Agriculture in Maryland
ZIP codes in our Maryland data
USDA hardiness zones present
Agriculture is Maryland's largest commercial industry, and farming remains a defining part of the state's rural landscape from the Eastern Shore to the western mountains. Its location along the Chesapeake Bay and near major East Coast markets gives growers strong access to buyers, while also placing a high priority on soil and water stewardship. For gardeners and small farmers, the state offers a mild, productive climate suited to a wide range of crops.
Farming in Maryland
Poultry, especially broiler chickens raised on the Eastern Shore, is Maryland's single largest farm product and drives much of the state's grain production. Corn, soybeans, and wheat are the leading field crops, and a substantial share of that grain is grown as feed for the poultry industry. Maryland also has a strong greenhouse, nursery, and ornamental horticulture sector, along with dairy, beef cattle, and a notable equine industry centered on Thoroughbred breeding. Vegetables and fruits such as sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelons, and apples round out a diverse mix of specialty crops.
Climate and growing conditions
Maryland has a humid climate that ranges from humid subtropical along the Chesapeake Bay and lower Eastern Shore to cooler, more continental conditions in the western Appalachian highlands. The frost-free growing season runs roughly 140 to 150 days in the western mountains and can exceed 200 days in the warmer coastal and southern areas. USDA hardiness zones span from about 5b in far western Garrett County to 8a near the coast, with most of the state falling in zones 6b to 7b.
Major agricultural products
- Broiler chickens (poultry)
- Corn for grain
- Soybeans
- Dairy and milk
- Greenhouse and nursery products
- Wheat
- Beef cattle
- Vegetables such as sweet corn, tomatoes, and watermelons
Hardiness zones in Maryland
Growers in Maryland fall across these USDA plant hardiness zones (by number of ZIP codes in our data):
Local weather & frost dates in Maryland
Open any location for its live forecast, frost dates, and planting calendar:
Counties in Maryland
Browse local growing conditions, hardiness zones, and weather by county (24 counties):
Market prices & data for Maryland
State overviews combine hardiness-zone data from our ZIP database with public USDA market reports and NOAA climate normals. For farm-level decisions, consult your state's Cooperative Extension service. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.