Challenges for county farmers include access to affordable acreage , the high cost of infrastructure such as fencing , effects of climate change such as freeze snaps and warmer nighttime temperatures , conflicting demands for available farmland acreage and the fact that many county residents are unaware that the Agricultural Reserve exists . ~ Caroline Taylor
“ While Montgomery County has experienced significant growth over a number of decades , local decision makers have stated a desire to ensure sound future expansion ,” said Caroline Taylor , Executive Director for the Montgomery Countryside Alliance . “ But ,” Taylor added , “ the County will need to work toward ensuring that densification in the name of Smart Growth does not undermine livability and climate change resilience .”
Challenges for county farmers include access to affordable acreage , the high cost of infrastructure such as fencing , effects of climate change such as freeze snaps and warmer nighttime temperatures , conflicting demands for available farmland acreage and the fact that many county residents are unaware that the Agricultural Reserve exists , said Taylor .
Despite this , Montgomery County produces some of the best quality pumpkins , corn , wheat , soy , tomatoes , apples and berries in the region , according to Criss .
Pleasant Valley Farm , outside of Brookeville , has placed its owned properties in the county Agricultural Reserve throughout its existence and has provided financial compensation as it essentially buys all development rights associated with the properties off it , according to co-owner Kelsey Thomas . Two of its farm buildings rented from other landlords have turned into housing developments in the past year , resulting in a loss of several hundred acres , said Thomas . Yet , she says the farm operation has adapted through diversification on the limited land they have in place .
“ We are trying to change the narrative by growing more with less land ,” Thomas said . “ For example , only thirty to fifty acres of land are needed to grow enough sweet corn to market . And we do not waste anything .”
The Thomas family also raises 150 Angus beef cattle and is looking to intensify their production in an environmentally sound way . For example , in Maryland a farmer can sustain and feed one cow and her calf per acre . The Thomas ’ s graze cattle at a ratio of approximately one cow / calf pair to 3-4 acres .
Criss is optimistic that with the combination of a climate that remains generally moderate despite more frequent weather extremes and financial support from county government farmers will continue to grow and produce quality local food .
“ We have one of the best growing seasons here in Montgomery County ,” said Criss . “ We do not experience droughts like in California or floods in the Midwest . And land will always be available for food production with the security of the Agricultural Reserve and cooperation from local government , including money for easements to protect land from development .”
While development will always pose challenges , some county farms continue to expand , including Brookeville ’ s Dodo Farms , run by Nigerian immigrant Niyi Balogun and his wife Tope Fajingbese . The farm is leasing four additional acres of land this year , totaling five acres . Others , including Thomas , believe that local farming can still flourish . “ Development will always test the farming community here in Montgomery County ,” Thomas said . “ But as long as we continue to adapt and diversify , food production in our region will survive and thrive .”
Michael Shulman is the media relations associate at American Farmland Trust . He has worked in media relations and communications with The American Psychological Association , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty and most recently , a small DC-area based media relations firm . Shulman earned his Master of Arts degree in Journalism at the University of Missouri and a bachelor ’ s degree from the University of Maryland .
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