The Great Recession of 2007 left millions unemployed. It drained retirement plans and crippled our economy, especially the housing industry. I am glad to see signs that the housing industry is recovering. I hope that this time, its success will not come at the cost...
The 2012 Census of Agriculture won’t be released for some time, and it has been six years since the 2007 Census of Agriculture was issued, so those of us who are supporting local agriculture initiatives are dying to get our hands on current information about new...
One of the best kept secrets in Maryland is the economic value of its forestland. According to the Department of Natural Resources, there are 2.6 million acres of forest in the state and most of us have not begun to utilize their economic potential or explored how...
Senators Middleton and Dyson have introduced SB 586 that would establish a task force, including SMADC, to study a “Hub and Spoke Program” in Southern Maryland. Delegates Jameson, Bohanan, Murphy, and Wilson filed a companion bill HB 1019. This study would...
In August 2012, I posted a discussion “Family farm successions and transitions” which highlights what I learned from the Farm Link and Transition Pilot Workshop held in Virginia. Last week, I had the opportunity to hear another excellent presentation on...
On January 25-27th, dozens of young farmers braved cold temperatures and fresh breezes in Southern Maryland to participate in a farm tour which was part of the Maryland Farm Bureau Young Farmers’ Leadership Conference. I was fortunate to join them when they...