A Washington Township couple received the first-ever John Smith Award for Agricultural Excellence at the York Fair earlier this month.

James and Brenda Eisenhour, who operate the 4,000-acre Cedar Hill Farm, received the award on Sept. 15, according to a news release from the fair.

The Eisenhours have supported 4-H clubs and have been active in the South Central Pennsylvania Cattlemen's Association. They are also careful to use the best conservation methods in farming in order to protect the land and provide clean water for all of us, the release states.

The award honors John Smith, who served for more than 30 years as the county agent for York County.

The award is designed to recognize those who are excelling in some form of agriculture and promote agriculture in York County.