By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Much of the rich farmland that existed in the Pennsylvania and Maryland area may have been swallowed up by developments, but advocates such as the Farm Grange still exist to protect those few farms that are still providing us with their bounty. 

Calvert Grange #424, a mere “stone’s throw away” from southern Chester County, was founded in 1953 in Calvert, Maryland which borders on the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware. It is the only Grange in Cecil County.

The Grange has continuously fought for the rights of farmers and rural Americans everywhere, taking hometown words and policies to the steps of Congress year after year. If not for the Granges, farmers would have had to struggle even more to get fair prices for crops, milk, livestock and other agricultural products.

Based on reports from early 2026, American farmers are experiencing significant financial pressure, with farm bankruptcies rising 46 percent year-over-year in 2025 and 76 percent of economists declaring the crop sector in a recession. Despite federal aid, many face challenges from trade war tariffs impacting exports and rising costs, although some sectors have received billions in emergency assistance.

Tariffs have continued to disrupt international markets, particularly for soybean farmers, with some major buyers stopping purchases. When that happens it may hurt the farmer for years because those buyers will find other sellers.

Making a living off of farming has become increasingly difficult. Net farm income is forecasted to decline, with soaring costs for fertilizer and fuel. As of the end of March 2026, the ongoing war with Iran has caused major fertilizer shortages and soaring costs, with U.S. farmers facing a projected 2 million ton shortage this spring due to blockades in the Persian Gulf. The crisis is fueled by disrupted supplies of critical nutrients (nitrogen, urea) that are vital for spring planting, particularly for corn.

Although farming and agriculture has changed tremendously in recent years, Granges continue to be a vital part of the entire community. It is impressive to see how active this particular grange continues to be and how it still serves the people of Cecil County.

Eleanor Cline, the president of the Calvert Grange said, “The grange continues to welcome new members and continues to maintain the building, which includes a new HVAC system. We have plans for more improvements in this building which serves people from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware.”

Cline added, “Upkeep isn’t cheap but we feel we provide a great venue, for meetings, for family functions, plus yard sales and craft shows.”

One thing that brings crafters to this grange is being able to buy beautiful yarns or felting wool that come directly from local sheep, llamas, and alpacas.

If this hasn’t piqued your interest, the Calvert Grange will be selling food and beverages inside during the events.

The first yard sale of the year is coming up on April 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sales will take place inside and outside. Another yard sale will take place on August 15, when there will be a back-to-school theme to the sale.

Craft shows are scheduled for November 7 and December 5, with the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note all crafts that are being sold must be made by the seller.

For more information on joining the grange, reserving the venue or signing up for events, go to calvertgrange.org.

“We are always looking for new members,” Cline said. “The grange is a great family experience and resource, plus we help farmers.”