Farm Weeds a Hot Topic at Saturday's Public Hearing with County Delegates

The Carroll County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly held a public hearing on local legislation Saturday. There were many issues discussed including tort claims, the property tax credit and commissioner term limits. But an issue that sparked much discussion was weeds. Yes, weeds.

According to Joe Kuhn, Carroll County Farm Bureau president, the issue of unclear language in the current weed abatement law is creating confusion. The Farm Bureau and several residents are proposing a bill that according to a handout reads, Carroll County Farm Bureau requests legislation to define “bona fide agricultural purpose,’’ clarify that certain removal of weeds only needs to occur near residential properties, and provide definition for the term “residential.’’ They are also requesting clarification of general items relating to the abatement of certain public health or safety nuisances in Carroll County.

 “Last year we tried to put clarification in but for some reason the representatives never took it before the General Assembly. This year with new commissioners and a few other problems that are popping up, we are hoping that it will be dealt with,” Kuhn said.

Blaine Harman, a dairy farmer from Taneytown spoke up about his problems with the current law.

“The last two years, I have been harassed by weeds. We have several farms. One particular farm I am constantly getting notices on,” he said. “One of the things the weed ordinance states in capital letters, is weeds do not constitute a nuisance if the land the weeds are on are bona fide agricultural or land is owned by the county.’’

With the attention of the commissioners, Harman went on to say, “My farm is a farm-- a 131-acre farm. The inspectors come out, I am cited, given 15 days to do something. I have mowed three different times, each time, they told me it wasn’t enough.”

Harman continued, “The ordnance states I am exempted. I don’t know where to go to prove I am bona fide agricultural. I grow cows on the farm. I grow corn on the farm and I don’t have any answers and I don’t understand why I have to weed eat."

Kuhn said in a phone interview that the official position of the Farm Bureau is that if land is zoned agriculture, the weed abatement law shouldn’t apply.

“My understanding is that in the past this law was really to deal with problems related to abandoned homes and neighbors who just didn’t mow their lawns, it was not intended for agricultural land,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn added that this conversation has nothing to do with the Carroll County Weed Control Program that assists farmers and other landowners in the control and reduction of noxious weeds. It is the nuisance weed abatement language that is creating confusion.

“A big problem to me is that neighbors are using this against neighbors as a form of harassment. It’s unfortunate but it seems to be happening,” Kuhn lamented.

Kuhn said that in residential areas, the concern is that tall weeds can create problems with mice and ticks among other things.

In response to Harman’s comments, the delegation asked if anyone from the county could address the bill. Steve Powell, chief of staff spoke up.

“It’s exactly Mr. Harman’s case that got the Farm Bureau to work for bona fide agricultural, so we can prevent this in the future. Because of this case, the Farm Bureau and county have gotten together to clarify this language.’’

Senator Joe Getty said, “I am sure we will take a long look at this bill.”