Stablers are welcomed into Md. Ag Hall of Fame

GLEN BURNIE, Md. — Gov. Martin O’Malley and Agriculture Secretary Earl “Buddy” Hance inducted Bob and Drew Stabler of Montgomery County into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame on Feb. 2, making the farming brothers the 43rd family to receive the honor.
The induction was made before more than 700 agricultural leaders and legislators from across the state during the annual “Taste of Maryland” agriculture event.
“It is my honor to stand beside the Stabler brothers tonight to recognize their outstanding accomplishments, commitment and contributions to agriculture, family, resource conservation and community,” O’Malley said. “They represent, not just the best in agriculture and environmental stewardship, but also in business innovation.
“For more than 50 years and eight generations, the Stablers have been among the first to adapt to new equipment and try new technologies.
“We count on their continued partnership as we continue to keep Maryland smart, green and growing.”
The Stabler brothers began farming with their father in 1958, building their grain and cattle farm into a 4,000 acre operation.
In 2001, to simplify estate planning, Drew retired from the family’s Pleasant Valley Farm and began Sunny Ridge Farm with his son David and Bob’s son-in-law Fred Lechlider, growing corn, wheat, soybeans and cattle on 1,800 acres. Bob and his son, Randy, continue to run Pleasant Valley Farm raising corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and cattle on 2,650 acres.
The brothers still share knowledge and work together to keep both farms going.
Throughout their careers, the Stablers have consistently embraced new technology and best management practices.
They were among the earliest adopters of no-till planting in the 1970s when they began using split-nitrogen applications on corn in 1975 which helps them use nitrogen more efficiently.
They also have installed critical area buffers and waterways when needed and they have constructed fertilizer and pesticide loading and containment structures — including animal waste systems on both of their farms.
Most recently, Sunny Ridge has worked with an agronomist on groundbreaking greenseeker research to improve nitrogen efficiency in corn production.
And Pleasant Valley became the first farm in the county to fly on mid to late season fungicide applications for control of Gray Leaf Spot and other corn diseases.
Both farms have become a must-see stop on farm tours for both student and agriculture professional as they have established a solid reputation for operating a clean, well managed and highly productive farm.
Along with O’Malley and Hance, praise for the Stabler brothers came from peers as well.
“Drew and Bob Stabler are recognized in Montgomery County as leaders in beef cattle breeding, grain production, soil conservation, agriculture land preservation, and environmental stewardship,” said Lonnie Luther, president of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and a Damascus, Md., farmer. “The Stabler families are involved in all aspects of agriculture, including Montgomery County Fair, Maryland State Fair, local 4-H Clubs, Livestock Clubs, Maryland Beef Cattlemen’s Association, Maryland Farm Bureau, Maryland Corn Growers Association, advisory committees and commissions.”
A complete list of the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame members is available online at www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/aghall.pdf.