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Maryland Farm Bureau Announces Scholarship Winners

Maryland Farm Bureau Announces Scholarship Winners
Recipients focus on future careers in the ag community

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (May 26, 2022) — Maryland Farm Bureau is proud to announce some future leaders in agriculture representing farming backgrounds, by way of its scholarship recipients of 2022. Three scholarships were awarded to Maryland students pursuing academic degrees in food, agriculture and/or natural resources disciplines, and two scholarships were awarded to students pursuing degrees in other academic disciplines or minoring in food, agriculture, and/or natural resources.

The five scholarships, each valued at $2,000, were awarded to Rosalie McGuirk of Bel Air, Mackenzie Ridenour of Hagerstown, Marissa Roberts of Taneytown, Courtney Schrader of Earleville, and Lynne Thomas of Fallston. Recipients or their parents/guardians are members of Maryland Farm Bureau. Selection was made by a scholarship committee designated by Maryland Farm Bureau.

Applicants were required to write an essay answering the following question: Studies show more farmers and farm families are experiencing stress and mental health issues. What can farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau do to proactively promote good mental health in both themselves and their communities?

“Maryland Farm Bureau is excited to support up-and-coming contributors to agricultural communities,” said Wayne Stafford, Maryland Farm Bureau president. “We know these student members, or children of Farm Bureau members, have the background and motivation to contribute to the farming economy and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”

The scholarship awardees are:

  • Rosalie McGuirk of Harford County Farm Bureau is a high school senior at John Carroll High School in Bel Air, Maryland. She will be a college freshman in the fall, with plans to major in Animal Science.
  • Mackenzie Ridenour of Washington County Farm Bureau is a freshman at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
  • Marissa Roberts of Carroll County Farm Bureau is a senior at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She is majoring in Sports Management.
  • Courtney Schrader of Cecil County Farm Bureau is a senior at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland. She is majoring in Business Management and Communications.
  • Lynne Thomas of Baltimore County Farm Bureau is a senior at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. She is majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education.

For more information about the scholarship program at Maryland Farm Bureau and within Maryland’s county Farm Bureaus, please visit www.mdfarmbureau.com/scholarships.

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MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 10,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. www.mdfarmbureau.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amber Pearson | Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications)
573.268.6853 | amber@tsncommunications.com

MARYLAND FARM BUREAU ENDORSES LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES

Maryland Farm Bureau Endorses Legislative Candidates
MDFB-vetted candidates to put farmers, agriculture first

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (June 8, 2022) — In preparation for the July primary election, the Maryland Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC) announces its endorsement of candidates for the Maryland General Assembly. Each election, the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) PAC looks at incumbent voting records, reviews candidate questionnaires, and solicits recommendations from county Farm Bureau organizations to determine candidates who are friends of Maryland agriculture.

“There is very real support needed to run for office, so when a candidate who wants to do what’s best for farmers steps up, we need to help them get elected,” said Michael Calkins, MDFB PAC chair. “Protecting a farmer’s ability to farm is part of Maryland Farm Bureau’s mission. These candidates have a track record of standing up for laws preserving our rural or agricultural livelihoods.”

As agricultural production, processing and distribution contribute greatly to our state’s economy, tax base and workforce, MDFB endorses the following candidates in order to help preserve agricultural and rural careers and ways of life:

SENATE:
District 1, Mike McKay
District 2, Paul D. Corderman
District 3, Jay Mason
District 4, William “Bill” Folden
District 5, Justin Ready
District 6, Johnny Ray Salling
District 7, J. B. Jennings
District 8, Katherine Klausmeier
District 9, Katie Fry Hester
District 10, Ben Brooks
District 11, Shelly Hettleman
District 13, Guy Guzzone
District 14, Craig J. Zucker
District 15, Brian J. Feldman
District 16, Susan C. Lee
District 20, Will Smith
District 23, Ron Watson
District 26, C. Anthony Muse
District 27, Michael A. Jackson
District 29, Jack Bailey
District 30, Sarah Elfreth
District 31, Bryan W. Simonaire
District 32, Pamela Beidle
District 33, Dawn D. Gile
District 34, Mary Ann Lisanti
District 35, Jason C. Gallion
District 36, Stephen S. Hershey, Jr.
District 38, Mary Beth Carozza
District 39, Nancy J. King
District 41, Jill P. Carter
District 42, Chris West
District 43, Mary Washington
District 45, Cory V. McCray
District 46, Bill Ferguson

HOUSE:
District 1A, Jim Hinebaugh, Jr.
District 1B, Jason C. Buckel
District 1C, Terry L. Baker
District 2A, William Valentine
District 2A, William Joseph Wivell
District 2B, Brenda J. Thiam
District 3, Ken Kerr
District 4, Barrie S. Ciliberti
District 4, April Fleming Miller
District 4, Jesse T. Pippy
District 5, April Rose
District 5, Scott Jendrek
District 5, Sallie B. Taylor
District 6, Robin Grammer, Jr.
District 6, Bob Long
District 6, Ric Metzgar
District 7A, Joseph C. Boteler, III
District 7, Kathy Szeliga
District 9A, Trent Kittleman
District 9A, Natalie Ziegler
District 10, Adrienne A. Jones
District 10, Jennifer White
District 11B, Jon S. Cardin
District 11B, Dana M. Stein
District 13, Vanessa Atterbeary
District 14, Anne R. Kaiser
District 14, Eric Luedtke
District 14, Pamela Queen
District 15, Linda Foley
District 15, David Fraser-Hidalgo
District 15, Lily Qi
District 16, Marc Korman
District 17, Kumar P. Barve
District 23, Remi Duyile
District 23, Marvin E. Holmes, Jr.
District 27A, Susie Proctor
District 27B, Rachel Jones
District 27C, Mark N. Fisher
District 28, Debra Davis
District 28, Edith J. Patterson
District 28, C. T. Wilson
District 29A, Matt Morgan
District 29B, Brian Crosby
District 29C, Todd B. Morgan
District 30A, Doug Rathell
District 30B, Seth Howard
District 31, Brian A. Chisholm
District 31, Nicholaus R. Kipke
District 31, Rachel Munoz
District 33B, Stuart Michael Schmidt, Jr.
District 33C, Heather Bagnall
District 34A, Teresa Walter
District 34A, Steve Johnson
District 34B, Susan K. McComas
District 35A, Mike Griffith
District 35A, Teresa Reilly
District 35B, Kevin B. Hornberger
District 36, Steve Arentz
District 36, Jeff Ghrist
District 36, Jay A. Jacobs
District 37A, Sheree Sample-Hughes
District 37B, Christopher T. Adams
District 38A, Charles James Otto
District 38B, Carl L. Anderton, Jr.
District 38C, Wayne A. Hartman
District 40, Marlon D. Amprey
District 40, Melissa Wells
District 41, Bilal Ali
District 42A, Nino Mangione
District 42B, Michele Guyton
District 43A, Regina T. Boyce

MDFB PAC will also meet in August to endorse candidates for statewide office: governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller and attorney general. It may also make additional endorsement of candidates for General Assembly.

Maryland has hundreds of political action committees. There are a handful that are bipartisan and even fewer that focus on agriculture. MDFB PAC is uniquely run by a bipartisan board of directors comprised of working farmers from across the state. It is the leading farm-related political action committee in Maryland supporting a diverse range of candidates who fight for farm families. 

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Maryland Farm Bureau Political Action Committee is a voluntary, nonprofit, unincorporated, separate segregated fund established by Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc.

MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 10,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit www.mdfarmbureau.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
John Torres
Executive Director, Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. and Treasurer, MDFB PAC
410-922-3426 |jtorres@marylandfb.org

MDA ANNOUNCES COVER CROP SIGN-UP

MDA Announces Cover Crop Sign-up
Includes Increased Payment Rates and New Cover Crop Plus+ Option

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 23, 2022) — The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that mail-in enrollment for this year’s Cover Crop Program runs from July 1-18, 2022. The popular conservation program provides farmers with cost-share grants to help pay for seed, labor, and equipment costs to plant cover crops in the fall to control erosion, recycle nutrients, build soil health, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.

“Several exciting changes have been made to our traditional Cover Crop Grant Program this year,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “We’ve also introduced a new Cover Crop Plus+ option for farmers willing to go the extra mile to build their soil’s health.”

Farmers who enroll in the department’s Traditional Cover Crop Program receive an increased base payment of $55/acre and up to $35/acre in add-on incentives to incorporate cover crops into their fields this fall. The maximum payment (including incentives) to aerial seed cover crops has increased to $95/acre. New this year, a late planting extension has been built into the program for farmers who cannot get their cover crops planted by the November 5 planting deadline. 

Cover crops are essential to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the productivity of Maryland’s farmland. In the fall, cold-hardy cereal grains are planted as cover crops in newly harvested fields. As they grow, cover crops provide a living, protective cover against erosion and nutrient runoff while building the soil’s organic matter for next year’s crop. They can even protect fields from too much or too little rain. Eligible small grains may be mixed with radishes and legumes using a variety of two and three-species mixes to help create diversity. Traditional cover crops may not be harvested; however, they may be grazed or chopped for livestock forage after becoming well established. Farmers who participated in last year’s program will receive registration packets in the mail. Beginning July 1, interested farmers may download applications from the Cover Crop website. To be considered for cost-share, applications should be mailed or dropped off at the local soil conservation district by July 18, 2022. 

A new pilot program, Cover Crop Plus+, is being introduced this year. This program option offers higher incentive payments and more planting choices for farmers who sign a 3-year commitment to plant cover crop mixes and practice conservation tillage to improve soil health. Farmers agree to keep a living root system in enrolled fields for most of the year and manage the cover crop to achieve maximum soil health and water quality benefits. The base payment for this premium incentive program is $115/acre per year. Optional add-on practices can increase the reimbursement rate to $160/acre. To qualify for payment, optional add-ons must be new practices for an enrolled field. 

Enrollment for the Cover Crop Plus+ program runs concurrently with the Traditional Cover Crop Program. Applications will be available on the Cover Crop Plus+ website beginning July 1. To be considered for cost-share, applications should be mailed or dropped off at the local soil conservation district by July 18, 2022. Farmers may participate in both the traditional and Cover Crop Plus+ programs. Certain restrictions apply. 

Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is administered by the department’s Conservation Grants Program and the state’s 24 soil conservation districts. Applicants must be in good standing with the program and in compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. Other restrictions and conditions apply. Funding for the 2022-2023 Cover Crop Program is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.

Farmers who have questions or need assistance with their applications should contact their local soil conservation district. For more information, please contact Jason Keppler at (410) 841-5864 or jason.keppler@maryland.gov.

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Follow Maryland Department of Agriculture on Twitter @MdAgDept

Maryland Farm Bureau Presents Five Maryland Congressmen “Friend of Farm Bureau” Recognition

Maryland Farm Bureau Presents Five Maryland Congressmen “Friend of Farm Bureau” Recognition
Maryland representatives awarded for their agricultural support in the state

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (September 21, 2022) — Five members of Maryland’s congressional delegation were named “Friend of Farm Bureau” for the 117th Congress. The American Farm Bureau Federation awards were given to Congressmen Andy Harris (District 1), Steny Hoyer (District 5), Dutch Ruppersberger (District 2), John Sarbanes (District 3), and David Trone (District 6) for their leadership and advocacy in supporting Maryland’s farmers, and food security for American consumers.

“The support of this year’s Friend of Farm Bureau recipients helps to preserve the future of family farms in Maryland, maintain our ability to produce safe and affordable food, and provide resources to assist farmers in implementing environmentally friendly practices,” said Maryland Farm Bureau President Wayne Stafford. “We are very fortunate to have elected officials in Washington, D.C., who understand and appreciate the important role agriculture plays in our nation.”

The Friend of Farm Bureau awards are presented at the end of each Congress to lawmakers based on individual voting records on Farm Bureau priority issues which, in 2021 and 2022, included emergency COVID assistance for farmers, rural broadband access, funding for infrastructure, and ocean shipping reform.

“Maryland’s farming community is the backbone of our state providing an abundant and reliable supply of food, renewable fuel, and fiber,” said Stafford. “Farm Bureau is honored to recognize these five members of Congress for their outstanding support that ensures our rural and urban agricultural communities continue to thrive.”

The Friend of Farm Bureau awards, which began in 1996, were presented during Maryland Farm Bureau’s Council of County Presidents Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

# # #

MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 10,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit www.mdfarmbureau.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amber Pearson, Director of Media Relations
Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications) 
573-268-6853  |  amber@tsncommunications.com

MARYLAND FARM BUREAU COMMENTS ON POULTRY TRANSPARENCY

Maryland Farm Bureau Comments on Poultry Transparency
USDA’s Proposed Rules within PSA Affect Poultry Growers

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (August 25, 2022) — As contract livestock farming opportunities have risen, Maryland Farm Bureau echoes the American Farm Bureau in seeking more transparency on what poultry growers can expect when contracting with a poultry integrator. MDFB submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in light of its proposed rulemaking within the Packers and Stockyards Act on revising the list of disclosures and information that live poultry dealers must furnish to poultry growers upon making agreements.

“We appreciate the USDA’s efforts on increasing transparency in poultry contract farming,” said Wayne Stafford, MDFB president. “The Maryland Farm Bureau believes these revisions can help growers make the best decision for their farm’s resources.”

Published in the Federal Register on June 8, MDFB supports the proposed transparency rules such as financial disclosures and facility modification disclosures, and minimum stocking density in order for growers to make an informed decision before contracting with integrators. MDFB also supports the proposed rules for those involved in integrators’ tournament systems, which can give more business to farms who meet higher production and other goals. 

Poultry farmers need transparency on guaranteed flock numbers, past revenues of the integrator’s farmers – per facility capacity, and disclosure of recent litigation against the integrator.

Additionally, growers in the tournament system need disclosure including input distribution, privacy-protected rankings, and breeder/health, settlement, and regional information, which should be provided on the settlement sheet. Further, the integrators should provide reason for canceled flocks.

Some pitfalls that growers were not aware of ahead of time in the past were not only the requirement of facility modifications, but the expectation of purchasing certain brands of equipment when — sometimes seemingly arbitrary — modifications were required. This, and other lack of disclosure in contracts, led to great expense and disrupted production for the growers. 

In order for any adopted rules to stay relevant, MDFB recommends this to be an interim final rule, not a final rule, and encourage the Ag Marketing Service to be open-minded to other agencies within the Department for their successful livestock farming programs and data.

“The Maryland Farm Bureau appreciates the work the Department has done in crafting a proposal that will increase transparency within the highly integrated poultry industry. We submit these comments on behalf of our poultry growing-members and look forward to a continued dialogue with the Department on this issue,” said Stafford.

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MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 10,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit www.mdfarmbureau.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amber Pearson
Director of Media Relations, Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc.
573-268-6853  |  amber@TsnCommunications.com

Maryland Farm Bureau PAC Endorses Legislative Candidates as Elections Near

Maryland Farm Bureau PAC Endorses Legislative Candidates as Elections Near
MDFB encourages going to the polls informed on farming interests

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (September 8, 2022) — As Maryland state elections draw nearer, the Maryland Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC) announces its endorsement of candidates for the Maryland General Assembly. Each election, the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) PAC looks at incumbent voting records, reviews candidate questionnaires, and solicits recommendations from county Farm Bureau organizations to determine candidates who are friends of Maryland agriculture.

Early voting begins on October 27 and runs through November 3. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is November 1.

“This election is too important to go to the polls uninformed,” said Michael Calkins, MDFB PAC chair. “We need to support candidates who have stepped up to help protect farmers’ ability to farm. These individuals have been endorsed because of their support for the farm families who grow and raise food, fiber and renewable fuel in Maryland.” 

As agricultural production, processing and distribution contribute greatly to our state’s economy, tax base and workforce, MDFB PAC endorses the following candidates in order to help preserve agricultural and rural livelihoods and ways of life:

STATEWIDE OFFICES:
Attorney General, Anthony Brown
Comptroller, Barry Glassman

SENATE:
District 1, Mike McKay
District 2, Paul D. Corderman
District 4, William “Bill” Folden
District 5, Justin Ready
District 6, Johnny Ray Salling
District 7, J. B. Jennings
District 8, Katherine Klausmeier
District 9, Katie Fry Hester
District 10, Ben Brooks
District 11, Shelly Hettleman
District 13, Guy Guzzone
District 14, Craig J. Zucker
District 15, Brian J. Feldman
District 16, Susan C. Lee
District 20, Will Smith
District 23, Ron Watson
District 26, C. Anthony Muse
District 27, Michael A. Jackson
District 29, Jack Bailey
District 30, Sarah Elfreth
District 31, Bryan W. Simonaire
District 32, Pamela Beidle
District 33, Dawn D. Gile
District 35, Jason C. Gallion
District 36, Stephen S. Hershey, Jr.
District 37, Johnny Mautz
District 38, Mary Beth Carozza
District 39, Nancy J. King
District 41, Jill P. Carter
District 42, Chris West
District 43, Mary Washington
District 45, Cory V. McCray
District 46, Bill Ferguson

HOUSE:
District 1A, Jim Hinebaugh, Jr.
District 1B, Jason C. Buckel
District 1C, Terry L. Baker
District 2A, William Valentine
District 2A, William Joseph Wivell
District 2B, Brenda J. Thiam
District 3, Kris Fair
District 3, Ken Kerr
District 4, Barrie S. Ciliberti
District 4, April Fleming Miller
District 4, Jesse T. Pippy
District 5, Christopher Bouchat
District 5, April Rose
District 5, Chris Tomlinson
District 6, Robin Grammer, Jr.
District 6, Bob Long
District 6, Ric Metzgar
District 7A, Kathy Szeliga
District 7A, Ryan Nawrocki
District 7B, Lauren Arikan
District 9A, Trent Kittleman
District 9A, Natalie Ziegler
District 10, Adrienne A. Jones
District 10, Jennifer White
District 11B, Jon S. Cardin
District 11B, Dana M. Stein
District 13, Vanessa Atterbeary
District 14, Anne R. Kaiser
District 14, Eric Luedtke
District 14, Pamela Queen
District 15, Linda Foley
District 15, David Fraser-Hidalgo
District 15, Lily Qi
District 16, Marc Korman
District 17, Kumar P. Barve
District 23, Marvin E. Holmes, Jr.
District 27C, Mark N. Fisher
District 28, Debra Davis
District 28, Edith J. Patterson
District 28, C. T. Wilson
District 29A, Matt Morgan
District 29B, Brian Crosby
District 29C, Todd B. Morgan
District 30A, Doug Rathell
District 30B, Seth Howard
District 31, Brian A. Chisholm
District 31, Nicholaus R. Kipke
District 31, Rachel Muñoz
District 33B, Stuart Michael Schmidt, Jr.
District 33C, Heather Bagnall
District 34A, Teresa Walter
District 34A, Steve Johnson
District 34B, Susan K. McComas
District 35A, Mike Griffith
District 35A, Teresa Reilly
District 35B, Kevin B. Hornberger
District 36, Steve Arentz
District 36, Jeff Ghrist
District 36, Jay A. Jacobs
District 37A, Sheree Sample-Hughes
District 37B, Christopher T. Adams
District 37B, Tom Hutchinson
District 38A, Charles James Otto
District 38B, Carl L. Anderton, Jr.
District 38C, Wayne A. Hartman
District 40, Marlon D. Amprey
District 40, Melissa Wells
District 42A, Nino Mangione
District 42B, Michele Guyton
District 43A, Regina T. Boyce

Maryland has hundreds of political action committees. There are a handful that are nonpartisan and even fewer that focus on farming. MDFB PAC is uniquely run by a bipartisan committee of directors comprised of working farmers from across the state. It is the leading farm-related political action committee in Maryland supporting a diverse range of candidates who fight for farm families. 

 

# # #

 

Maryland Farm Bureau Political Action Committee is a voluntary, nonprofit, unincorporated, separate segregated fund established by Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc.

MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 10,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit www.mdfarmbureau.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
John Torres
Executive Director, Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. and Treasurer, MDFB PAC
410-922-3426  |  jtorres@marylandfb.org

Finalists Selected for Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

Finalists Selected for Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (October 13, 2022) — Three finalists have been selected for the 2022 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands. 
 
In Maryland, the Leopold Conservation Award is presented by Sand County Foundation with state partners Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation.
 
The finalists are:
  • Long Green Farms Inc. of Rising Sun in Cecil County: Caleb and Alice Crothers operate one of Maryland’s oldest dairy farms. They have planted about 60,000 trees as part of a major streambank restoration project. Cover crops are grown to prevent erosion and build soil health. A new heifer housing facility diverts clean rainwater and has a manure storage system to protect water quality.
  • Mount Pleasant Acres Farms of Preston in Caroline County: Donna Dear and Paulette Green’s farm contains 111 acres of row crops, fruits and vegetables, forests, and wetlands. The farm’s a showcase of forestry management, organic food production, and Black history, as it was a stop along the Underground Railroad. A food forest is providing a habitat for insect pollinators, songbirds and game birds.  
  • Persimmon Tree Farm of Westminster in Carroll County: At Carolyn Krome’s horse farm, pastures are managed to avoid erosion and over-grazing. Warm season grasses are kept vibrant with prescribed burns. Restored wetlands and streambanks provide wildlife habitat. Five acres of wildflowers are regularly weeded and maintained to attract insect pollinators.

Earlier this year, Maryland landowners were encouraged to apply (or be nominated) for the award. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders. The award recipient will be recognized at the Maryland Farm Bureau Annual Convention later this year. 
 
The recipient receives a $10,000 award, and the conservation success found on their farm, ranch or forest will be featured in a professional video.
 
Last year’s inaugural recipient of the award was the Warring family’s Persistence Creek Farm of Faulkner in Charles County. 
 
“It takes immense determination and hard work to implement thoughtful practices for the betterment of land and the environment. We truly appreciate the dedication to innovation and we’re proud to be one of the supporting organizations for this award. Congratulations to all the finalists and thank you for your taking on what can feel like a thankless job,” said Samantha Campbell, Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment President.
 
“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.
 
“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Maryland award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”
 
The Leopold Conservation Award is given to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners across the U.S. in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
 
The Maryland Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Farm Bureau Inc., Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, Maryland Department of Agriculture, MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Delmarva Chicken Association, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Conservancy, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, ShoreRivers, and The Nature Conservancy.   
 
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LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAM
The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont). www.leopoldconservationaward.org
 
THE KEITH CAMPBELL FOUNDATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment’s mission in the Chesapeake Bay Region is to improve water quality and ecological balance in the Bay and its rivers, as a healthy bay fosters a vibrant regional economy and provides exceptional recreational opportunities and a better quality of life. The Foundation provides approximately $7 million in funding through more than 150 grants annually, and has been funding in the region since 1998. www.campbellfoundation.org
 
MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 12,000 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. www.mdfarmbureau.com
 
MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS serves as the voice of Maryland’s 24 soil and water conservation districts on state legislative issues. It also provides a forum for training, policy-making and the exchange of information at their annual and quarterly gatherings. Its mission is to promote practical and effective soil, water, and related natural resources programs to all citizens through individual conservation districts on a voluntary bases through leadership, education, cooperation and local direction.  
 
SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION  
Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation. www.sandcountyfoundation.org
 
AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST  
American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families. www.farmland.org
 

Maryland Farm Bureau Members Give State of Ag Briefing to House Committee

Maryland Farm Bureau Members Give State of Ag Briefing to House Committee

 

Organization leaders inform lawmakers about current state ag issues  

ANNAPOLIS, MD. (Jan. 31, 2023) — Last week, Maryland Farm Bureau directors and members spoke on behalf of MDFB and other state agriculture groups to prepare Maryland’s House Environment and Transportation (E&T) Committee for the General Assembly. Kevin Atticks, MDFB member and Grow & Fortify founder, gave a Department of Agriculture update as the incoming Secretary of Agriculture for the Moore-Miller Administration. Jamie Tiralla, of Prince Frederick, Maryland, represented Maryland Farm Bureau’s district 3, and spoke on the significance of wildlife damage, ag preservation and agricultural education.

 

“Most Marylanders didn’t grow up on farms — myself included — so there is a great need to get even basic information in the schools about where our food comes from and how it’s grown,” said Tiralla. “Ag is the number one commercial industry in our state, and most Marylanders would be surprised by that. We need to support proper programs and compensation for teachers who lead this charge, such as FFA leaders who make extracurricular ag activities possible.”

 

In addition to Tiralla and Atticks, the following MDFB members represented these respective groups as organization leaders in the State of Agriculture briefing:

 

●      Justin Brendel – Maryland Grain Producers Association

●      Steve Black – Maryland Nursery, Landscape & Greenhouse Association

●      Far Nasir – Delmarva Chicken Association

●      Richard Francis (aka “Farmer Chippy”) – urban agriculture

 

To see the entire 2023 State of Agriculture E&T committee discussion, visit

https://bit.ly/StateofAgBriefing.

 

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MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 9,500 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit MarylandFB.org.

 

Media Contact:

Amber Pearson | Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications)

573.268.6853 | amber@tsncommunications.com

  

Scholarships Available for Maryland Farm Bureau Families

Scholarships Available for Maryland Farm Bureau Families

 

Agricultural and other students eligible for five $2,000 scholarships  

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (Feb. 2, 2023) — Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) is giving back to its members and students of the community by offering five $2,000 scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applicants must be high-school seniors starting college in the fall of 2023 or full-time college students at any accredited community college or four-year institution. Applicants, or their parents/guardians, must be members of Maryland Farm Bureau.

 

Three of the scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing academic disciplines in food, agriculture, and/or natural resources. The remaining two scholarships are open to students in any academic discipline.

 

Scholarship recipients will be selected by a designated committee of the Maryland Farm Bureau. Students must apply online via the official application website. The application includes the following essay question to be answered by each applicant:

 

How can Farm Bureau effectively support young farmers and ranchers to successfully prepare for an ever-changing economy and increasing infrastructure challenges? Provide two examples, including one local program or initiative you have been a part of or been made aware of.

 

Online applications must be submitted by March 24 at 10:59 p.m. For more information or to apply, visit the official application website.

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MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 9,500 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. Learn more at http://marylandfb.org.

 

Media Contact:

Amber Pearson | Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications)

573.268.6853 | amber@tsncommunications.com

145 Farmers Meet with Secretary of Agriculture, Legislators During Annual Legislative Day

145 Farmers Meet with Secretary of Agriculture, Legislators During Annual Legislative Day

 

Current ag-related bills covered during Maryland Farm Bureau’s Day in Annapolis  

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (February 9, 2023) — Attendance was high as 145 farmers attended Maryland Farm Bureau’s Day in Annapolis. Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks addressed attendees emphasizing the importance of current farming-related legislation and the industry’s impact on the state.

 

“Maryland Farm Bureau brought an incredible focus to agricultural issues with voices from around the state. It was quite an invigorating day to have the breadth of Maryland agriculture represented,” said Secretary Atticks.

 

This annual event provides Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) members the opportunity to stay current on legislation affecting farming and rural communities as well as to meet with their legislators. This year’s in-person format, the first live event since the Maryland Capitol’s pandemic closure, allowed for dozens of legislators to interact with farmers, with an issues briefing, office visits and a luncheon at the Governor Calvert House.

 

“Day in Annapolis has always been a successful event; today was no exception,” said Wayne Stafford, MDFB president who expressed his gratitude at the event for both the farmers who attended and the legislators who took time to learn about these important issues. “We had a capacity crowd of grassroots members who are not only passionate about farming, but also willing to meet with legislators to share their personal stories on how the decisions made in Annapolis affect their ability to grow and raise food, fiber and renewable fuel, which Maryland families rely on every day.”

 

Proposed legislation that MDFB is currently following addresses new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards; wildlife damage and reimbursement; urban agriculture grant scope; and various facets of value-added agriculture.

 

“Maryland Farm Bureau’s Day in Annapolis provides a great opportunity for farmers to speak directly with us and to highlight the issues that are most important to them and their farm,” said Senator Jason Gallion, who represents Harford and Cecil counties.

 

MDFB’s list of priority bills include the following, which it supports:

●      HB152: Expands the purpose and scope of the Urban Agriculture Grant Program and the Urban Agriculture Grant Fund.

●      HB253/SB262: Looks to increase on-farm composting to 40,000 square feet and allow the incorporation of food scraps to the feedstock used in the compost pile.

●      HB389/SB34: Establishes a State Ombudsman for Value-Added Agriculture as a position in the Department of Agriculture.

●      HB200/SB181: Appropriates full funding for critical agriculture programs in the key state departments.

●      HB592/SB418: Outlines that value-added agricultural activities are a farm or agricultural use of land for assessment purposes.

●      HB678/SB670: Adds to the existing agricultural sales and use tax exemption electricity that is used for agricultural purposes, such as raising livestock and poultry, irrigation, or crop production and grain harvest.

●      HB378/SB310: Alters the Black Bear Damage Reimbursement Fund to authorize grants from the Fund to be made for projects that reduce conflicts between black bears and humans.

●      SB327: Cleans up the landowner liability language to ensure a landowner has proper liability coverage if they allow hunters to hunt on their land; establishes the Wildlife Conservation, Education, and Outreach Program to provide outreach and foster an interest in outdoor recreation and stewardship, hunting, and wildlife conservation; and, establishes a stamp for hunting sika deer.

 

Some bills introduced during this session would make farming more difficult in Maryland.

 

“A few of the recently proposed bills have presented a concerning issue for Maryland farmers. If approved, these pieces of legislation would impose additional costs that might be difficult or even impossible to bear, considering that existing expenditure for running a farm is already high,” said Colby Ferguson, MDFB director of government and public relations.

 

MDFB opposes the following bills:

●      HB230/SB224: Requires the state, by December 1, 2023, to enact CARB’s vehicle standards which establishes the requirements for the sale of new zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the State.

●      HB319/SB158: Would prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from registering a pesticide for use against mosquitoes in the State unless the distributor of the pesticide submits to the Department test results indicating the pesticide has passed the PFAS test and an affidavit attesting to the legitimacy of the PFAS test results.

 

“The 2023 Maryland Farm Bureau Day in Annapolis was one of the best I’ve ever attended,” said Shelby Watson-Hampton, SMADC Director and Prince George’s County farmer. “It was filled with informative briefings and strong networking opportunities, and it was evident by the robust attendance of both those in the farming community and those from the legislature, that MDFB did a great job. I do think the annual Day in Annapolis has become one of the ‘must attend’ events of the Session season.”


The organization also drew the winner of its pickup truck raffle: Howie Feaga, an MDFB member from Howard County. The raffle funds will benefit MDFB programs.

 

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MARYLAND FARM BUREAU®, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 9,500 individual and family members who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit MarylandFB.org.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Amber Pearson | Maryland Farm Bureau, Inc. (TSN Communications)

573.268.6853 | amber@tsncommunications.com

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