Hank SuchtingReistertown, MD
Hank Suchting
Baltimore County Soil Conservation District
Reisterstown, Maryland
As a first-generation farmer since 1973, Hank Suchting, along with his wife Doreen, raised Angus cattle, hay and grain in Reisterstown, Maryland on 950 acres. Hank produced corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and hay through no-till practices and raised 40 Angus brood cows in a cow-calf operation.
With these crops and livestock, Suchting used a handful of conservation practices to produce a plentiful harvest. For his livestock, streaming crossings, spring-fed water troughs and exclusion fencing from streams ensured improved herd health and water quality. Livestock were rotated through intensive grazing areas and were properly managed in the barnyard on a heavy use feeding area, where manure was collected and stored. Crop fields were completely no-till, and Suchting used grass waterways to optimize his water quality and soil health goals.
When not on the farm, Suchting was an active member in the agriculture community. He served on the Board of Directors for Southern States Co-op. Suchting was a member of the Maryland Angus Association for 50 years. Through this organization, the members voted Branchwater Farms as Breeder of the Year, Exhibitor of the Year and Family of the Year in years past. Furthermore, Suchting was a member of the 3rd Gunpowder Farmers Club and volunteered a large amount of his time to the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District, where he presided as the vice-chairman.
Hank Suchting passed away on November 13, 2022.