The future of agriculture lies in the hands of young, hard-working individuals passionate about sustaining and innovating the industry. Here in Maryland, young farmers are stepping up to honor generations of hard work while adapting to modern challenges. Among those dedicated farmers are Alan and Rachel Eck, who represent the ingenuity and commitment needed to keep Maryland’s farmland thriving.
Alan’s connection to agriculture began on his family’s poultry and grain farm, where he first got a taste of farm life by making straw during high school. This early experience sparked his interest in building a business, laying the foundation for a highly diverse farm. Over the years, Alan has continued to grow the straw business, cultivating strong relationships with a reliable customer base.
Alan expanded his horizons by renting chicken houses to raise poultry. This proved to be so successful that he eventually purchased the chicken houses and even constructed additional ones to meet growing demand. Not stopping at poultry, he explored raising pigs, a venture that originated as a small 4-H project as a teenager. Today, his pig business is a major component of the farm.
“We’ve always been diverse,” Alan says. “From our grain farming to livestock operations, we’ve made sure to grow a variety of products to ensure consistent cash flow and stability.”
In total, the Ecks manage a versatile farm covering 750 acres of grain fields, including hay, along with 12 bustling chicken houses and a pig operation. Their efforts to maintain a diverse range of farm activities protect the farm from the unpredictability of agriculture.
Recognizing a growing demand for locally produced greens, Alan and Rachel added a greenhouse in April 2022 to connect with a new market segment. The Ecks grow an assortment of fresh produce, including bibb lettuce, romaine, spring mix greens, kale, arugula, bok choy and even some herbs.
Alan and Rachel don’t stop at farming successes — they also support other young farmers in the state. The couple currently serves as co-chairs of Maryland’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. This committee supports individuals ages 18–35 by providing them with access to resources, education and networking opportunities. “We share our stories directly with legislators and communities, offering a platform that blends education and lobbying to benefit Maryland farmers,” he says.
The committee also hosts forums to introduce farmers to the tools and advice they need to succeed, helping beginners take meaningful first steps in their ventures. “If someone wants to do something, they’re going to make it happen,” he says. “But if they wait for it to happen, they’ll never succeed.”
The Eck’s commitment to farming was recently recognized. Together, they competed for the American Farm Bureau’s Achievement in Agriculture Award, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish among nationwide contestants.
When asked how he hopes to motivate new farmers, Alan’s advice is simple. “Hard work is everything,” he says. “You need skill, but nothing will happen without effort and dedication.”
Hungry for more? Learn more about the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. Read about another pig farm.
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