Farms for Sale in Maryland

Maryland Farms for Sale

Maryland’s mild climate and central location on the East Coast make it an ideal place for agriculture. Over the last centuries, Maryland has emerged as a haven for farmers – and agriculture has become one of its most profitable industries! Maryland’s early colonists learned much about farming in the area from the Native Americans who settled there to take advantage of the climate and soil, and the industry expanded from there into Maryland’s flourishing agriculture industry today. Recently, the state government’s extensive work to promote Maryland agriculture has drawn new farmers to the area, but the demand for local products continues to grow. If you’re considering entering the agriculture industry, Maryland farms for sale offer the perfect opportunity to join a thriving market in a supportive environment! 

Maryland’s Long History of Agriculture

Agriculture has played a critical role in Maryland’s growth and development since the state’s founding in 1634. In the early days of the British colony, tobacco quickly emerged as a cash crop that put the state on the map. What, fruits, vegetables, and corn also thrived and provided consistent food sources for the state and beyond. By the time of the Revolutionary War, Maryland was the primary source of flour for the Continental Army. Because of this, the state’s Eastern Shore earned the nickname “Breadbasket of the Revolution.” This was the beginning of Maryland’s venture into grains, which quickly became the primary crop that the state exported throughout the country, and even the primary provider of grains to the country. 

Farming in Maryland Today

Today, Maryland farms have diversified and produce dairy, livestock, honey, poultry, and wine grapes in addition to crops. Agriculture has emerged as the biggest commercial industry in the state, and employs a stunning 350,000 people. In total, agriculture contributes about $8.25 billion to the state’s economy each year. Farming is also the largest single use of land in Maryland, with more than 2 million acres devoted to agriculture, which is almost a third of the state’s total land area. Maryland farms for sale provide the chance to find affordable land in a place where crops and livestock have thrived for centuries. 

The Benefits of Farming in Maryland

There are so many benefits to buying a Maryland farm for sale. Maryland is known as “Little America” because it’s diverse population and landscape reflect the diversity of the nation as a whole. This diversity allows Maryland land to support many different kinds of farms, from livestock operations to farms that specialize in a specific crop. With more than 12,000 farms producing agricultural commodities on 2 million acres, agriculture is by far Maryland’s largest commercial industry. Part of the key is Maryland’s location: close to population centers, Maryland’s farms find it easy to ship their products, market to individuals and stores, and promote agricultural tourism. 

A significant benefit to choosing to farm in Maryland is the amazing and unique soil. The state actually has a state soil, called Sassafras, found across much of the state’s acreage. This soil is the oldest soil series in the nation and it has even been designated as a Benchmark and Hall of Fame soil series because of its high quality. With nearly 500,000 acres of this soil in the state, it’s not hard to find a Maryland farm for sale with this unique and special soil. Sassafras has been classified as prime soil for farming because its high nutrients and drain-ability allow for high production. 

Maryland’s incredible Sassafras soil paired with its mild climate make it a haven for a diverse array of agricultural commodities. Especially for a small state, Maryland’s high production of poultry as well as an array of crops and floriculture is impressive. Maryland’s farms are as diverse as its people, with over 100 organic farms and over 1,000 farms with renewable energy-producing systems (including solar panels, geo-exchange systems, and wind turbines).

Maryland’s Top Agricultural Commodities

There is a huge diversity in Maryland’s agricultural commodities. Here are some of the top money-makers on Maryland farms. 

• Livestock including beef, hogs, and turkeys
• Broilers (5 to 12-week-old chickens)
• Dairy products and eggs
• Vegetables including corn and tomatoes
• Greenhouse and nursery products
• Soybeans
• Grains including wheat and barley
• Hay
• Tobacco