Maryland #1 in Farmland Preservation

It's official: last year, Maryland conserved more acres of farmland than any other state! With 13,343 acres preserved in 2022, we are taking steps to ensure the long-term viability of family farms. This was accomplished, in part, thanks to vital farmland preservation programs.

This is a great step towards accomplishing the state's Chesapeake Bay goal of conserving and preserving over 1 million acres of productive agricultural land by 2030. The Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation has played a large role in this, having been 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. To get involved with these programs or to see the current acreage totals, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture website.

DCA College Scholarships

In 2024, the Delmarva Chicken Association is offering undergraduate scholarships of $2,000 and graduate scholarships of $3,000. Applications may be downloaded here and are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024. Late, incomplete, or handwritten applications will not be considered. Submit applications to:

Delmarva Chicken Association

College Scholarship Program

16686 County Seat Highway

Georgetown, DE 19947

Remember to include:

• Completed application

• Transcript

• Proof of college acceptance (for high school seniors)

• Academic advisor or faculty reference

Visit dcachicken.com/scholarship for further details and eligibility requirements.

Tyler Rill elected to Maryland Soybean Board

The Maryland Soybean Board recently held elections for its 2023-2024 Board of Directors and welcomed Tyler Rill of Hampstead to the board. Rill comes to the board with deep familial ties to soybean production and marketing. Grandson of Donald Lippy of the original Lippy Brothers, Rill manages the farm’s soybean export division as well as their seed division, County Line Ag.

“I am eager to represent Maryland soybean growers and learn more about the investments of the soybean checkoff by serving on the board,” says Rill.

Rill was able to get an early introduction to the work of the soy checkoff this summer prior to joining the board, by participating in the United Soybean Board’s “See for Yourself” program. Through the program, he had the opportunity to join other soybean grower-leaders from across the country in meeting with customers and visiting with ports, crush facilities, and aquaculture farms in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore.

“The word ‘awesome’ tends to be overused but having the opportunity to be in Southeast Asia and seeing for myself how U.S. Soy plays an important role in global food security is truly awesome,” remarked Rill on the trip.

Rill fills the seat of retiring Maryland Soybean Board Director Randy Stabler of Brookeville. Eddie Boyle of Cordova and Steve Walter of Hughesville were also re-elected to fill the Upper Shore and Southern Maryland positions on the Board, respectively. Chairman Joshua Appenzeller of Sudlersville, Vice Chairman Eddie Boyle, and Treasurer Curt Lambertson of Stockton were then re-elected as officers.

Partially reprinted courtesy of morningagclips.com

Delaware Ag Week January 8-11

Plus, you'll be able to earn credits for pest management, nutrient management, and Certified Crop Advising for Delaware and Maryland. This event is possible thanks to the Delaware Department of Agriculture, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, and Delaware State University Cooperative Extension. 

Monday, January 8 - Thursday, January 11: 

Full Week Event Schedules

Farm Spotlight
Dickerson Farm in Laurel, DE

The Dickerson Family

Adam Dickerson, pictured above sitting with his wife and children, is a 6th generation farmer living in Laurel, Delaware. His family, including parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews all live within a few miles of one another, many even within sight of the main farm house. The farm has produced a primary crop since it all began over a century ago: watermelon. Adam's father, Wayne Dickerson, recalls how things have changed over the years. He notes that farming has gotten much easier during the length of his career thanks to technological advancements. In recent years, Adam has taken the farm to a whole new level with the addition of a packing shed. Adam's children -- all under 10 with one on the way -- already have their own ideas for the future of the farm. Sawyer, the oldest son, has his eye on a new granary!

It's clear that the Dickerson farm is a family effort. Adam's mother, Doris, shared that while Adam and his brothers were growing up, they once harvested 10 acres of watermelon themselves as a family. Each grandchild of the new generation is well versed in the tools and goings-on at the farm, and Adam's siblings are only ever a call away for help. With such a close-knit village, the Dickersons take the struggles of any farm in stride. Weather and COVID have created worry during seasons past, but Adam is proud that he and his family have always pulled through with hard work and determination -- and oftentimes end up having a great season despite the challenges!

Additional Poultry Houses

Adam and the Dickerson 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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