In rough numbers, Maryland had about 4,000 dairy farms in 1970. That number dropped to 3,000 in 1980; 2,000 by 1990; and about 1,000 at the turn of the century. Today, there are fewer than 650 dairy farms in the state.

There seems to be no united front within the industry to battle the economic forces that have taken such a big toll on farms and to ensure consumers of a continuing source of fresh, local milk.

Read (Baltimore Sun)