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
Levi and Kristin Hayman grow corn, wheat, soybeans, and certified organic poultry in Greensboro. This time of year, you can expect to see them on combines harvesting the essential grain that makes Maryland move.
With poultry being Maryland’s largest agricultural product, particularly on the Eastern Shore, the grain grown here feeds birds all along the shore. It’s a local ecosystem that thrives without the need for imports, benefiting farmers like the Haymans and their community. It’s hard work for this couple, but they enjoy every moment spent together.
“Farming is born and bred into you,” says Levi with a smile. “And if you find the right person to share it with, that enjoys it as much as you do, that’s a plus.” #MemberSpotlight
The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) has launched a new video public service announcement (PSA) featuring Caroline County farmers Levi and Kristin Hayman to raise awareness about rural road safety. As harvest season approaches, MDFB is reminding Maryland motorists to share the road safely with farm equipment, which plays a vital role in producing the food, fuel, and fiber that sustains our state.
During the fall months, many farmers in Maryland will be operating farm equipment on rural roads, moving from field to field. Motorists are urged to pass tractors only when it is safe and legal, and to be mindful of the extra space farm equipment often requires making wide turns. Staying vigilant and patient on the road is essential to ensuring the safety of both drivers and farmers alike.
In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, MDFB recently joined a press release highlighting the importance of rural road safety. SHA notes that since 2020, there have been 185 crashes, including three fatalities, involving farm equipment on Maryland roads.
“Maryland farmers work tirelessly every day to keep our communities fed, and they deserve to be safe on the roads,” said Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley. “We urge all Maryland motorists to stay alert and be mindful of the farm equipment sharing our roadways to ensure the safety of both drivers, their passengers and our farmers.”
MDFB’s insurance partner Nationwide reports that while only 19% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, rural roads account for 45% of vehicle-related fatalities. Their ‘Drive the 5’ campaign emphasizes five key principles of road safety: staying distraction-free, being well-rested and alert, avoiding impairment, keeping vehicles properly maintained, and staying aware of the environment.
DAVIDSONVILLE, MD – The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) has officially released its 2024 Voting Guide, which provides insight into the positions of federal candidates on key agricultural issues in Maryland. As part of this effort, candidates were asked to address the question central to MDFB’s mission: “As a member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?”
While MDFB does not endorse any federal candidates, the guide is intended to offer information to its nearly 8,000 member families as they consider their voting decisions. The full responses from the campaigns can be accessed at mdfarmbureau.com/votingguide2024
“The upcoming election has serious implications for the future of agriculture in our country,” says Tyler Hough, MDFB’s Director of Government Relations. “We appreciate the candidates who took the time to recognize the vital role that farmers play in Maryland’s economy and communities.”
Special thanks to the following campaigns for participating:
U.S. Senate: Larry Hogan and Angela Alsobrooks
1st Congressional District: Andy Harris and Blane Miller III
2nd Congressional District: Johnny Olszewski and Kim Klacik
3rd Congressional District: Sarah Elfreth
4th Congressional District: George McDermott
6th Congressional District: April McClain Delaney and Neil Parrott
8th Congressional District: Cheryl Riley
Agriculture is Maryland’s largest commercial industry, contributing $8 billion annually from over 12,500 farms. The Maryland Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural advocacy organization, representing nearly 8,000 member families committed to advancing the future of Maryland farming.
Earlier this month, the American Farm Bureau Federation also released a questionnaire with responses from 2024 Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, addressing national agricultural policy issues. To view their responses, click here.
Not happening on the farm!
