2018 ASHS Annual Conference

The productive long-term partnership between the University of Maryland Extension and Butler’s Orchard began more than 60 years ago after the loss of a peach crop and the subsequent recommendation to consider a pick your own operation for strawberries. The establishment of an Agriculture Reserve in Montgomery County, Maryland in 1980 helped to protect important agricultural land from urban encroachment. It enabled the Butlers to expand from 60 acres to a 280-acre commercial farm that is a short drive from the Washington, D.C. metro area. Over the years, they have established a strong base of repeat local customers who come to the farm for everything from Christmas trees, to fresh fruit and vegetables. But it is also a destination farm for tourists also seeking agritainment. They currently have 17 ac. blueberries, 15 ac. strawberries, along with cherries, raspberries, blackberries and many other crops for pick your own harvest. In the summer, they employ over 150 people. They also source other products (e.g., milk, eggs, peaches, apples) from local producers in the county. Mr. Butler’s three adult children represent a third generation of this family farm. The Butlers support other growers in the region by hosting the Young Growers Alliance tours, participating as a scouting site for spotted wing drosophila with UMD Extension, and engaging with UMD Ag. Law on a produce traceability program. Over the years, they have partnered with UMD Extension on various research and demonstration projects including the evaluation of fungicide resistance of Botrytis and the possibility of using regulated-deficit irrigation. Mr. Butler is serving his second term as President of the Maryland State Horticultural Society. He and Dr. Chris Walsh will share additional details about the important mutual benefits they have experienced by partnering over the years.