Building upon their greenhouse success, in 2016 they built a large hoophouse and filled it with a variety of cut flower seedlings. But in its first winter, an unusual three-foot, wet snow completely collapsed the structure, destroying almost all the plants they so carefully seeded and transplanted only a few months prior. It was a tough loss, both financially and mentally, but they took it in stride, knowing that in farming, you have to take a long-term view.
Madgie points out that one of the most significant and least talked about impacts of weather on farmers is how it can decrease farmers market sales. Whether it’ s blazing heat, threatening rain, or just annoyingly windy, customer visits at farmers markets plummet in undesirable weather. M & M Plants
makes 85-90 percent of its annual revenue at farmers markets, so bad weather takes a huge toll, even when they have an abundance of beautiful( and highly perishable) product available and ready for sale. But they plan for ups and downs, always expecting the unexpected. With the experience of a person who began in the floral growing business in other settings 20 years ago, Madgie says:“ To succeed, you can’ t just be a good farmer, you have to be a good business person, too.”
Planning for the Whim of the Weather
Whatever the forecasters predict, farmers must prepare for too much, too little, or anything in between. A rain storm can drop a
much needed shower that nourishes fields and moistens soil perfectly, or it can drop a deluge that floods fields and uproots or drowns young plants and rots produce. A winter snow can provide a light dusting of much-needed moisture and insulate young plants against hard freeze, or it can crush plants completely. Light wind can dry out soggy soil and help reduce fungus, but strong wind can leave a path of destruction. As every day dawns, a farmer faces the weather head on, and plays the hand they are dealt.
Melane Kinney Hoffmann has lived on a 50-acre farm, with 40 acres in hay, in the Ag Reserve for more than 30 years. Melane serves on the Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board, and has been involved in various efforts to preserve rural land in the Ag Reserve.
Extraordinary variety... magnificent setting!
17700 White Ground Road Boyds, MD •( 301) 972-7513 susannafarmnursery. com |
From dwarf and unusual evergreens to Japanese maples, Susanna Farm offers some of the most unique and beautiful trees and plants you’ ll find in the area. Situated in the heart of the Agricultural Reserve, your visit is guaranteed to be a memorable one! |
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