Lippy Brothers Incorporated is a third generation family farming operation in north central Maryland. They farm over 10,000 acres, growing corn, soybeans, snap beans, wheat, barley, and hay. They have proven to be influential leaders in agriculture since the early 1950's. Their use of state-of-the-art equipment and best management practices have landed them in various publications, including Top Producer.

It was no surprise that this innovative farming operation saw an opportunity to maintain their bottom line while enhancing the environment through the Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Located in the beautiful Piedmont region of Maryland characterized by rolling hills, small fields, and a growing population, Lippy Brothers is constantly challenged to find new ways to remain economically viable while providing outstanding stewardship to the land.

In 2001, Lippy Brothers decided to enroll in the CREP program as a way of removing less productive lands from their farming operation and providing a riparian buffer from chemicals and runoff for their farm's streams and wetlands.

"We have seen our production per acre increase on the farms enrolled in CREP," said Brad Rill, Vice President and family member. "The removal of less desirable land from production has increased our efficiency and at the same time provided benefits to the land and water."

The Lippy family is delighted with the results and has since added more land to CREP for a total of 279 acres of buffers. In addition to recognizing the water benefits and reduction in soil erosion, the Lippys are optimistic that the riparian buffers they have installed are benefiting wildlife.

"The buffers have provided a habitat for white tail deer that inhabit this area of the state," said Mr. Rill, "and we feel that having the buffers keeps the deer out of the fields. That has increased our production as well. We are hopeful that the warm season grasses we have planted will increase the population of low nesting birds."

The rolling hills of Carroll County provide a backdrop for CRP introduced grasses and legumes that surround this pond.

Kelly Hereth, FSA County Executive Director for Carroll County, Maryland, and Brad Rill of Lippy Brothers Inc., examine warm season grasses in a filter strip funded through Maryland's CREP program.