H5N1 Avian Flu Concerns Grow on Delmarva

Farmers, you're already well aware of what's been dominating the agricultural news lately: H5N1, HPAI, Avian Flu, or Bird Flu. Whatever you prefer to call it, it comes around annually — but this year feels different. This is the first winter since the first animal-to-human transmission was detected in April of 2024. It also reached more farms than usual, and with terrifying speed -- nearly every day in January there was news of its arrival in county after county on Delmarva.

Unfortunately, since the avian flu has a nearly 100% fatality rate in chickens. Once the illness is introduced to a house, depopulation becomes inevitable. While it is unfortunate (both for the birds and for the business), it's the only way to stop the spread to other nearby farms.

While all of this is pretty disturbing — especially for our poultry farmers — there is (relatively) good news. There hasn't been any human-to-human transmission detected. The risk of the general public contracting the virus is extremely low; the people who have gotten the Avian Flu have been in close contact with infected birds. And lastly, preventative measures (click here) can help reduce the likelihood of H5N1 reaching your broiler houses.

Maryland Permanently Preserves Another 788 Acres of Farm Land on the Eastern Shore

The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved four new easements through the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation during their December 18th meeting, closing out a successful calendar year for the program. This initiative aims to permanently protect approximately 788 acres of prime farmland across the Dorchester, Kent, and Talbot counties, for an investment of more than $3 million.

“Farmers who commit their land to preservation play a crucial role in the future of agriculture in Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Their dedication to protecting prime farmland not only supports local communities but also ensures the resources needed for a thriving agricultural economy. This commitment is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of Maryland’s agriculture.”  

The Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation was established in 1977 as part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The foundation purchases agricultural preservation easements from willing farmers to forever protect prime farmland and woodland. The newly approved easements will help maintain the agricultural landscape of the state while bolstering efforts to promote local food production and sustain rural livelihoods. 

To view a list of the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements broken down by county, see this chart. Having already achieved the 30% by 2030 goal as outlined in the Maryland the Beautiful Act as passed in the 2023 Session by the Maryland General Assembly, the newly-approved easements will help the state meet the next goal of conserving 40% of state land by 2040. 

Reprinted courtesy of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Farm Family of the Year: the Clifton Murray Family, PepUp Customers Since 1998

The Clifton Murray family was named Farm Family of the Year by the Delaware Farm Bureau! Clifton “Bud” Murray began farming at a young age alongside his father, C.A. Murray, and his two younger brothers, Carlton and Jay Murray. Together, they grew crops and raised hogs. Clifton furthered his passion for agriculture through active participation in FFA and by earning a degree in Agriculture from the University of Delaware.

Murray has received numerous awards in recognition of his commitment to the industry, including the Friend of Extension Award, the Service to Agriculture Award, and the Governor’s Conservation Award. In addition to his agricultural achievements, he served as mayor of Selbyville for 30 years.

While presenting the award, Connor Vincent praised the Clifton Murray family as “a cornerstone of the neighborhood” and noted their humility and dedication to helping others.

Reprinted courtesy of the Delaware Farm Bureau.

Kris Carpenter Recognized by Association Of Eastern Virginia Agricultural Producers

Left to right: Luke, Kris, Pam, & Brad Carpenter

Local farmer Kris Carpenter was recognized on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 for his 51-year long career in agriculture across Northampton and Accomack counties. He received a plaque of appreciation at the ceremony, presented by the Association of Eastern Virginia Agricultural Producers, Inc.

On the left in the PepUp hat, you may recognize his son Luke Carpenter -- he's our Assistant District Manager in Virginia.

Congratulations, Kris and the Carpenter family! You can watch the full presentation here.

55th Annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Event

The 55th annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture event will take place on February 6th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.. at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover. PepUp is a proud sponsor of this event, which hopes to strengthen the relationship between agricultural leaders and key lawmakers. Enjoy an hors d'oeuvre buffet plus beer, wine, and spirit tastings, all courtesy of Maryland's agricultural industry. Educational grants will be awarded during the program; the capstone of the night will be introducing the latest inductee to the Agriculture Hall of Fame. This is one you won't want to miss!

Agriculture Week @ Delmarva Discovery Museum

Looking to introduce someone in your life to the wonders of agriculture? Agriculture Week at the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City, Maryland from February 18-22 may be the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether your little one wants to learn to farm just like Dad or if your mother-in-law would love a hands-on experience with agriculture, there's something for all ages. 

Activities will include sheep hide tanning, how to successfully start seeds, the basics of beekeeping, botanical printing of silk scarves, foraging for fungi, and even a soap making class. Events are registered separately, so you can pick and choose what's of interest to you and your family.

Farm Spotlight
Brinsfield Family Farm - Vienna, MD

Balvin Brinsfield III with his son and grandson on the family farm

In Vienna, Maryland, Balvin Brinsfield III and his son, Josh, are running a small farm that's been in the family for generations. Balvin Brinsfield Sr. purchased the land in the 1930's. Back then, it was a dairy farm with 70-80 milk cows, along with the crops needed to feed them. As the decades have gone by, the farm has transformed to now primarily produce other crops, with just a few cows (pictured below) remaining on the farm. In total, the family now has about 550 acres, of which 290 are used for crowing corn; 165 for growing soybeans; and 65 for growing string beans. As third and fourth generation stewards of the land, the family feels fortunate to be exactly what they are: a small operation passed down generationally.

Balvin notes that for farmers just trying to get their start in this day and age, the biggest challenge will be the price — of everything. The local farm land has garnered the interest of billionaire investors, raising the prices dramatically over the last 15 years. In addition, the prices of equipment and day-to-day costs have skyrocketed, while the going rate for grains remains stagnant. The financial challenge of getting started, combined with the ever-unpredictable weather, makes farming quite the commitment for beginners. As Josh shared that Balvin told him repeatedly as he was growing up, "you better love it".

Fortunately, Balvin has sons and grandsons invested in farm life. His son, Josh, is already learning the ropes of owning and managing the operation. Even with eyes on the future, they prefer the smaller size of their farm for now. Expanding would bring so many challenges: increases in staffing, time, and expenses. At the size it is now, the family can support themselves for generations. And the love Balvin spoke of is there — Josh and his nephew extolled the perks of farming: being their own boss, watching crops grow, and enjoying the outdoors every single day. What more could you ask for?

Balvin and the Brinsfield family, thank you for taking the time to connect with us. We are grateful you have allowed us to learn and share the history of your family farm.

Thank you for being a loyal PepUp customer!

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