Frederick County, MD

Frederick County with its 664.8 square miles is the largest county in Maryland. It makes up the northern extent of the Washington metropolitan region. Its beautiful landscape is dominated by rural scenes varying from lush, rolling farmlands to towering, tree-covered mountain slopes. Though the counties past has been one based primarily upon and agricultural economy an rural living, its heritage and uniquely beautiful and fertile landscapes is now being pressured by the growth emanating form the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas.

Frederick County’s rich natural and cultural heritage has been an important aspect of the high quality of life enjoyed in the county as well as a source of pride to its residents. Farmers, long-time residents, and recent arrivals all recognize that Frederick’s natural and cultural heritage is an important element which contributes to the County’s desirable and unique character.

Agricultural Acreage in 2007: 202,087 acres
Number of Farms: 1,442
Number of Farm Markets: 11
http://www.frederickfarmfresh.com/
Top three to five Agricultural Products: Milk & other dairy products, hay, cattle & calves, corn, and soybeans.

Total Local Economic Contribution of Agriculture:

• Revenue from agriculture: $127,034,000
• Revenue per farm average $88,095
• Crop sales $35,903,000 (28%)
• Livestock Sales $ 91,130,000 (72%) (Source: 2007 Agriculture Census)

Other Farm-Related Products or Activities in the County:Wineries, pick-your-own farms, orchards, petting zoos & pumpkin patches

Agricultural Lands protected: 41,638 acres (Source: Frederick County Planning and Zoning Commission)

Principal Agricultural Contacts:

Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Colby Ferguson
Business Development Specialist
(301) 600-3037
cferguson@fredco-md.net

Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Frederick County
Timothy J. Blaser
Program Administrator
(301) 600-2513
tblaser@fredco-md.net

Frederick County Cooperative Extension:
Stanley Fultz, Senior Agent & County Extension Director:
301-600-3578
sfultz@umd.edu

Maryland Farm Bureau Representatives:
Thomas Browning, County President

Kellie Wilson, County Secretary
Box 3340
Frederick, MD 21705
(301) 473-1666
kwilson@mafc.com