Theme 2: Economic Prosperity

Economic Prosperity for Maryland Families and for Productive and Sustainable Food and Fiber Systems

Economic prosperity encompasses "The financial and related factors leading to improvement in the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and businesses."

Economic prosperity is relative to socioeconomic levels and expectations. For some individuals and families, economic prosperity may mean securing employment and having sufficient resources to meet their basic needs. On the other hand, acquiring business skills, exploring career opportunities, and managing personal finances by reducing debt, increasing savings, and planning for retirement and estate settlement increase economic stability and feelings of prosperity for people at all income levels. Economic prosperity includes collaborative learning with industry that strengthens market positions and profitability in an increasingly global economy. Since many traditional businesses are under economic stress as markets change, future prosperity is likely to depend on innovation, adding value, and accurately identifying customers and their needs. Entrepreneurship, alternative crops, and value-added enterprises could be the key to stimulate economic development and help sustain many AGNR businesses and guide the land use planning effort to favor sustainable and productive AGNR businesses. Regulatory compliance and quality issues often affect production costs and the marketability of products or services, directly affecting profitability. Protecting our animals, crops and people and practicing biosecurity is critical.

7) Family Financial Management

Situation: Many individuals and families in the U.S. are experiencing financial challenges. Some are worried about paying monthly bills, others are concerned about making financial ends meet, and many others wonder if they will have a financially successful retirement. Issues such as low financial literacy, consumer indebtedness, low savings rate, low financial assets, expensive health care and long-term care, and insufficient retirement planning are of great concern. An uncertain domestic economy puts additional pressures on financial security for Americans. Many American consumers lack basic financial knowledge and have poor financial management practices. Consumers are falling behind with their credit card payments. Personal savings rate has steadily declined and more than half of Americans report that they do not save regularly. Many individuals and families are not preparing for their financial futures such as savings, credit, retirement, long-term care, investment, and/or estate planning.

Program Description: Work with Financial Security for Later Life and eXtension to identify and implement statewide educational needs. Facilitate Financial Security for Later Life and eXtension to partners and audiences. Conduct train-the-trainer programs such as Maryland Saves training and High School Financial Planning Program. Provide capacity building opportunities such as Personal Finance Seminar for Professionals for partners, educators, and volunteers.

Target Audience: Families, volunteers, educators, high school students, community development corporations, financial institutions, State Attorney General’s Office, Department of Social Services.

Goals: Increase financial knowledge of families. Increase the ability of families to achieve financial self-sufficiency and security. Improve family financial management strategies. Maryland individuals, families, communities, and businesses will improve financial management knowledge, practices and skills, and manage their personal finances, retirement, and estate planning more effectively and businesses will increase profits.

8) Community Resource and Economic Development

Situation: Agriculture has played a major role in rural communities throughout history. The economic and social activities of most communities in rural areas centered on the agriculture and/or natural resource industries of the area. For the past twenty or so years the trend has been to consolidate processing and manufacturing of agriculture commodities to gain or maintain economic efficiencies. Many communities in Maryland have lost their ties to agriculture and serve as simply a place to live and to commute from to work in a nearby town or city. As the price of land has increased the value of the community has decreased. Farmers that make a living producing agriculture commodities are forced to change farming enterprises or leave farming. Many farm and forest properties are now owned by landowners with little farming experience or interest in nontraditional products and services. Rural economic development has refocused its efforts in recent years on developing entrepreneurs in the community, which leads to more sustainable economic development and less reliance on manufacturing industries that come and go with the global economy.

Program Description: Development of a rural entrepreneurship development system. Provide opportunities for individuals to explore, develop, and refine agriculture and natural resource based businesses. Rural enterprise conferences. Business development short course. Development of resources needed by entrepreneurs. Form rural economic development advisory committees or councils.

Target Audience: Southern MD Agricultural Development Commission, Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), Chesapeake Fields, Garrett-Preston Rural Development Association, Rural Development Center at UMES, local agricultural development specialists, planning and zoning boards, farmers, forest landowners, general public.

Goals: To develop an entrepreneurship development system in rural communities across the state that will create, improve, and/or diversify agriculture and natural resource based enterprises that will contribute to economically viable working lands. Maryland farmers, forest landowners, agribusinesses, forest and seafood industries will increase profits, improve employment opportunities, improve production practices while enhancing a sustainable food and fiber system. Develop a "Center for Beginning Farmers and Enterprise Development. Better coordination between local and state economic development and other service providers.

9) Aquaculture and Restoration

Situation: The importance of aquaculture for restoration and education has become increasingly significant in the Chesapeake Bay as efforts to reconstruct sustainable oyster reef and submerged aquatic vegetation habitats have attracted increasing attention of concerned citizens and interest groups. We are playing an important role in restoration and education activities, partnering with federal and state programs, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in particular, non-governmental organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Maryland’s Oyster Recovery Partnership, which has a focused mission for helping to restore oyster resources in the state for economic and ecological revitalization

Program Description: The program will include the following tasks: Development and application of strategies for aquatic plant and stormwater pond nutrient management; Continue development of captive Atlantic sturgeon broodstock supporting future spawning and stock enhancement efforts; Continue exotic species re-homing program and expand partnership efforts to expand program on a regional level; Evaluate coastal bay clam production and non-native and native oyster production; Expand training programs and materials aimed at Master Gardeners and other volunteers who can assist in broadening outreach for better management; Expand programs and materials for programs in restoration aquaculture aimed at integrating non-traditional audiences in activities; and assist in multi-state planning for the development of sustainable aquaculture production

Target Audience: Prospective producers, commercial harvesters, resource managers, students, and educators.

Goals: Best Management Practices for all aquaculture species and production systems will be developed and submitted to the Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council. Seek legislative approval and implementation as the new regulatory framework for the MD aquaculture industry.

Up to 30 nurseries and garden shops will be educated on water garden design, water quality and fish health management and aquatic plant selection and care leading to decreases fish and plant loss and increased homeowner water garden success. Natural Resource agencies, pond and housing development contractors and pond owners will be educated on the benefits of aquatic plants in reducing nutrient discharges, species selection and planting tips resulting in reduced nitrogen and phosphorus discharges form stormwater ponds. Millions of oyster spat will be produced and utilized through the network of restoration partners to conduct various restoration projects including preserves. Public, oyster restoration partners, hatchery operators and industry will be informed of current oyster hatchery management practices and see latest hatchery technology

10) Alternative Crops

Situation: The changing economic, demographic, agrarian, and political patterns have affected Maryland agriculture. Housing development pressure, coupled with the downfall of the tobacco industry in Southern Maryland, has spurred the development of alternative crops. Alternative crops and enterprises are an important source of income for Maryland farmers due to factors such as the proximity of local and regional market outlets, the diversity of Maryland’s population, and a health-conscious population looking for fresh and locally produced fruits and vegetables. In addition to traditional farmers, a growing number of non-traditional farmers, including beginning and immigrant farmers are adopting alternative agriculture enterprises. The needs and priorities of organic and sustainable growers are different from traditional vegetable and grain growers.

Program Description: Short course and training seminars for industry personnel. Conduct field trials to evaluate alternative crops. Evaluations for crop varieties, IPM, fertility, other production issues. Market investigation. 3 crop tours/twilights per year focusing on alternative crops and enterprises. Collaborate on 2 regional production and marketing conferences (MADMC, Future Harvest’s Farming for Profit and Stewardship Conference). Develop 5 organic crop enterprise budgets. Research will be conducted in the areas of high tunnel crop production, organic and ethnic vegetable production, and pumpkin production. Maryland-developed alternative crop/enterprise information will be available on the MCE website.

Target Audience: Traditional farmers, people new to agriculture community, small and part-time business owners, landowners, technicians, undergraduate and graduate students, general public, landscape architects, members of specialty production groups and associations, markets (the direct consumer or potential buyer of alternative crops), traditional farmers; small, beginning farmers.

Goals: Maryland farmers will increase profitability by incorporating alternative crops/enterprises into their businesses. Maryland farmers and forest landowners will expand markets and increase profits through adoption of alternative crops and new enterprise development. Identify potential crops and production practices to explore. Identify and engage potential collaborators including producers, researchers, and stakeholders.

11) IPM Field Crops

Situation: Insect, disease, weed, nematodes, invasive species, and cultural plant problems have the potential to cause economic and plant material loss in Maryland. The public and the agricultural community are demanding safe, effective methods to reduce this economic loss, but using methods that have minimal impact on the environment. Many in the agricultural community are adopting IPM methods, but need help expanding their efforts. Good nutrient and pest management practices impact all citizens of the state by introducing farmers to practices that not only are financially viable but also are more environmentally friendly. Currently, a great deal is known about the effect that crop management practices have upon both profitability for farmers and the impact those practices have on the environment. However, profitable crop production is faced with constantly changing challenges including commodity price fluctuations, rising input costs, changes in crop-threatening pests, introduction of new technologies, and pressures from rapid suburban growth.

Program Description: Conduct train-the-trainer programs in new technology and transfer the pest management information to growers. Continue to provide plant diagnostic and training support. Continue to write new publications. Conduct applied research on alternative control strategies. Develop a list of personnel at UMD trained in sustainable agriculture for distribution to organic and sustainable grower groups. Obtain training in new diagnostic techniques. Develop new pest management programs for mid-Atlantic area and the northeast United States.

Target Audience: Crops, crop scouts, certified crop advisors, chemical reps, industry personnel, extension faculty, Master Gardeners, farmers.

Goal: Adoption of non-chemical means of plant protection. Maryland farmers and agribusiness will put in place appropriate management practices to protect crops, maintain a sustainable agriculture system, conserve soil and water resources, and protect the environment, Develop a Maryland "Plant Protection Center."

12) IPM Green Industry

Situation: Many green industry professionals are adopting IPM methods, but need help expanding their efforts. Homeowners need education and science-based information to deal with insect and diseases with reduce health-risk methods. Both the green industry professional and the homeowner need help in pinpointing insect and disease most susceptible stages and selecting reduced risk pesticide control options. Improvement of diagnostic skills among green industry professionals is key to operating an effective IPM program. Master Gardeners and homeowners need to improve their diagnostic skills and IPM practices.

Program Description: Green industry: Short course and training seminars for industry personnel. Electronic dissemination of IPM information. Conduct field trials to evaluate low risk pesticides, biological control releases and augmentation, and alternative to chemical control methods. Conduct research on methods that reduce use of highly or moderately toxic pesticides. Pesticide safety use certification. Research in weed control strategies and disease control using bio-rational and bio-pesticides. Provide plant pest and pathogen assay and diagnostic facilities. Master Gardeners receive basic and advanced training. Extension faculty develop curriculum, resources, and products.

Target Audience: Green Industry: Arborist, landscape managers, professional grounds managers, greenhouse growers, cut flower growers, homeowners, Master Gardeners; agency personnel (MDA, MCE, USDA); certified pesticide applicators in category III, IV, IV; private pesticide applicators; technicians; undergraduate and graduate students; general public (e.g., Master Gardeners); IPM consultants; landscape architects; community gardeners; builders and developers; municipalities; federal, state, and local agencies.

Goal: Increase profitability of green industry operations. Increase diagnostic skills of Master Gardeners. Adoption of non-chemical means of plant protection. Implementation of research-based recommendations for insect, disease, and weed control using least environmentally damaging materials. Use of plan information for long-term change in management and infrastructure (strategic planning) for green industry operations in Maryland. Professionals will be able to identify invasive species, contact appropriate regulatory agencies, and take swift action to control the invasive weed, insect, or disease. Reduce pesticide accidents. Adoption of use of low risk and biological control for weed, insect, and disease control in commercial green roofs.

13) Biosecurity and Animal Health

Situation: The issue of biosecurity is extremely important to Maryland due to the significant animal industries in the state. A disease outbreak of epidemic proportion not only has economic consequences but it also has the potential to disrupt the food supply, cause significant mental duress of animal owners, create animal disposal problems, create doubt in the minds of consumers regarding food safety, halt interstate transport and shipping of animals, and prevent international trade. An inherent problem in biosecurity is that the adoption rate of preventive management practices to decrease the risk of disease transmission varies widely. Poultry and swine operations have a longer history of stressing the importance of maintaining biosecure premises for the animals whereas other commodities such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses have not stressed biosecurity as part of necessary management practices until recently. Commercial poultry and swine operations typically require a full set of rigorous biosecurity practices for workers and visitors. Only essential personnel are allowed in the animal facilities and visitors are discouraged. A much different set of expectations is found in other commodities.

Program Description: In-service training of extension professionals within Maryland Cooperative Extension, managers and caretakers of animals at the University of Maryland Research and Education Centers, campus farm, and other research facilities that handle animals. Train industry personnel including producers and farm employees, allied industry professionals, and state government employees that visit farms, fairs, auctions, or any other facility that houses domestic animals. Equip Maryland Cooperative Extension professionals with proper biosecurity materials so that we are setting an example when visiting farms, fairs, auctions, or any other animal facilities.

Target Audience: Farmers, youth, MDA, agricultural industry, small and beginning farmers, backyard livestock owners, extension faculty.

Goal: To protect the animals and plants of the state by implementing proper biosecurity management practices. Maryland farmers, agribusinesses, and citizens will increase awareness of biosecurity, plant and animal health, and implement appropriate biosecurity management practices. Develop strategic alliances with state government agencies that provide direction and resources for biosecurity emergencies.

14) Marketing Maryland Agricultural Commodities

Situation: Maryland has 1.4 million acres of land that is used for crop production. Each year, farmers producing those crops are faced with an array of weather, pest, nutrient, and other production-related impacts that can affect their profitability. Profitability is key to keeping Maryland’s agricultural land from being converted to housing developments. Maryland farmland is disappearing at an alarming rate. Commodity prices have not kept pace with production costs. To maintain profitability and sustainability, Maryland farmers need to enhance their marketing practices to elevate or enhance their net income.

Program Description: Develop educational programs to help producers better market their commodities. Develop new websites to show current prices and new strategies for marketing. Develop fact sheets and posters to transfer knowledge to producers. Conduct county and regional tours and workshops. Explore new marketing ventures. Facilitate the establishment of new farmers’ markets.

Target Audience: Farmers, producers, growers, grain marketing clubs, farmers’ markets, local economic development offices, Mid-Atlantic Direct Marketing Association.

Goals: Increase profitability and sustainability of Maryland farms. Maryland farmers, forest landowners, agribusinesses, forest and seafood industries, state governments, local communities, and private organizations will expand agribusiness opportunities.

15) Pasture Management

Situation: According to the 2002 Ag Census, 3,990 of the 12,198 Maryland farms have cattle and calves. Additionally, 655 farms have sheep and hundreds more have alpaca, llama, goat, and other grazing animals. The 2002 Maryland Equine Census documented 20,200 locations that have horses, donkeys, mules, and burros. Over 25 percent of the state’s land is devoted to forage production, much of which is devoted solely to pasture. This forage production supports 240,918 cattle and calves, 22,702 sheep, and 87,100 equine. Over the last 10 years, livestock producers have recognized the need to use pastures more effectively to decrease feed expenses, increase farm profits, and improve animal herd health. Approximately 10 percent of the dairy producers in Frederick and Washington counties, the state’s two major milk-producing counties, utilized Management Intensive Grazing (MIG). These early adopters have shared financial information with Maryland Cooperative Extension educators and have been shown to have $150 higher net farm income per cow per year as compared to conventional confinement dairy farms. The use of MIG on additional dairy farms has the potential to improve net farm profits by $16,500 per farm.

Program Description: Conduct variety trials and provide data in annual bulletins. Develop financial analysis of these pasture management system through the Annual Dairy Financial Analysis. Develop fact sheets on new strategies. Develop website for Maryland and other researched-based bulletins, fact sheets, presentation, and information. Conduct seminars, workshops and pasture walks to demonstrate pasture management techniques. Conduct individual farm consultations. Develop a series of PowerPoint presentations demonstrating techniques. Assist other extension faculty nationwide to understand intensive grazing systems by providing information in extension journals and other professional publications.

Target Audience: Individual landowners, agribusinesses, horse owners, dairy farmers, beef producers, sheep and goat producers, USDA conservationists, extension faculty.

Goals: Increase the number of farms adopting improved pasture management systems. Increase financial profitability of farms. Increase knowledge of extension faculty and other agriculture professionals of Management Intensive Grazing systems.

16) Crop Management

Situation: Profitability is key to keeping Maryland’s agricultural land from being converted to housing developments, a major threat for many of the agricultural areas of this densely populated state. Maintaining profitability for farmers by assisting them with current and appropriate information and technology is one of the objectives of Maryland Cooperative Extension (MCE). MCE’s programs for crop management are targeted primarily for the farming community. However, on a broad scale, good nutrient and pest management practices impact all citizens of the state by introducing farmers to practices that not only are financially viable but also are more environmentally friendly. There is currently a great deal known about the effect that crop management practices have upon both the profitability for farmers and the impact that those practices have on the environment. However, profitable crop production is faced with constantly changing challenges including commodity price fluctuations, rising input costs, changes in crop-threatening pests, introduction of new technologies, and pressures from rapid suburban growth. These constant changes have farmers constantly seeking the latest information so they can make the best management choices. Examples of pertinent crop management issues are Asian soybean rust, soybean aphid, roundup resistant weeds and their management, rising energy costs, nutrient management, economical and environmentally friendly manure management, new agronomic and horticultural varieties and production practices, cover crop management, and variable rate technologies for pesticides and fertilizers.

Program Description: MCE employees working in conjunction with the National Rust Monitoring System will follow the annual progression of rust spores so that farmers can be alerted of local infections or high risk for infections. Conduct research on Roundup weed resistance and transfer information to producers through fact sheets, newsletters, and workshops. Conduct applied research and educational programs on variable rate technology for pesticides and fertilizers. Develop new nutrient management strategies. Develop educational materials on how to reduce on-farm energy consumption. Develop new production practices (seeding rates, row spacing, planting dates, crop rotations, quality enhancements, post-harvest management). Develop a handbook on cover crop practices for farmers.

Target Audience: Maryland farmers; extension faculty; NRCS, MDA, Soil Conservation District personnel; Delmarva Poultry Industry; Certified Crop Advisors; Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Maryland Soybean Board; Maryland Grain Producers; Maryland Crop Improvement Association.

Goals: Producers in the state will become knowledgeable about the movement of Asian soybean rust spores and Roundup-resistant weeds and their management. Producers will become knowledgeable about new threshold levels for determining when to initiate IPM solutions for various pest and diseases. Maryland farmers will learn ways to use their nutrient management plans to not only make sure that excessive amounts of nutrients are not applied to the land, but to also manage their fertilizer applications so they can maintain farm profitability. Increase profitability of farmers.

For more information, contact Jim Hanson

Last updated: 09/27/2006

In Memoriam
Internationally known dairy cattle judge and dairy youth supporter Dr. J. Lee Majeskie of Centreville died suddenly on Friday, August 22, at the University of Maryland Hospital. He was the loving and devoted husband of Judy Alexander Majeskie. - posted Aug 29, 2008

Back to School for Cascade Users!
Students are heading back to school, so perhaps it’s time for you to brush up on your Cascade Server skills. - posted Aug 26, 2008

Attention 4-H'ers! A special invitation to the Maryland State Fair
4-H'ers are invited to visit with AGNR Academic Programs staff to learn more about the College of AGNR at the University of Maryland. Games, prizes, and more! - posted Aug 25, 2008

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