Written by Jeb Burchick, Originally published in Summer 2025 edition of The Old Line Farmer magazine

Because of its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, sustainable agriculture practices to prevent erosion have long been the norm for Eastern Shore farmers. But long before untilled fields and cover crops covered the shore, the Hutchison Brothers of Talbot County took a chance on these practices to the questioning of their peers. Some fifty years later, it’s clear their gamble paid off.

Bob’s Introduction to Precision Ag

The Hutchison family has collectively farmed Talbot County for over 230 years. In the 1970s, Bob Hutchison began working for the University of Maryland Extension, making daily trips to the Western Shore. There, he encountered emerging agricultural practices just starting to gain traction across the country. When he returned home, he encouraged his family to experiment with no-till corn on a small plot.

Recounting a conversation with some local farmers, Bob laughed, “I don’t know how it came up, but I told them that no-till is going to be the future of farming…All three of them looked at me like I lost my mind.”

Fortunately, his family was more receptive to his message.

“We were willing to try new stuff,” said Bob’s brother, Richard Hutchison. “We didn’t go 100% initially because it had to prove itself.”

Their father, a forward-thinking farmer who served on the original Talbot County Conservation Board, supported Bob’s efforts to improve soil health. With his encouragement, they began to adopt the practices Bob was studying.

“It was a good idea, we adopted it pretty quickly,” Richard added with a smile.

How the Hutchisons Do It

Each fall, the Hutchisons plant a small grain—such as barley, wheat, or clover—right after harvest. This cover crop protects the soil through the winter, absorbing leftover nutrients and preventing them from leaching into waterways. In the spring, the cover crop is terminated and left on the field, where it acts as a natural mulch. Field crops are then planted directly into this layer with little or no tillage required.

While each farm’s approach to cover crops and tillage may differ, the goal remains the same: keep nutrients on the land and out of the water—without sacrificing the farm’s bottom line.

These strategies have also gained attention for their climate benefits. Cover crops sequester carbon during the off-season, and no-till practices prevent the release of carbon that would otherwise be emitted when soil is disturbed.

Ever-Evolving Techniques

The Hutchisons have built a reputation for their eagerness to innovate and collaborate. They frequently test new precision agriculture methods on small plots to measure results. Some of these trials have included pattern tile drainage systems and weekly plant tissue sampling.

Since the 1980s, they’ve employed crop consultants to monitor nutrient levels and yields. They’ve also taken part in studies on biostimulants to explore ways to reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers. This constant experimentation has positioned them at the forefront of conservation farming.

Bob offers this advice to fellow producers: “Don’t be scared to try something new, but do it on a small scale and see how it works for your farm.”

Recognition Well Earned

In 2024, the Hutchisons were honored with the Maryland Leopold Conservation Award, a prestigious accolade from the Sand County Foundation that recognizes farmers for exemplary soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat management. Maryland Farm Bureau, along with other agricultural partners, proudly supports this program.

“We haven’t done this for the recognition,” said Bob’s son, Travis Hutchison. “But it was neat to find out that other people were watching and thought enough of us to nominate us.”

Though the family remains humble, others in the state are quick to recognize the impact of their efforts.

“Where would we be in Maryland without the Hutchison Family? Their passionate belief that farming can be a productive venture while contributing to the health of the region,” said Samantha Campbell, President of The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment. “Their openness to new ideas is one of the long-standing characteristics of the Hutchison Family.”

The Hutchisons accepted the award at the 2024 Maryland Farm Bureau convention, surrounded by extended family. Travis took the stage to address the crowd, and few in the room could hold back a smile at the family’s well-deserved moment.

“As lifelong Maryland Farm Bureau members, the Hutchisons have been on the cutting edge of sustainable agricultural practices and national leaders in their respective fields,” said Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley. “Congratulations to the family on achieving this momentous award.”

Looking to the Future

Despite the accolades and achievements, the Hutchison family has never lost sight of their purpose.

“If we don’t treat our land right, it’s not going to treat us right,” Bob reflected. “All farmers I know say they want to leave the land better than they received it.”

Thanks to farmers like the Hutchisons, that future is in good hands.

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