County Introduces Farm Equipment Rental Program

Announcement emailed to Patch from Lisa Barge, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation:

In the interest of supporting agriculture business in Anne Arundel County, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) has established a Farm Equipment Rental Program.  The program provides Anne Arundel County farmers with new equipment at reasonable prices that supports a variety of farming needs while promoting conservation practices. 

The rental program is funded through an $82,000 grant from the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) with in-kind participation from T&C Farm Services.

"This new program was developed at the request of Anne Arundel County farmers seeking a more cost effective way to implement best management practices,” said County Executive John R. Leopold.  “I applaud the efforts of AAEDC to secure funds for this important agricultural program.”

The state-of-the-art rental equipment for the Farm Equipment Rental Program was selected after consulting with farmers, extension agents, and soil conservation districts to determine demand.  The program machinery covers a variety of agricultural uses and can be useful to farms of all sizes.  Particular emphasis was given to equipment that can help farmers with conservation practices to help protect natural resources and provide environmental benefits to the Chesapeake Bay.

“Farm equipment can be very expensive and cost prohibitive for farmers,” said Thomas Collinson, owner and operator of T&C Farm Services.  “This program will provide farmers an opportunity to use new equipment in a cost effective manner." 

Equipment available through this program will help farmers manage their land, control soil erosion, manage nutrients, and safeguard water quality in streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.  The trailer mounted post driver, for example, makes it easy to install fencing to keep livestock away from streams and water.  No-till planters or drills disturb less soil, reducing soil run-off while leaving a rich residue for a more optimum seed bed.  Additionally, the planters and drills make it easier for farmers to plant cover crops during the fall.  Cover crops reduce excess nutrients which through run-off can harm local water ways.  The seeders help farmers establish and maintain healthier pastures, minimizing runoff and erosion

"Farmers are doing everything they can do to continue farming, to be good stewards of the land, and to protect the Bay,” said Ike Riggs of M&M Farms in Lothian.  “This new program will provide farmers, particularly smaller farms, the opportunity to try new equipment and new farming practices, and it will help to support and promote Maryland’s cover crop program.” 

Equipment available through the Farm Equipment Rental Program includes:

•  Great Plains 12’ Turbo Till
• Great Plains 10’ No-Till Drill
• Land Pride 5’ All Purpose Seeder 
• Wheatheart Trailer Mounted Post Driver
• Land Pride 3-point Hitch Spinner Spreader
• A raised bed mulch layer will be purchased and ready for use in the Spring 2012.

The Farm Equipment Rental Program is open to all Anne Arundel County farmers.  Farmers interested in renting equipment must first contact Lisa Barge, AAEDC Agriculture Marketing and Development Manager, lbarge@aaedc.org or 410-222-7410, to complete rental agreement forms and schedule rental dates. 

The equipment is stored, serviced, and maintained at T&C Farm Services in Harwood, Maryland, where approved renters pick up and return the equipment. More information is available online at www.aaedc.org.

“The Farm Equipment Rental Program is part of the continued efforts at AAEDC to support and meet business needs,” said Robert Hannon, AAEDC president and CEO.  “Achieving best environmental practices exercised by our agriculture business community is the goal of this program.”

The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) manages and promotes agricultural development by working with state and local agencies to promote products, create new programs and educational opportunities, and expand markets for agri-business.   This program is part of the AAEDC mission to serve business needs and to increase Anne Arundel County’s economic base through job growth and investment.