By Tyler Hough, Director of Government Relations for Maryland Farm Bureau
Today marks the first day of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly, which will run through early April. This 90-day session is when legislators from across the state convene in Annapolis to introduce, amend, and debate bills. As the largest agricultural trade organization in the state, Maryland Farm Bureau will be there all session long to advocate for our farmers in these discussions.
At the 2024 Maryland Farm Bureau Convention, our members voted on their top policy priorities for the upcoming year. Those priorities were private property rights, solar energy siting, and agricultural education. While we will be paying attention to any bills that could affect agriculture, we will be sure to notify and inform our members if any bills move relating to those areas.
Our staff and relevant stakeholders will be in Annapolis advocating for our farmers. But there are ways you can help, too! First, find out who represents you in the State House. Stay in regular communication with your representatives and urge them to prioritize our farms in their policy-making decisions.
Next, consider attending our Day in Annapolis on Wednesday, February 5th. It’s a great opportunity to gather with fellow farmers and speak directly with legislators on the issues that matter most to you.
Lastly, stay up-to-date with our communications including our legislative newsletter: the Hotline, our weekly E-Newsletter, social media pages, and more. Watch out for periodic action alerts on our website, where you can message your legislators with just one click. As always, stay in touch with your county Farm Bureau and local leadership, too.
As you know, farmers are busy and they can’t always be monitoring legal proceedings and bill processes. But that’s where your membership in the Maryland Farm Bureau comes in! Our team, bolstered by our grassroots members, are working hard to support our state’s agricultural industry. Rest assured, while you’re on the farm working hard to feed and fuel our communities, we are engaged in the policy discussions that will let you keep farming.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Written by Jeb Burchick Originally published in the 2024 Fall/Winter Edition of The Old Line Farmer
If you’re a business owner planning your yearly budget, you usually wouldn’t expect your property taxes to double. Yet, for some Maryland farmers, that’s exactly what can happen.
Howie Feaga, who owns a hay farm and horse boarding facility in Ellicott City, knows the challenges of housing nearly a hundred horses. It requires vast space to care for these animals, and knowing their need for constant exercise, Howie built a large barn on his ag-preserved property to store hay and provide a riding ring.
Given the size of his facility, hefty property taxes are not necessarily unexpected. However, Howie was stunned when the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxations (SDAT) increased his property tax assessment by over $900,000, pushing his total fees well past $1.5 million. In an industry with already tight margins, such an increase could put operations out of business. Although Howie successfully appealed the assessment to a more manageable figure, this time-consuming headache could have been avoided.
“If a property is in ag preservation, [SDAT] needs to make sure that what they are assessing is an agricultural building,” declares Howie. “There was nothing being done inside that barn other than horses getting exercise – you can’t call that commercial.”
Howie Feaga stands in front of hay grown and harvested on his family farm.
Howie is not alone, many Maryland farmers are burdened with exorbitant and seemingly unexplainable increases on their property assessments. Many assessments have come after farm operations have upgraded their facilities to accompany value-added endeavors. According to a survey distributed by the Maryland Farm Bureau, over 1,100 properties have seen their assessments go up at least 25%, with some as high as 600%.
Unlike land, farm buildings are taxed similarly to residential houses, according to their size and features. SDAT has utilized aerial imaging to speed up the identification and assessment of new buildings. But without actual boots on the ground, farmers are frustrated with the assessment process, seeing a direct correlation between their tax increases with the department’s new technology.
“Our members face pressures from things such as development, renewable energy siting, and rising cost of business,” says Tyler Hough, Maryland Farm Bureau’s Director of Government Relations. “This has led to farmers looking at various ways to diversify, including value-added agriculture, but it comes with risks.”
For the past three legislative sessions, bills were introduced by legislators in Annapolis to address the tax increases. Although well-meaning in nature, the bills did not address the root cause of the issue, and some were ultimately withdrawn from their sponsors.
Howie Feaga discusses tax policy at his farm with Tyler Hough.
“With potential legislation for this issue, members of the Maryland Farm Bureau look for two main pieces. The first would be a solid definition of value-added agriculture that is concise and not open ended,” explained Tyler. “The second would be for all agriculture to be assessed at the same rate. The beauty of Maryland agriculture is its diversity, so no matter what the agriculture looks like, it should be all assessed the same.”
Despite these problems, some farmers do see a sense of optimism that the situation can be resolved. When Howie shared his story in a December meeting with Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, he was met with a sympathetic ear and a heartfelt apology from the Governor.
Howie encourages his fellow members to share their similar stories with legislators: “Educating them is probably the only way that we’re going to get a fix.”
Howies right. Any improvements in the assessment process cannot happen without the input of our state’s farmers and supporters of agriculture with their elected officials. The Maryland Farm Bureau encourages its members to get involved in the legislative process.
“It is important for our members to use the power of the grassroots organization when issues like this arise. Many in Annapolis are unaware of these problems until it has been brought to their attention,” says Tyler. “Many families in agriculture are affected and by contacting their elected officials, it will only further help move us towards a fix for Maryland farmers.”
DAVIDSONVILLE, Md. – Today, Maryland Farm Bureau announced the availability of five $2,000 scholarshipsfor the 2025-2026 academic year, totaling $10,000 to support the educational pursuits of the next generation of Maryland farmers.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants or their parents/guardians must become members of the Maryland Farm Bureau or already be members. Applicants may be current high school seniors starting their college journey in Fall 2025 or already enrolled as full-time students at an accredited community college or four-year institution.
The breakdown of the scholarships is as follows:
Three scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing academic degrees in food, agriculture, and/or natural resources disciplines.
Two scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing degrees in other academic disciplines or who are pursuing minors in food, agriculture, and/or natural resources disciplines.
Applicants must submit their scholarship applications by Friday, March 21st, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST. A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of the application. The selection committee reserves the right to conduct interviews if deemed necessary for the final selection.
Scholarships will be presented to the selected applicants in conjunction with high school graduation programs or before the commencement of the fall semester.
Family members of Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors or staff are ineligible to participate in the scholarship program. For more information and to access the application, please visit our website. Contact Kara Hutchison at khutchison@marylandfb.org for questions relating to the program.
In Frederick County, Zene Wolfe works hard at his family’s multi-generational farm, accompanied by his mother Audrey. The grass-fed black Angus cattle require a lot of care, but inclement weather can’t slow them down. It’s the dead of winter, but Zene grows hay and straw on the farm to keep his cows eating grass all year long.
As you enjoy the food, fuel, and fiber of your life – do not forget the farmers who are working hard to get these products to you. With seasons, weather patterns, and livestock dictating a farmers schedule, many can’t afford take days off. But for some, it’s a labor of love.
Zene Wolfe: “[Farming] is not necessarily a job, you have to have a passion for it.” #MemberSpotlight
Written by Jeb Burchick, Kara Hutchison, and Kendall Abruzzesse Originally published in the 2024 Fall/Winter Edition of The Old Line Farmer
The USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture revealed nearly 300,000 young farmers across America, including 2,301 in Maryland, who collectively farm on over 200,000 acres. As the average age of farmers continues to rise, the future of agriculture increasingly depends on the contributions of these young producers. Maryland is fortunate to have a dynamic and talented group of young farmers, many of whom are active participants in the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) program. Let’s take a look at four exceptional young farmers who are making significant impacts at the national, state, and local levels.
National: Greg Dell
Greg Dell, a fifth-generation farmer from Westminster, continues his family’s agricultural legacy on their farm, where they operate a popular grain elevator and grow corn, soybeans, and sorghum. Accompanying him on the long days at the farm is Luke, his loyal German Shorthaired Pointer, known for his friendly demeanor.
Greg’s commitment to agriculture extends beyond his fields. As a highly-involved member of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee (YF&R), he quickly earned the respect of his peers, leading to his appointment as the YF&R Chairperson on the Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Greg immediately made an impact representing young farmers, including a successful testimony about the state of agriculture during a House of Delegates Committee Hearing in Annapolis.
Encouraged by former Maryland Farm Bureau President Wayne Stafford, Greg applied for a coveted spot on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) YF&R Committee, a prestigious position available to just 16 farmers nationwide. While Greg was surprised to be selected, those who know him were not. His appointment has given Maryland a coveted seat at the table when discussing the future of agriculture.
As many Maryland farmers can attest to, Maryland has been a national leader in new and sustainable agricultural practices. From nutrient management plans, no and minimal till, and cover crops, Greg has been taking this message of economically-viable sustainability to his peers at the national level.
“It’s crazy for me, being a Marylander, that the things that we’ve been doing for decades others are just beginning to dip their toes into,” says Greg Dell. “We may be a small fish on the map, but we’re a big player in agriculture.”
As an active participant in national agricultural discussions, Greg is at the forefront of addressing the challenges faced by young farmers nationwide. Earlier this year, the AFBF’s YF&R committee testified to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture regarding access to capital and credit for young and beginning farmers.
Despite the national attention, it never gets lost on Greg and his fellow committee members who sent them there.
“Farm Bureau is grassroots, it comes from the bottom up,” says Greg. “Young farmers need to know that they are always a part of what we’re doing at the national level.”
When he’s not traveling for YF&R conferences, Greg is back home in Carroll County, tending to his crops. Balancing his new role on the committee with the demands of full-time farming leaves little free time, but it’s well worth it for Greg.
“I love to make a crop grow,” he says with a smile. “That’s what gets me out of bed everyday.”
State: Rachel & Alan Eck
The Maryland Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee is instrumental in bringing the next generation of farmers into the organization and shaping the future of Maryland agriculture. At the forefront of this effort are Alan and Rachel Eck, a dynamic husband-and-wife team.
Alan and Rachel both have deep roots in agriculture, though their backgrounds differ. Alan was raised on his family’s poultry and field crop farm in Queen Anne’s County, while Rachel grew up across the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County, where she raised a diverse group of livestock. Rachel’s early accomplishments include being named 2009 Miss Calvert County Farm Bureau, Maryland Guernsey Princess, and National Guernsey Queen.
After their active years in 4-H and FFA, Alan and Rachel continued to pursue their passion for agriculture. Alan stayed on his family’s farm and eventually branched out to start his own operation, exploring the expanding field of hydroponics. Rachel pursued advanced degrees in agriculture and had the opportunity to work with a mission group in South Korea, educating children about farming. Today, they run their own diversified livestock and field crop operation, with Rachel also serving as an Ag Relationship Manager for Horizon Farm Credit.
As adults, joining YF&R was a natural progression for both Alan and Rachel: “It was just the logical next step,” explained Alan. “I watched kids older than me transition straight from 4-H and FFA, directly into Farm Bureau.”
Rachel agreed: “Joining Young Farmers was the next step to expand our network and continue being Agvocates.”
Today, Alan and Rachel are the co-chairs for the Maryland Farm Bureau YF&R committee and they have big goals for its future.
“We want to continue to encourage the next generation of Maryland farmers to join from 4-H and FFA – and even first generation farmers,” said Rachel. “We want to give them the opportunities to expand their network and become the next generation of leaders for Maryland agriculture.”
Local: Katie Stevens
Katie Stevens is all Frederick, through and through. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Frederick County where she learned the importance of hard work. After earning a Dairy Science degree from Virginia Tech, she returned home to Frederick, where she and her husband now raise Milking Shorthorns for genetics and show. To diversify their operation, they launched Daysland Vista Blooms, offering fresh-cut bouquets and flowers for events.
Her involvement in agricultural organizations is extensive, including the YF&R Committee, LEAD MD, FFA, 4-H, MDFB’s Promotion & Education Committee, The Great Frederick Fair Board, and many others. Katie has established strong connections within the local agricultural community, but her influence extends beyond it.
“I think it is important for us in agriculture to be involved in our communities, but not just in agricultural organizations,” says Katie. “The connections I have made outside of agriculture have helped me grow personally and professionally while also sharing the story of agriculture.”
This approach led her to a role within the Frederick County Office of Economic Development as an Agriculture Business Development Specialist, where her dedication to the agricultural community quickly became evident. When Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater established a County Department of Agriculture, she didn’t have to look far for its new Director. In February of this year, Katie Stevens became the first-ever Director of the Frederick County Office of Agriculture.
“My personal mission is to not just preserve farms in my county, but preserve farmers.” declared Katie. “As Frederick County is the fastest growing county in Maryland, it is crucial that we work with other agencies to balance the needs of the county.”
Growing up on her family farm, Katie brings an understanding of the challenges facing farmers, including the limited opportunities for the next generation to take over. She has made it a goal to support farms in Frederick County, including the transition from one generation to the next.
Her hard work is already yielding results—she has successfully helped change zoning ordinances for roadside stands, value-added processing, and on-farm craft beverage businesses, easing the path for farmers looking to expand their operations.
Katie sums it up well: “Agriculture is Maryland’s leading industry and it’s important that we advocate for agriculture while promoting innovation and diversification.”
With young leaders like Greg, Alan, Rachel, and Katie, the future of Maryland agriculture is in great hands. What these young farmers all have in common is their involvement in the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee. Their success is a testament to the opportunities they’ve found through participation.
Are you between 18 and 35, support Maryland agriculture, and looking to connect with like-minded individuals? Join Maryland Farm Bureau’s YF&R program at members.mdfarmbureau.com!
CAMBRIDGE, MD – The 109th Annual Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) Convention & Meeting of Delegates took place earlier this week at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland. The event brought together Maryland’s farming community to participate in educational sessions, collaborate with state agencies, and shape the organization’s grassroots policy agenda for the coming year.
Maryland State Agency Secretaries address the Maryland Farm Bureau
On Monday, a panel discussion featured Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, and Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. Moderated by Dr. Craig Beyrouty, Dean of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, the panel explored how each department engages with agriculture and emphasized the importance of farmers maintaining active dialogue with government leaders. Governor Wes Moore also addressed the delegation via video message.
On Tuesday, members elected new leadership for the upcoming year. President Jamie Raley will be joined by 1st Vice President Jo-Ann Chason of Baltimore County and 2nd Vice President Chrissy Catterton of Anne Arundel County. Catterton is new to the officer role, while Chason takes her new role after serving as 2nd Vice President, replacing outgoing 1st Vice President Jonathan Quinn of Kent County. We thank Jonathan for his dedicated years of service to Farm Bureau.
Howard County farmer Howie Feaga accepts the Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award from MDFB President Jamie Raley
In a competitive contest, Dalena Bryant from Frederick County and Holly Knight from Baltimore County were named MDFB’s 2025 Ag Ambassadors. These young leaders will represent MDFB at agricultural events throughout the year. Additionally, Sarah Beale and Ryan Snow won the Francis Moats Discussion Meet, earning the opportunity to represent Maryland at the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meets in 2025.
Throughout the convention, members debated pressing topics such as energy production, land usage, and raw milk sales for inclusion in MDFB’s 2025 Policy Book. Earlier in the week, attendees participated in a specialized panel discussion on Maryland’s energy production challenges.
Photos from the 2024 MDFB Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates are available on Flickr.
Marylanders may notice a slight relief at the checkout counter as they prepare for Thanksgiving this year. A Farm Bureau survey reveals that the average cost of a traditional holiday feast for 10 people is $58.08, or about $5.80 per person. This represents a 5% drop compared to Thanksgiving 2023.
While the decrease is welcome news, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal remains 19% higher than in 2019, underscoring the lasting effects of inflation on both food prices and farmers’ expenses. The survey recorded its highest-ever cost in 2022, when the meal for 10 reached $64.06.
The turkey, a staple of most Thanksgiving tables, played a significant role in lowering this year’s costs. A 16-pound turkey now averages $25.67, or $1.68 per pound—a 6% decline from last year.
“Despite the significant pressures facing our farmers, they continue working tirelessly to provide the local food that sustains our communities,” said Jamie Raley, President of Maryland Farm Bureau. “We encourage Marylanders to support the hardworking men and women in agriculture.”
Agriculture remains Maryland’s largest commercial industry, home to over 12,500 farms that cover almost 2 million acres. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the state is home to more than 220 turkey farms, which have nearly doubled their production over the past five years, raising over 100,000 turkeys annually. Much of this growth is attributed to the increasing consumer demand for locally sourced food.
Farm Bureau’s long-running survey offers a consistent record of holiday meal costs, using the same classic menu since 1986 to enable year-over-year comparisons.
Individual prices from the survey:
16-pound turkey: $25.67 or $1.68 per pound (down 6.1%)
14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $4.08 (up 8.2%)
2 frozen pie crusts: $3.40 (down 2.9%)
Half pint of whipping cream: $1.81 (up 4.7%)
1 pound of frozen peas: $1.73 (down 8.1%)
1 dozen dinner rolls: $4.16 (up 8.4%)
Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.75 (down 5.1%)
30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.15 (down 6.5%)
DAVIDSONVILLE, MD – Grain bins play an essential role in agriculture, securely storing large quantities of grain before it reaches sale or processing. However, they also present serious risks to farmers, including entrapment, which can lead to life-threatening situations.
Through Nationwide Insurance’s Grain Bin Safety Week initiative, and support from additional Maryland agriculture stakeholders, seven Maryland fire departments have been awarded life-saving grain bin rescue equipment. In addition, Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company received specialized retraining in grain bin rescue operations. As a proud partner of Nationwide, Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) supported this vital safety program with a generous donation and encouraged nominations statewide through its local county chapters.
Winners of Rescue Tubes from Maryland:
Maugansville: Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Company (Washington)
Forest Hill: Harford County Special Operations Team (Harford)
Upperco: Upperco Volunteer Fire Department (Baltimore/Carroll)
Cecilton: Cecilton Volunteer Fire Department (Cecil)
Woodbine: Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company (Howard/Carroll)
Church Hill: Church Hill Fire Department (Queen Anne)
New Midway: New Midway Fire Company (Frederick)
The training is led by the Director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) Dan Neenan. The hands-on component consists of a state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulator. Attending EMS and fire department personnel practice proper extraction procedures for both a fully engulfed and partially engulfed victim.
“Maryland Farm Bureau is proud to support the safety of our farmers through our strong partnership with Nationwide,” said Parker Welch, Executive Director of MDFB. “Together, we’re equipping our dedicated first responders with the essential training and resources to help prevent these tragedies.”
In July, local fire departments received grain bin rescue training at Maryland Grain Producers Commodity Classic event in Centreville. Click here to watch a short social media video from MDFB about the demonstration and view photos from the event on MDFB’s Flickr.
DAVIDSONVILLE, MD – As early voting begins in Maryland, the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) hasreleased a Public Service Announcement (PSA) urging farmers to make their voices heard in this pivotal election.
“Farmers, the future of agriculture is on the line in this election,” says Tyler Hough, MDFB Director of Government Relations. “Key issues like regulation, taxes, and the new farm bill are at stake. Get involved, be informed, and vote.”
In September, MDFB launched its 2024 Voting Guide, gathering responses from federal campaigns on key agricultural concerns in Maryland. While MDFB does not endorse candidates, the guide provides valuable information for nearly 8,000 member families as they consider their voting choices.
According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, Maryland is home to over 12,500 farms and 23,500 producers, representing a powerful voting bloc. Agriculture remains the state’s largest commercial industry, contributing $8 billion annually.
Early voting in Maryland runs from October 24th to October 31st, with Election Day following on November 5th.
Milburn Orchards in Elkton is entering its peak season, and each fall, visitors flock to this more than hundred acre farm for a full day of agricultural fun. After picking apples in the orchard, guests can indulge in delicious, value-added products like apple butter and cider donuts at their marketplace.
The word spreads quickly about the good times at the orchard, and it shows—recently, the orchard was voted one of the top 10 in America by USA Today. Given the competition from larger, apple-producing states, this recognition is a big win for Maryland. But for cousins Caleb Milburn and Olivia Palmeri Johnston, the awards aren’t the focus.
“When you shop local, you’re getting quality and freshness,” says Caleb. “It makes me happy to serve the customers around us and be their local vendor.” #MemberSpotlight
Not happening on the farm!
