How Diversification Led Alan Eck’s Maryland Farm to Success

Like pieces of a puzzle, each part of Alan Eck’s farm operation interconnects to create a bigger picture. The 32-year-old has found success by balancing an array of commodities across Queen Anne’s County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. 

“Diversity was kind of a necessity,” Eck says. “I couldn’t sit around and wait for a grain check each fall. I needed to have those cash flows to keep the bills paid.” 

Slow Expansion

As many young farmers, access to capital has challenged Eck. He got his start bailing hay on his family farm and renting chicken houses in a nearby town. With patience, Eck grew his operation to include 430 acres of crops, 715,000 large broiler chickens, and 1,800 hogs.

It takes time to build capital to purchase land and equipment, Eck says. “You’re not going to start off grain farming thousands of acres,” he points out. “You have to start with the small things, like straw or hay.” 

Diversification Advantage

The heart of Eck’s operation lies in the broiler chickens, a staple commodity for many Eastern Shore farmers. Eck cycles the chicken manure back into producing corn, soybeans, barley, wheat, and hay. The hay and straw are then baled and sold to local customers. 

Maryland’s strict regulations around runoff and environmental impacts have helped shape Eck’s operation. 

“I grew up with these regulations, so nothing new was really thrown on me,” Eck says. “I have built my business plan around the regulations and restrictions we’re required to follow.”  

Eck also raises wheat-finished pork and hydroponic lettuce, utilizing a direct-to-consumer sales approach to take advantage of higher revenue opportunities.

Cashing in on markets with higher profits has helped balance the budget.

“Sometimes the lettuce is paying the grain bills, then the grain is paying the chicken bills, and the chickens are paying the home bills,” Eck says. 

Staying Connected

Eck and his wife, Rachel, have been involved with the Farm Bureau since graduating from high school. The couple have attended county, state, and national meetings, and currently co-chair Maryland’s Young Farmer Committee. 

Eck says sharing ideas and staying connected with other young farmers has benefited his farm and his outlook on the future. 

“I see growth,” Eck says. “The next generation does show interest, and being able to work and teach them really keep you moving.”