Publications

Authors: Paul Catanzaro - Wendy Sweetser Ferris

Making decisions about the future of your land may seem overwhelming. It can be difficult to initiate conversations with your family, to sort out the different professionals involved in estate planning, and to know how to take the first step. Try not  to get overwhelmed—the hardest step is often the first one.  This publication can help get you started, and discusses the  types of professionals who will help make it happen. 

Authors: Ginger S. Myers

There is a strong consumer demand for locally produced foods including a call for more locally produced eggs. Real profit potential exists for Maryland egg producers to expand their markets in to retail, wholesale and Food Service Facilities in Maryland. This publication provides introductory information and resources that can help Maryland’s egg producers improve their sales of shell eggs into retail channels. Because there are continual changes and updates at both the state and federal levels, please check for the most current edition of any regulations cited in this publication.

Authors: Jennifer L. Rhodes - Jonathan Moyle

Broiler production is the largest agricultural revenue generator in Maryland. A broiler is a chicken produced specifically for meat production. Broiler production includes small fryer- to large roaster-type chickens. Approximately 35 percent of cash farm income in Maryland was from broilers in 2016. Maryland ranked eighth nationally in the number of meat chickens produced, and tenth in the number of pounds of meat chickens.

Authors: Ashley Ellixson - Sarah Everhart

All Maryland produce growers have the shared goal of growing safe food for consumers. Despite growers’ best efforts, however, foodborne illness outbreaks happen. When an outbreak occurs and can be traced to the source, it is usually followed by a recall of the product. A recall can result in substantial financial damage to the grower and have ripple effects throughout the industry. Having a recall plan in place lessens the confusion, delay, and financial repercussions which can stem from a recall.. Authors: Ashley Ellixson and Sarah Everhart; Title: A Guide to Drafting a Recall Plan for Maryland Produce Growers(EB-430).

Authors: Ashley Ellixson - Sarah Everhart

This is the recall plan for Farm. This plan does not address recall provisions related to meat or egg products. This plan will be periodically updated.

Authors: Dale Morris - Robert Kratochvil - Paul Goeringer

Most wheat and soybean seed sold in Maryland is protected by either U.S. Patent Law or the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). These protections severely limit the age-old practice of “farmer-saved seed” or prohibit it entirely, depending upon the protection the owner of the variety secures. The following will discuss the implications of Patent Law and PVPA on farmer-saved seed of wheat and soybeans. Authors: Dale Morris, Robert Kratochvil, and Paul Goeringer; Title: Farmer-saved Seed: What is Legal? What is Not? (FS-1064)

Authors: Jarrod Miller

Manure is a great fertilizer for nutrient-poor soils. However, when transport costs limit utilization, alternative uses such as energy production become viable. In most cases, manure-to-energy practices produce nutrient-rich byproducts that can be used as a soil amendment. While nitrogen (N) may be lost, other nutrients like phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are often more concentrated in these byproducts. Manure-to-energy practices include anaerobic digestion and thermal methods (pyrolysis, gasification). Composting and nutrient extraction also can alter manure and help concentrate nutrients for easier and less costly transport. The nutrient value of these byproducts is discussed.

Authors: Sara BhaduriHauck - Paul Goeringer

Offering a horse for lease can be a good option for an owner who is unable to ride or care for their horse due to physical, time, or financial constraints but still wishes to maintain ownership. A lease can be an alternative to selling the horse, a way to cut maintenance costs, or an avenue to ensure the horse remains in work. An equine lease can take many forms, depending on how the lease agreement is constructed. This publication includes information on the factors to consider when preparing or reviewing a written lease agreement, as well as case studies that describe the terms of the leases. Authors: Sara BhaduriHauck and Paul Goeringer; Title: Considerations for Equine Lease Agreements (FS-1062)

Authors: Ashley C. Ellixson - Dr. Terry Griffin

The issue of farm data has been a contentious point of debate with respect to ownership rights and impacts when access rights are misappropriated. One of the leading questions farmers ask deals with the protections provided to farm data. Although no specific laws or precedence exists, the possibility of trade secret is examined and ramifications for damages discussed. Farm management examples are provided to emphasize the potential outcomes of each possible recourse for misappropriating farm data. Authors: Ashley C. Ellixson and Terry Griffin; Title: Farm Data: Ownership and Protections (FS-1055)

Authors: Lori Lynch - Paul Goeringer

While estate planning for Maryland farm operators can be complicated, a conservation easement can be an effective tool to include in your plan. Conservation easements can help reduce the value of a farm estate and ensure the land will continue to be available for agricultural use. Donating a conservation easement is one way to reduce federal and state estate taxes when the value of your estate minus permitted deductions exceeds the current estate tax exemptions. Under current federal and Maryland tax laws, donating a conservation easement to a qualifying group can result in favorable tax deductions.;Lynch, Lori; Goeringer, Paul; Title: Conservation Easements: A Useful Tool for Farm Transition and Estate Planning (FS-974)