—it’s a spotlight moment for some of Howard County’s most exciting culinary creatives," said Jasmine Simon with the Howard County Office of Ag.
Simon told Patch that contestants can bring their own special ingredients to customize their burgers for the inaugural contest.
"This is a brand new culinary competition launched by the Howard County Office of Agriculture, which officially opened its doors in January 2025. The Farm-to-Fork Face-Off is a signature event and it’s being held during the 79th Annual Howard County Fair. While cooking competitions have taken place at past fair, led by partners like the EDA and Farm Bureau, this event is continuing the tradition of local food competitions now with a modern, community-centered twist. Farm to Fork Face-Off is uniquely focused on celebrating local agriculture through the lens of culinary excellence," Simon told Patch.
Chefs will be competing for top honors, a custom cutting board and gift basket, and recognition on the county’s official winner’s plaque, promotions across Howard County’s channels, press coverage and bragging rights.
"The purpose (of this event) is simple: celebrate Howard County’s local farms and the people who bring their products to life. This event is all about showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients and creating a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from. It’s fun, interactive and built to highlight sustainability and local talent in an unforgettable way. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to supporting local food systems," Simon told Patch.
Described as a live, Iron Chef-style cook-off, each chef will receive an identical selection of locally sourced beef and a variety seasonal produce, handpicked from Howard County farms and provided by the Office of Agriculture, Simon said.
"Their challenge: craft a signature burger accompanied by a creative, chef-inspired side dish, all within a limited time and under the spotlight of a live audience. While chefs are encouraged to bring their own spices, marinades or house-made flavor enhancements, all core elements must be prepared entirely on site. To ensure fairness and highlight true culinary skill, the dishes will be judged blind by a panel of local food experts who will not be informed of which chef prepared each plate," Simon told Patch.
Event organizers encourage the three culinary crafters chosen for the final round to be bold.
"We’re looking for innovation—unique spice blends, fun toppings and side dishes that elevate the whole plate. We expect to see everything from the fan-favorite classic burger to burgers we've never tasted before, and sensational summer sides dishes that steal the show," Simon said.
The event will be open to the public and free with fair admission.
To apply or nominate someone, tag your favorite Howard County chef in the comments on social media posts about the contest at Instagram (@ HoCo_Fresh) or Facebook (@ HocoFresh), or submit an email to the [email protected] with the subject line of Farm to Fork and include your name, a contact number and name of restaurant/food truck/culinary business.