Building Southern Maryland’s Future Together

A Regional Win Years in the Making

As Chairman of the Tri‑County Council representing Charles County, I’ve had the privilege of seeing what strong regional partnerships can accomplish. When we work together — government, agricultural leaders, local families, and community partners — we can move mountains.

One of the clearest examples of that collaboration is our work with the Tri‑County Council for Southern Maryland and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC). Together, we’ve helped bring something to our region that has been needed for a very long time:

USDA retail meat processing capacity right here in Southern Maryland.

This isn’t just a policy win. It’s a community win — one that strengthens our agricultural economy, supports local producers, and keeps our food supply chain resilient and local.

Why This Matters for Our Community

For years, Southern Maryland farmers have had to travel long distances for USDA‑certified processing. That meant higher costs, fewer options, and limited opportunities to get local products onto local shelves.

Now, that changes.

With USDA retail processing available locally:

• Producers have more control over how their livestock is processed and sold

• Local retailers and restaurants gain access to fresh, locally raised meats

• Our food supply chain becomes stronger and more self‑reliant

• Jobs and economic activity grow right here in our region

This is what it looks like when regional collaboration delivers real, tangible benefits for real people.

The Stauffer Family: A Story of Determination

Behind this milestone is a family whose dedication inspires me: the Stauffers of Stauffer’s Butcher Barn.

I’ve watched their journey for years. They started with a vision and a barn — and a newborn in a stroller being pushed up the driveway during renovations. They worked late nights, balanced family life with growing demand, and leaned on friends, tradesmen, agricultural partners, and loyal customers who believed in them.

Their perseverance paid off.

Today, they can proudly stamp their products:

“U.S. Inspected and Passed by the Department of Agriculture.”

That stamp represents opportunity — not just for their family, but for farmers, retailers, and consumers across Southern Maryland.

What This Means Moving Forward

For Farmers

You now have a local option for USDA retail processing — saving time, reducing costs, and opening new markets.

For Local Businesses

Restaurants, retailers, and markets can now source USDA‑certified local meats from right here at home.

For Families

You’ll soon have access to fresh, locally raised and processed meats through an on‑site farm stand and expanded retail options.

For Our Regional Economy

This project supports skilled jobs, strengthens agricultural infrastructure, and keeps more dollars circulating within Southern Maryland.

Partnership in Action

The Tri‑County Council and SMADC played a key role in helping this vision move forward. But the real credit belongs to the producers, tradesmen, financial partners, and community members who believed in this mission from the beginning.

This is the model I believe in:

government working hand‑in‑hand with our agricultural community to build something lasting.

The Momentum Continues

This milestone is just the beginning.

Stauffer’s Butcher Barn is preparing to:

• Expand wholesale offerings

• Open an on‑site farm stand

• Increase inventory and processing capacity

• Continue supporting local livestock producers

And as a region, we’re not slowing down. The Tri‑County Council and SMADC remain committed to strengthening agricultural infrastructure and supporting the families who keep our agricultural heritage alive.

A Stronger Future, Built Together

Southern Maryland has always been proud of its agricultural roots. With new processing capacity, new opportunities, and renewed collaboration, those roots are growing even stronger.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished — and even more excited for what comes next.