Carroll County - Take the Buy Local Challenge this August
Carroll County farmers and agribusinesses have been know for years to produce the best fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods and wine. Did you know many of our local restaurants also support our local farms by purchasing many of their fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and wine to offer to their patronage? It's true and you can join in on the locavore movement by joining The Buy Local Challenge.
The Buy Local Challenge is a pledge to eat a minimum of one item from a local farm every day during Carroll County's designated Buy Local Week, August 1st through 8th. This incentive is your opportunity to discover the numerous farms, farmers' markets, wineries, bakeries and restaurants offering fresh, great tasting and most importantly local edible products available in Carroll County. Buying local helps support the local economy and preserve Carroll's rural character.
To assist consumers in locating fresh, locally grown products, restaurants or butchers visit Carroll's agricultural website at www.carrollag.org or pickup the 2009 "Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets" brochure at local libraries and tourism centers. Look for The Buy Local Challenge signage in local restaurants and pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day.
Farmers, restaurant owners or other businesses selling locally produced products that would like to participate in the Buy Local Week are asked to contact Gabe Zepp at 410-386-2070.
2009 Beekeepers Short Course
Carroll County Beekeepers Association announces the "2009 BEEKEEPERS SHORT COURSE"
For beginning and intermediate beekeepers and anyone interested in honeybees. To be held at the Bear Branch Nature Center located at 300 John Owings Road, Westminster, MD. The course will be held on Wednesdays - March 4, 18, 25 & April 1 from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (No class March 11) and Saturday April 4, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Classroom and hands-on in the apiary topics include: Getting Started with Bees; Bee Equipment and Equipment Assembly; Honey Bee Biology; Spring Management and Swarming; Package bee introduction; Bee Diseases; Fall and Winter Management; Honey Extracting; Collecting Swarms; Inspecting a Hive; Requeening.
Fee: $35 The fee includes a textbook packed with information and one year membership in the Carroll County Beekeepers Association. The fee covers the entire family so - bring the kids!
WHY KEEP BEES? Many Carroll Countians keep bees as a hobby, because honey bees are fascinating to watch and learn about, they make gardens and fruit trees more productive and because beekeepers are interesting people. Also, when you taste your own honey, you'll love the flavor!
For more information contact: Richard Lord, 410-790-3494
Carroll County Beekeepers Association
Bear Branch Nature Center
Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm
Web: www.thecarrollbee.org
"Christmas Trees and Holiday Greens in Carroll County, Maryland" Brochure Available
With Thanksgiving now upon us it's time to start thinking about the upcoming holiday season. "O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! How lovely are your branches!" Nothing is more festive than having a real Christmas tree to decorate your home. Fortunately, Carroll County is home to numerous Christmas tree farms opening their doors the day after Thanksgiving to welcome the holiday season. Many farms also offer handmade wreaths, swags, roping, greens, pre-cut trees and live balled and burlap trees. The scent of a fresh-cut tree adds a distinctive aroma to the home during the holidays and trees are 100% recyclable.
Tree types available from Carroll County farms include Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Scotch Pine, Serbian Spruce, Bosnian Pine and Balsam Fir. Various sizes are offered including cathedral height trees. Many farms provide saws, tree shaking and baling, food and drink and other family-oriented activities. Grab your warm clothes, boots, gloves and hats and venture to a Carroll County Christmas tree farm this holiday season. Tree farms open in November and continue through Christmas. Please check listings for specific times.
The brochure "Christmas Trees and Holiday Greens in Carroll County, Maryland 2008" is now available online here, or through the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, public libraries, the Tourism Office and Visitor Center. The brochure lists 15 farms offering cut-your-own trees and fresh cut greens.
Make your 2008 Holiday season one to remember by visiting a Carroll County Christmas tree farm near you! For further information please contact Gabe Zepp, Agriculture Development Specialist, at 410-386-2070 or email: ag@carrollbiz.org.
THE COMBINE DERBY DVD - A great Holiday gift
Carroll County, Maryland's 4 H Fair, first ever combine demolition derby DVD is available now for your viewing pleasure! It was a hot and steamy summer evening at the fair when the 11 colorful combine teams took to the ring to "thrash" it out. Farmers, mechanics, and various other talented individuals spent weeks (well, sometimes days) getting the old and tired, barely running combines into ship shape for the big event. Although it was difficult for these contestants to "pretty up" their massive pieces of equipment only to smash them up in the derby, it is delightful to see a collaboration of local farmers and country folk coming together to support the local 4-H organization and to have FUN doing it! What emerges in the ring on that dusty evening will boggle your mind. Imagine The Pink Elephant, The Tin Man, Haney the Holstein (to name just a few) bumping and grinding, smashing and crashing to the finish.
Using views from six cameras, Fil Sibley masterfully brings together the excitement and drama of the event as the contestants handle a magnitude of challenges with a sense of humor, composure and sportsmanship. The two-set DVD captures the idealism, creativity, humor and generosity embedded in the spirit of farming and the people who are seeded and grow from this environment.
The DVD set also includes coverage of the Combine parade and behind the scenes interviews with several of the teams, along with actual footage of several of the combines being made "demolition derby ready".
The First Ever Carroll County, Maryland's 4H Fair Combine Demolition Derby DVD set is available for a short time for $20.00 including shipping. To order one of these wonderful gifts, contact FSP Media at 443-629-3792 or fspmedia@comcast.net or WWW.FSPMEDIA.COM.
Lippy Brothers, Inc. Honored as Agribusiness Award Winner
Lippy Brothers, Inc. was recognized as the Agribusiness Award Winner during the "2nd Annual Carroll County Business Awards Dinner and Program" provided by the Carroll County Department of Economic Development and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. Lippy Brothers, founded in 1965 by Ed, Joe, Donald and Wilson Lippy, is located in Hampstead and is now managed by Ed, Donald and Brad Rill. The company grows and harvests over 9,000 acres of corn, barley, wheat, snap beans, soybeans, and hay and produces 390,000 eggs per day from 400,000 laying hens.
Lippy Brothers recently undertook two positive transformations that will benefit the agriculture community. These transformations include developing a customized mobile computer information technology known as"Digital Mapping". This technology will collect, maintain and analyze detailed crop production data and is available to other farmers. Resulting data can be used to maximize crop yields, improve management practices and lower input costs.
The second transformation is the addition of a new grain handling facility including a new grain unloading pit, grain elevator with downspouts, load out tank and truck scale. This new grain handling facility is the result of a newly developed soybean export opportunity that will provide a competitive soybean market for local and regional grain producers. In early 2008 Lippy Brothers purchased over 400,000 bushels of soybeans totaling $5.9 million in transactions.
Carroll County: Take the Buy Local Challenge this August
Don't be concerned over salmonella outbreaks in tomatoes. Don't worry if the groundhogs ate your vegetables. Don't panic if you took a vacation and your neighbor forgot to water your garden. Carroll County is home to an abundant supply of fruit and vegetable growers ready to meet your demands for fresh, local, nutritious and great tasting produce. Carroll is also home to farms, wineries, bakers, butchers and restaurants selling local meats, eggs, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey and wine. Carroll County has joined The Buy Local Challenge, devised by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, to boost the local farm economy and to highlight the flavor, nutrition and health benefits local products can provide.
The Buy Local Challenge, August 2nd through 9th, is an excellent time to explore new farms, markets and restaurants offering genuine local products. The challenge is simple: "I pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week." "Fresh picked fruits and vegetables provide more nutrition because of their freshness and buying local products provides the benefit of knowing where your food comes from and how it was raised or produced. Additionally, buying local helps support the local agricultural economy and maintain Carroll's rural character", said Gabe Zepp, Agriculture Development Specialist for Carroll County.
To assist consumers in locating fresh, locally grown products, restaurants or butchers visit Carroll"s agricultural website at www.carrollag.org or pickup the latest version of the"Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets 2008" brochure at local libraries and tourism centers. Look for The Buy Local Challenge signage in local restaurants and pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day.
Farmers, restaurant owners or other businesses selling locally produced products that would like to participate in the "Buy Local Week" are asked to contact Gabe Zepp at 410-386-2070.
5th Annual Carroll County "Fresh Start Farmers' Market" to be Held
The Carroll County Health Department WIC (Womens Infants and Children) Program, in cooperation with the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, is holding its 5th Annual "Fresh Start Farmers' Market". The "Fresh Start Farmers' Market" will be held in a designated lot behind the health department and will coincide with the distribution of the WIC coupon checks for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
Carroll County farms will set up stands to sell fruits and vegetables on Monday, July 14, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The market will be open to the public and will accept coupon checks from both the WIC Program and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
The previous markets have been very successful and garnered national attention with the WIC Program throughout the United States including selection as a 2007 Achievement Award Winner from the National Association of Counties as an innovative program that contributes to and enhances county government. The idea behind holding the market is to allow WIC participants the opportunity to become familiar with the farmers selling their goods, the concept of the WIC nutrition services and to increase the redemption rates for WIC coupons.
The Carroll County Health Department is located at 290 South Center Street, Westminster, MD.
For more information please contact Lynn Piper, WIC Coordinator, at 410-876-4899 or Gabe Zepp, Ag Development Specialist, at 410-386-2070.
FARMERS MAY SIGN UP FOR QUALITY LOSS CROP DISASTER PROGRAM BEGINNING JUNE 23
WASHINGTON, D.C. June 19, 2008 - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Teresa Lasseter announced that eligible farmers who suffered quality losses to their crops in recent years can enroll in the Crop Disaster Program 2005-2007 (CDP) at local FSA service centers starting June 23, 2008.
"We have been conducting sign up since last fall for quantity losses for the 2005-2007 crops, and now we are ready to conduct sign up for quality losses," said Lasseter. "We have already paid producers more than $1.8 billion for quantity losses and over $274 million for livestock losses. Now we can get the final piece of the disaster programs implemented," Lasseter said.
The CDP provides benefits to farmers who suffered losses to their 2005-2007 crops from natural disasters and related conditions. Producers who incurred qualifying quantity or quality losses in 2005, 2006 or 2007 may receive benefits for only one of these years. However, producers may apply for benefits for losses to multiple crops as long as the losses occurred in the same crop year.
Only producers who obtained crop insurance coverage or coverage under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for the year of loss will be eligible for CDP benefits. Producers must have suffered quality losses of at least 25 percent to be eligible for CDP Quality Loss. The payment rate is set at 65 percent of the amount of the affected crop multiplied by 42 percent of the per-unit average market value in the year in which the loss occurred. Producers may receive assistance for both quantity and quality losses. However, the total quantity and quality assistance, together with any crop insurance or NAP payment received for the same crop and the value of the crop production not lost, must not exceed 95 percent of the total value of the crop absent the disaster.
For further details about CDP Quality loss, see the fact sheet at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/cdpqlty08.pdf. For more information about CDP and other disaster programs implemented by FSA, visit: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.
USDA ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF CROP REPORTING DEADLINE
(Westminster, MD), June 27, 2008. Mark Martin, Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in Carroll County announces that the crop reporting deadline for all 2008 crops has been changed to August 15. This is due to the Farm Bill delay and also due to weather conditions. No late-filing fees will be incurred for producers who have not yet reported their small grain acreage. Insured producers are reminded that their federal crop insurance deadline has not changed and they still need to meet those requirements. Those producers are encouraged to report what they've planted by the old deadline of July 15 to the FSA office to ensure that the acreage, shares, identification numbers, and planting dates match. Annual crop reporting is also referred to as acreage reporting or crop certification.
"Filing accurate and timely reports for crops and land uses, including failed and prevented planted acreages can prevent loss of benefits for many FSA programs," said CED Martin. "All cropland included in your farming operation must be reported to receive benefits from a variety of USDA programs."
According to CED Martin, crop reporting is used by FSA to determine eligibility for commodity loans and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP's), disaster programs and Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and to verify compliance with highly erodible land and wetland (HELC/WC) provisions. Crop reporting is used in determining compliance with farm programs and in making various current and future program decisions, such as crop base history.
CED Martin says some of the programs that use the crop reporting information include Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP), Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) and LDP's. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP/CREP) acreage must be reported to receive annual rental payments. And, crop acreage for NAP must also be reported.
Crop reports must account for all cropland on a farm, even if left idle. Producers are required to report planted acres in Maryland counties by August 15th. This extended deadline is only applicable to 2008. Regular reporting deadlines will be in effect for 2009.
CED Martin adds if natural disaster conditions prevented you from planting a crop during the normal planting period the prevented planted acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date for the crop. If your crop failed due to disaster related conditions, the failed acreage must be reported before disposition of the crop.
"If you miss the final extended crop reporting date of August 15, 2008, you can file a late crop report if you pay a late-filed fee, the cost of a farm visit and the costs of verification of crop acreage," said CED Martin.
For more information on crop reporting or any FSA programs, contact your local FSA office at 410-848-2780 Ext. 2, or visit our web site: www.fsa.usda.gov
DIRECT & COUNTER-CYCLICAL PROGRAM SIGNUP UNDERWAY IN USDA SERVICE CENTERS
WESTMINSTER, MD, June 27, 2008. County Executive Director Mark Martin announced today that signup for the 2008 Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program (DCP) has begun. This program helps deliver certainty for the crop year and the option of a timely advance payment. Producers are encouraged to call the office at 410-848-2780 to schedule an appointment to sign their contracts. Appointments will be scheduled for July, August and September to meet the deadline of September 30, 2008. "Contracts will then be ready and waiting for them, ensuring the best possible service," said CED Martin.
USDA computes DCP payments using base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Eligible producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute regardless of market prices. For 2008, eligible producers may request to receive an advance payment of 22 percent of the direct payment for each commodity associated with the farm. USDA will issue advance direct payments as soon as practical after enrollment. Final direct payments will be issued after Oct. 1, 2008. Counter-cyclical payments vary depending on market prices, and are issued only when the effective price for a commodity is below its target price (which takes into account the direct payment rate, market price and loan rate).
Program provisions are much the same as the 2007 DCP, including fruit and vegetable provisions, except that a producer on a farm with base acres of 10.0 or less is not eligible to receive direct or counter-cyclical payments, unless that farm is wholly owned by a socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmer. Limited Resource Producer status can be determined in an automated system using the USDA Limited Resource Farmer and Rancher Online Self Determination Tool at http://www.lrftool.sc.egov.usda.gov/tool.asp.
Producers can fill out their 2008 DCP contract at any USDA Service Center. Producers can also sign-up online. They can choose payment options, assign crop shares and sign and submit their contracts from any computer with Internet access. They can also view and print submitted contract options.
Since 2002, USDA has issued approximately $40 billion in DCP payments to America's agricultural producers. Participants must submit the completed DCP contract by September 30, 2008. Applications filed after this date will not be approved.
The online, electronic DCP (or eDCP) service saves producers time, reduces paperwork and speeds contract processing at USDA Farm Service Agency offices. It is available to all producers who are eligible to participate in DCP and who obtain eAuthentication accounts.
The electronic service is available by going to http://www.fsa.usda.gov/edcp and clicking on "Access eDCP Service." To access the service, producers must have an active USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account. To get a Level 2 account, producers must complete an online registration form at http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov and then visit the local USDA Service Center to verify their identity. The service has strict security measures to protect participants' private information. Only authorized federal employees have access to information producers submit electronically. For more information about DCP, which will include a fact sheet, go to the DCP Web page at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=dccp&topic=landing
Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets Directory 2008 Now Available
Does the economy have you feeling blue? Do high fuel prices have you staying home searching the cabinets for something good to eat? Are you concerned over rising food costs and eating at home or packing a lunch instead of eating out?
Food is a given in everyone's daily lives; we simply can't live without it! Buying and eating local foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, eggs, baked goods and wine is a smart way to support local farmers, the local economy and the only way to truly know where your food comes from.
The month of June in Carroll County means one thing: the start of the Farmers' Market season and a cure-all for the aforementioned concerns. Carroll County is home to an abundant number of weekly farmers' markets and farms offering local, just-picked fruits and vegetables at roadside farm stands. The Carroll County Department of Economic Development is proud to offer the 2008 "Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets" brochure listing 19 farmers' markets and farm locations offering local edible goods. The public markets also accept WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupon checks.
As the thermometer rises what's better than vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries, raspberries or peaches? Or picnic favorites such as freshly-picked sweet cherries or flavorful, juicy watermelon and cantaloupe? Have you ever had a meal consisting of grilled, sliced and seasoned squash, a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich and sweet corn with butter and salt? Mmmm...good! But even better, these products are all produced and offered locally!
Visit www.carrollag.org for the 2008 "Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets" brochure or view the farm finder section of the website to find other edible products such as local meats, eggs or honey. The farmers' market brochure can also be picked up at the County Office building, tourist destinations and at public libraries. Have a great summer enjoying some of Carroll County farm's finest products and feel good about supporting the local economy!
For additional information on open farmers' markets and farm stands check out Carroll's agriculture website at www.carrollag.org.
White Rose Farm Offering Community-Supported Agriculture Subscriptions
White Rose Farm, a 132-acre farm northeast of Taneytown, Maryland, is now offering a traditional Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription for up to twenty households. We will pick, wash and bag our premium vegetables, herbs and flowers every week for our subscribers.
The produce will vary with the season and the weather, but there will be plenty of produce popping with flavor and nutrition: leafy greens, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, beets, onions, garlic, broccoli and cabbage. We use biodynamic practices to grow premium vegetables without using inorganic chemicals.
Sally Voris owns and manages the farm. She was a master gardener in Howard County, Maryland for ten years before moving to Taneytown. Leah Gacheny, the farm's intern, will manage the day-to-day operation of the CSA.
The first half of our season will begin on Friday, May 30, and end on Friday, August 15. The second half of the season will run through October.
We're offering a ten-week subscription for $250--approximately $25 worth of vegetables, herbs and flowers per week. (We have built in eleven weeks so that you can miss one week for vacation, etc.) If you need to miss more than one week, please make arrangements for a friend to pick up your bag. If you don't, we will donate it to a hungry family. Payments can be made in one lump sum of $250 or in two equal installments of $130 each. The first is due by May 30th; the second by July 4thth.
The produce will be available for pick-up at White Rose Farm on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. In addition, we plan to make one weekly delivery run to Hanover/Gettysburg and one to Westminster. There will be an extra charge for delivery.
Please click here for the White Rose Farm CSA commitment form.
USDA Announces Deadline for 2005 - 2007 LCP and LIP Sign-Up
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2008 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Teresa Lasseter today announced that livestock producers have until July 18, 2008, to enroll in the 2005 - 2007 Livestock Compensation Program (LCP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Signup began on Sept. 10, 2007, for the two programs that provide aid to livestock producers who suffered eligible livestock or livestock feed losses between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2007, because of a natural disaster.
"The deadline to enroll in the 2005 - 2007 Livestock Compensation Program and Livestock Indemnity Program is rapidly approaching," said Lasseter. "I encourage all eligible producers to enroll soon because sign-up ends on July 18, 2008."
The LIP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who incurred the death of livestock because of a natural disaster. The LCP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and cash lessees who suffered feed losses or increased feed costs because of a natural disaster.
More information about LCP and LIP is available online at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov. For more information on FSA programs, visit your local USDA Service Center or the agency's Web site, http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
Wholesale Produce Marketing Opportunity
On Wednesday, May 14, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the Department of Economic Development is hosting Dwight Gorsuch, Chairman, Performance Food Group (PFG) - Carroll County Foods. Mr. Gorsuch will be on hand to discuss PFG's interest in buying local fruits and vegetables, and their requirements for quality, packaging and delivery to PFG in Westminster. This will be an informal discussion which we hope will lead to additional marketing opportunities for fruit and vegetable growers.
The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in growing and selling fruits and vegetables. The meeting will also be promoted throughout the region.
Anyone interested in attending the meeting on May 14th at the Department of Economic Development, Carroll County Office Building, at 225 N. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157 should RSVP by Friday, May 9th by calling Gabe Zepp at 410-386-2070 or email: gzepp@ccg.carr.org.
Farmers' Markets Accepting Vendors
Starting in June and July Farmers' Markets located in Carroll County will open for the 2008 season. Vendors are wanted for the farmers' markets that include the Carroll County Farmers' Market, Downtown Westminster Farmers' Market, Sykesville Apple Butter Market, Taneytown Main Street Farmers' Market, The Main Street Mt. Airy Farmers' Market and a new Sykesville Farmers' Market.
Vendors needed include fruit and vegetable growers, honey producers, bakers, jam and jelly producers, flower growers, egg producers, meat producers and others. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at these markets please contact Gabe Zepp, AG Development Specialist for the Department of Economic Development, at 410-386-2070 or email: ag@carrollbiz.org. For more information on the markets or to contact the market managers directly please visit the "Farmers' Market" page.
Advertising Information being Accepted for Farmers' Market Directory
Spring has sprung and it's a wonderful time of year to start anew with promotion and advertising of farm market locations. Carroll County Economic Development is now updating the "2008 Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Market Directory". If you've never advertised in the brochure or have opened your own retail farm stand, now may be a good time to consider a listing in this directory. Consumer appreciation and desire for local products has never been higher.
The Department of Economic Development is requesting farm stand owners submit their promotion and advertising information to be included in the "2008 Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets" directory. Participation is free and the directory will include locations, dates and times open, product availability, contact information and a handy locator map. To be included in the 2008 directory or for more information please contact Gabe Zepp at 410-386-2070 or email gzepp@ccg.carr.org. For a copy of the advertising information form click here.
USDA Service Center Open House
The Carroll Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Carroll Soil Conservation District cordially invite you to an "Open House" celebrating their move to the new USDA Service Center on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. For more information please click here.
Sign Up for the Dairy Disaster Assistance Program Ends May 5th
Mark Martin, Executive Director for USDA's Farm Service Agency in Carroll County today reminded eligible dairy producers who suffered production losses in 2005, 2006 or 2007 that they have until May 5, 2008 to apply to receive benefits under the Dairy Disaster Assistance Program III (DDAP-III) by visiting their local USDA Service Centers or FSA County Office. For additional information click here.
Feeser Genetic's Offering Youth Project Pigs
Frank and Julie Feeser, longtime Carroll County swine producers, are offering their best market swine genetics to youth participating in 4-H and FFA programs.
On April 12, 2008 the Elite East Breeder Show and 4H and FFA Club Pig Sale will take place at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. This event will include a show of pigs in the sale, a skill-o-thon contest and a judging contest for youth. For more information click here.
On April 19, 2008 the Mid-Atlantic Winner's Circle 2008 Livestock Sale will take place at the Howard County Fairgrounds. This sale will include 70-75 pigs including Feeser Genetic?s and 15-20 market lamb projects. For more information click here.
Julie Feeser has said they have many great selections for both sales and privately. The Feeser?s were honored to have sold the Grand Champion 4-H market hog at the Maryland State Fair exhibited by Trista Davis and a division winner by Tyler Hough. Many other successful projects were sold and exhibited across Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Consider making your next club pig project one from Carroll County by supporting the Feesers or other pig and lamb producers from the county.
To contact Frank or Julie Feeser call 410-751-1287 or 816-752-6224.
Pheasant Echo's Farm Honored as Agribusiness Award Winner
Pheasant Echo's Farm was recognized as the Agribusiness Award Winner during the "1st Annual Carroll County Business Awards Dinner and Program" provided by the Carroll County Department of Economic Development and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.
Pheasant Echo's Farm, established in 1991, is owned and operated by Barney and Debbie Stambaugh. The family-run farm is located north of Westminster and consists of 2,400 agricultural-producing acres and a 125-head registered Holstein dairy herd.
The farm is honored to have bred seven "excellent" cows based on a national point scoring system. In addition, one of the farm's cows has been recognized as "All-Maryland", one of the highest honors for Maryland Holstein breeders. Additionally, Pheasant Echo's Farm has been recognized by the Maryland/Virginia Milk Cooperative as a recipient of the "Milk Quality Award" for the last five years.
Pheasant Echo's Farm is also a full-service provider of custom field work that includes planting, baling, chopping, combining and lime spreading. Custom farming services are provided to over 4,000 acres of local and regional farms. Without these much needed agricultural services, Carroll County wouldn't maintain the level of agricultural production it does today.
Pheasant Echo's Farm is truly an unsung hero to the agricultural industry in Carroll County.
Agribusiness Development and Funding Resource Program Offered
The Carroll County, Department of Economic Development is pleased to host a program on available regional resources to assist local agricultural operations. On December 19, 2007, the Carroll County Department of Economic Development will host an "Agribusiness Development and Funding Resource Program" for anyone involved in agriculture production, agribusiness or banking. The program will be held at the Maryland Cooperative Extension, Carroll County Office and will focus on business development and potential funding assistance.
Speakers include representatives from the USDA Rural Development, MARBIDCO (Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based-Industry Development Corporation), Maryland SBDC (Small Business Development Center), Maryland Cooperative Extension - Agricultural Marketing Program and the Carroll County Department of Economic Development. Speakers will provide information from each of their organizations and demonstrate how each program can play a role in helping to further develop the agribusiness community in Carroll County.
The program runs from 10 am to 2 pm and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required by calling the Department of Economic Development at 410-386-2070 or email: ag@carrollbiz.org by Monday, December 17, 2007. For more information please call Gabe Zepp at 410-386-2070.
Christmas Trees Galore in Carroll County, Maryland
Make Christmas one to remember by visiting a Christmas tree farm in Carroll County, Maryland. Locating and selecting the perfect Christmas tree has become a family tradition to many. The unique experience of choosing and cutting your own tree adds to the excitement of the holidays. Carroll County, Maryland is home to many Christmas tree farms that offer families the opportunity to cut a fresh Christmas tree for the holiday season. Many farms also offer handmade wreaths, swags, roping, greens, pre-cut trees and live balled and burlap trees. The scent of a fresh cut tree adds a distinctive aroma to the home during the holidays that will spur memories of holidays past. Christmas trees are also 100% recyclable.
Tree types available from Carroll County farms include Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Scotch Pine, Serbian Spruce, Bosnian Pine and Balsam Fir. Various sizes are offered including cathedral height trees. Tree farms open in November and continue through Christmas. Please check listings for specific times. Many farms provide saws, tree shaking and baling, food and drink, restroom amenities and other family-oriented activities. Grab your warm clothes, boots, gloves and hats and venture to a Carroll County Christmas tree farm this holiday season.
The brochure "Christmas Trees and Holiday Greens in Carroll County, Maryland 2007" is now available online at www.carrollag.org under the promotional material section and through the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, public libraries, the Tourism Office and Visitor Center. The brochure lists 13 farms offering cut-your-own trees and fresh cut greens.
Make your 2007 Holiday season one to remember by visiting a Carroll County Christmas tree farm near you! For further information please contact Gabe Zepp, Agriculture Development Specialist, at 410-386-2070 or email: ag@carrollbiz.org.
Carroll County: Take the Buy Local Challenge this August
Yes it is hot and dry, but don't panic if your tomatoes and cucumbers are all dried up after returning from that week of vacation. Carroll County is home to an abundant supply of fruit and vegetable growers ready to meet your demands for fresh, local, nutritious and great tasting produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey and wine. Carroll County has joined "The Buy Local Challenge", devised by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, to boost the local farm economy and to highlight the flavor, nutrition and health benefits local products can provide.
"The Buy Local Challenge" (August 4 through 11) is an excellent incentive to explore new farms, markets and restaurants offering genuine local products. The challenge is simple: "I pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during "Buy Local Week"." "Carroll County farms offer fruits, vegetables, herbs, jams, jellies, baked goods, eggs, honey and meats direct to the consumer", said Gabe Zepp, Agriculture Development Specialist for Carroll County. "Fresh picked fruits and vegetables provide more nutrition because of its freshness and buying other local products provides the benefit of knowing where your food comes from and how it was raised or produced. Additionally, buying local helps support the local agricultural economy and maintain Carroll's rural character", Zepp said.
To assist consumers in locating fresh, local products visit Carroll's agricultural website at www.carrollag.org or pickup the latest version of the "Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets 2007" brochure available at local libraries and tourism centers. For more information, contact Gabe Zepp at 410-386-2070.
"Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets 2007" Directory Now Available
Do you love those summertime picnics where you get to enjoy fresh local sweet corn topped with butter and salt, sliced heirloom tomatoes on your burger, stuffed red and green peppers, sweet tasting cantaloupe and the ever popular watermelon seed spitting contest? Well, it is certainly that time of year and the abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables is now upon us. Fortunately for all of us, Carroll County is home to many produce growers peppered throughout the County.
The Carroll County Department of Economic Development's "Carroll County, Maryland Farmers' Markets 2007" directory is now available to the public. The brochure lists the five public farmers' markets in Carroll County and 14 privately owned farm markets scattered throughout the County. The directory includes dates and times open, fruits or vegetables offered, special events and contact information for each market. A quick reference locater map and approximate harvest dates are also listed.
The directory is available at numerous locations including the Carroll County Tourism Office, Visitor's Center, public libraries, Carroll County Government Office Building and online. For more information or to be listed in future directories please contact Gabe Zepp, Ag Development Specialist at 410-386-2070.
4th Annual Carroll County "Fresh Start Farmers' Market" to be Held
The Carroll County Health Department WIC (Womens Infants and Children) Program, in cooperation with the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, is holding its 4th Annual "Fresh Start Farmers' Market". The "Fresh Start Farmers' Market" will be held in a designated lot behind the health department and will coincide with the distribution of the WIC coupon checks for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
Carroll County farms will set up stands to sell fruits and vegetables on Monday, July 9, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The market will be open to the public and will accept coupon checks from both the WIC Program and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
The previous markets have been very successful and garnered national attention with the WIC Program throughout the United States including selection as a 2007 Achievement Award Winner from the National Association of Counties as an innovative program that contributes to and enhances county government. The idea behind holding the market is to allow WIC participants the opportunity to become familiar with the farmers selling their goods, the concept of the WIC nutrition services and to increase the redemption rates for WIC coupons.
The Carroll County Health Department is located at 290 South Center Street, Westminster, MD.
For more information please contact Lynn Piper, WIC Coordinator, at 410-876-4899 or Gabe Zepp, Ag Development Specialist, at 410-386-2070.
"Carroll County Farmers' Markets 2007" Brochure to be Available Soon
The newest version of the "Carroll County Farmers' Markets 2007" brochure will soon be available from the County's Tourism Office, County-wide Libraries, MD Cooperative Extension Office of Carroll County, County Government Office building and other tourism destinations. Updated public farmers' market information can be found in the "Farmers' Markets" section of this website and on-farm farmers' market information can be found by clicking the "Fruits/Vegetables/Herbs" section of the site or by directly clicking here.
"Maryland Grain and Livestock Report" to be Resumed
After a lengthy absence from the Market Reports section of the Carroll County, Maryland agriculture web site the "Maryland Grain & Livestock Report" is now being resumed on its normal weekly schedule.
The report provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and compiled by USDA and the Maryland Field Office of the National Agriculture Statistics Service is a valuable tool listing weekly grain commentary, a crop weather summary, local cash grain price, grain futures prices and local hay and straw prices. Various grains listed include corn, soybeans, wheat and barley which are the primary grain crops produced in Carroll County. Forage crops listed include alfalfa, mixed hay, timothy, orchard grass and straw. Livestock producers would be interested to read the market reports for poultry, swine, sheep and cattle from various regional auctions.
The report is a great reference tool when pricing grain, forage crops and livestock to potential buyers and sellers. The report will be provided weekly on the Carroll County, Maryland agriculture web site and will include the two most current reports for a convenient and quick reference guide for Carroll County producers. Links to the Chicago Board of Trade and the University of Maryland Commodity Marketing Homepage are also available in the Market Reports section of the Carroll County, Maryland agriculture web site.
For more information on the "Maryland Grain and Livestock Report" contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5740 or to view previous reports click here.
Christmas Trees and Holiday Greens Brochure Available
The unique experience of choosing and cutting your own tree adds to the excitement of the holidays. Carroll County, Maryland is home to many Christmas tree farms that offer families the opportunity to cut a fresh Christmas tree for the holiday season. Many farms also offer handmade wreaths, swags, roping, greens, pre-cut trees and live balled and burlap trees. The scent of a fresh cut tree adds a distinctive aroma to the home during the holidays that will spur memories of holidays past. Christmas trees are also 100% recyclable.
Tree types available from Carroll County farms include Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Scotch Pine, Serbian Spruce, Bosnian Pine and Balsam Fir. Various sizes are also offered including cathedral height trees. Tree farms open in November and continue through Christmas but please check listings for specific times. Many farms provide saws, tree shaking and baling, food and drink, restroom amenities and other family-oriented activities. Grab your warm clothes, boots, gloves and hats and venture to a Carroll County Christmas tree farm this holiday season.
The 2006 version of "Christmas Trees and Holiday Greens in Carroll County, Maryland" is now available online at www.carrollag.org under the promotional material section and through the Carroll County Department of Economic Development, public libraries, the Tourism Office and Visitor Center. The brochure lists 11 farms offering cut-your-own trees and fresh cut greens.
Make your 2006 Holiday season one to remember by visiting a Carroll County Christmas tree farm near you! For further information please contact Gabe Zepp, Agriculture Development Specialist, at 410-386-2070 or email: ag@carrollbiz.org.
Keymar Receiving Station now Accepting Cows and Steers
Robert Bowers of Keymar in cooperation with Good's Cattle Company is pleased to announce the Keymar Receiving Station is now accepting cows and steers (steers 700 # and over) in addition to calves for Cargill Taylor Beef.
Days and times that cattle are received are Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Keymar Receiving Station is located at 6059 Keysville Road, Keymar, MD 21757. For more information please call Robert Bowers at 410-756-4644 or 410-259-3997.
