Howard County Farm Bureau

Howard County has a diverse agricultural industry that combines traditional farming with specialty crop production. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the county has 345 farms covering 37,639 acres, with a total market value of agricultural products sold of $29.6 million. Crop production accounts for approximately 89% of agricultural sales, while livestock and livestock products make up the remaining 11%. The county's leading field crops are soybeans, corn, hay, wheat, and barley, while nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod production are among the highest-value agricultural commodities. Livestock production includes cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, goats, and hogs. Howard County's agricultural community is supported by an active membership through the Howard County Farm Bureau, whose members advocate for agriculture, provide educational opportunities, and promote youth involvement through programs such as Junior Showmanship, 4-H, and FFA. The county is also recognized for balancing a strong agricultural heritage with its proximity to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, making farmland preservation and agricultural education important priorities. Despite increasing development pressures, Howard County farmers continue to diversify their operations through agritourism, direct-to-consumer marketing, and value-added agricultural enterprises while preserving the county's rich farming tradition.