MARYLAND FARM BUREAU

Connect with us

JOIN/RENEW

Author: Parker Welch

Maryland Farm Bureau Announces 2023 Scholarship Winners

Maryland Farm Bureau Announces 2023 Scholarship Winners

 

Winners are from Cordova, Ellicott City, Aquasco, Sykesville and Westover  

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (May 2, 2023) — Maryland Farm Bureau is proud to announce its scholarship recipients for 2023. Three scholarships were awarded to 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 are minoring in food, agriculture and/or natural resources. 

“Maryland Farm Bureau is excited to support our member families into the next generation,” said Wayne Stafford, Maryland Farm Bureau president. “We know these students have the background and drive to contribute to their farming and overall communities one day.”

The five scholarships, each valued at $2,000, were awarded to Macy Cook of Cordova, Daniel Ding of Ellicott City, Nithin Gudderra of Aquasco, Ashlynn Kidwell of Sykesville, and Tawney Nelson of Westover.

Applicants were required to write an essay answering the following question: “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.”

Recipients or their parents/guardians are members of Maryland Farm Bureau. Selection was made by a scholarship committee designated by Maryland Farm Bureau.

The scholarship awardees are:

  • Macy Cook of Talbot County Farm Bureau is a high school senior. She will be a college freshman in the fall with plans to major in business at University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, N.C.
  • Daniel Ding of Howard County Farm Bureau is a Junior at University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. He is majoring in environmental science.
  • Nithin Gudderra of Prince George’s County Farm Bureau is a high school senior at Oxon Hill High School. He will be a college freshman in the fall with plans to major in Agribusiness Management.
  • Ashlyn Kidwell of Carroll County Farm Bureau is a high school senior at Century High School. She will be a college freshman in the fall with plans to major in agriculture.
  • Tawney Nelson of Somerset County Farm Bureau is a high school senior at Holly Grove Christian School. She will be a college freshman in the fall with plans to major in nursing at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.

For more information about the scholarship program at Maryland Farm Bureau and within the county Farm Bureaus please visit www.marylandfb.org/scholarships.

# # #

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 www.mdfarmbureau.com

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

 

Maryland Farm Bureau Announces New Director of Communications

Maryland Farm Bureau Announces New Director of Communications

 

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (August 23, 2023) — Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) welcomes Jeb Burchick as its new Director of Communications. Burchick brings extensive experience in communications and media relations to the organization.

A native Marylander, Burchick is an alumnus of Towson University and has served in various roles in government — including Press Secretary for former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and adviser to U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin.

“Growing up, the highlight of every summer was showing my pigs, sheep and goats at the county fair for my local 4-H Club. Being brought up in that environment, I have always held a deep appreciation for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Burchick. “I’ve had the privilege of being in the front-seat for some of our state’s most important agricultural policy discussions and I’m honored to join the talented team at the Maryland Farm Bureau in order to advocate on behalf of Maryland’s largest industry.”

As Director of Communications for MDFB, Burchick will lead all aspects of external communication including media relations, digital content creation and strategic messaging. He will also oversee internal communications initiatives.

MDFB Executive Director Parker Welch expressed excitement about bringing Burchick on board: “Jeb has a wealth of experience in government and public service that will be invaluable as we work to strengthen our mission here at MDFB. We are confident that he will be an integral part of helping us reach our goals over the coming years.”

# # #

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 www.mdfarmbureau.com

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

 

Welch Named New Executive Director of Maryland Farm Bureau

Welch Named New Executive Director of Maryland Farm Bureau

 

Board taps experienced MDFB staffer to lead organization

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (June 14, 2023) — The Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors has named Parker Welch as the organization’s new executive director.

Welch has held several key positions within Maryland Farm Bureau since he was hired in November 2014. He previously served as regional field manager on the Eastern Shore and in southern Maryland; a registered lobbyist for three years; staff for both leadership development programs; director of organization where he managed the Field Services Department; and most recently as interim executive director after John Torres announced his resignation since May.

“Parker has a long history with Maryland agriculture and Maryland Farm Bureau. He has worked at all levels of the organization and that experience will be invaluable in the next chapter of his career with the organization,” said Wayne Stafford, president of Maryland Farm Bureau. “We are excited to have Parker serving in this role and know that he will provide steadfast leadership for Farm Bureau moving forward.”

Welch graduated from Virginia Tech where he majored in dairy science with a minor in professional writing. He is also a Class X fellow of the LEAD Maryland program.

Welch has been an integral part of many of Maryland Farm Bureau’s programs and services, and this transition in leadership will bring continuity to the organization. As executive director, he will serve as the chief executive of the statewide organization and lead efforts to advance its mission to protect and grow Maryland agriculture and preserve rural life.

# # #

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 www.mdfarmbureau.com

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

 

Maryland Farm Bureau Lobbies Congress on 2023 Farm Bill

Maryland Farm Bureau Lobbies Congress on 2023 Farm BILL

Two Maryland Farm Bureau members petitioned Congress for prompt passage of the 2023 Farm Bill during the American Farm Bureau’s Advocacy Fly-In in Washington DC last week. Joining 150 farmers from across the country were Karl Shlagel of Waldorf and Emmy Dallam of Bel Air.

“It’s crucial that lawmakers hear directly from the people who are affected by farm policy,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “America’s farmers and ranchers are dedicated to growing the food, fuel and fiber families across the nation rely on. We know how important the farm bill is to maintaining a secure and sustainable food supply. I’m confident the personal stories shared by our members will help inspire lawmakers to support and swiftly pass a new farm bill.”

Attendees were informed there are 260 members – more than half of Congress – who have never worked on a farm bill, making personal stories of impact even more important. Farm Bureau members also discussed other pressing issues facing agriculture, including the need for Congress to address agricultural labor reform.

Agriculture Committee leaders spoke before the group fanned out across Capitol Hill. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) addressed the group. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-Ga.) sent a video message. They discussed the challenges they’ll face in getting the farm bill passed this year and urged attendees to speak with as many elected leaders as they can, both in Washington and when members of Congress return home. They stressed the value of personal connections and stories of direct impact, including through the Advocacy Fly-In.

Shlagel and Dallam visited the offices of their Maryland representative and both Maryland senators to tell their farm story and relay the urgency of passing a farm bill this year. They stressed the importance of the farm bill safety net and conservation programs to Maryland agriculture and talked about the need for a reliable agricultural workforce.

MDFB Supports Uniform Labeling for Pesticides

MDFB Supports Uniform Labeling for Pesticides

By: Pat Wolff, MDFB senior director of national affairs

Maryland Farm Bureau has joined over 350 organizations to support new federal legislation that would ensure uniformity of labeling standards for pesticides that are backed by sound science and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bipartisan bill, H.R. 4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, was introduced in Congress last week by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Jim Costa (D-CA).

Farmers depend on pesticides to manage pests and control plant diseases that can destroy crops and threaten a reliable and affordable food supply. If farmers lose access to crop protection tools due to a patchwork of state or local labels, it will not only reduce their ability to protect crops and maintain important conservation practices, but will erode confidence about the safety of science-based EPA-approved products.

Under current law, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) governs pesticide use, sales, and labeling. FIFRA gives the EPA exclusive authority to determine labeling and packaging requirements. Under FIFRA, states have the ability to regulate the sale or use of pesticides; however, they are prohibited from imposing their own labeling requirements that are different from the EPA’s science-based labels.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture enforces federal laws on the sale and use of pesticides, administers Maryland’s Pesticide Applicator’s Law, approves training courses in the handling, storage and use of pesticides, conducts examinations to determine that pesticide applicators are competent to follow prescribed pest control practices, and investigates pesticide accidents or incidents and consumer complaints on pesticide misuse.

Here is Rep. Johnson’s news release about the introduction of the legislation: https://shorturl.at/pvJSX

Farm Bill for America’s Families

Farm Bill for America’s Families

The Maryland Farm Bureau has joined with twenty national organizations and multiple state agricultural organizations to support prompt passage of the 2023 Farm Bill. The campaign, called “Farm Bill for America’s Families – Sustaining Our Future” is supported by a diverse of group advocates for farmers, food security and nutrition, environment and wildlife.

The purpose of the campaign is to educate and engage a consumer-based audience, including Capitol Hill, about the importance and impact of the farm bill. A recent Morning Consult poll showed that 71% of adults have not seen, read or heard much about the farm bill and 42% have not seen, read or heard anything at all.

The coalition’s advocacy efforts center around three core messages:

RISK MANAGEMENT Managing risk on the farm is critical to keeping food on our tables. We all depend on the success of American agriculture, so it’s important for America’s farmers and ranchers to be supported by strong farm programs as they face weather disasters, high supply costs and inflationary pressures.

NUTRITION PROGRAMS America’s farmers and ranchers supply more than 9 billion meals annually thanks to the farm bill’s nutrition programs which ensure the most vulnerable among us have access to healthy, affordable food.

IMPACT BEYOND THE FARM The farm bill impact extends beyond the farm by protecting our nation’s food supply, providing access to nutrition for low-income families, advancing conservation efforts and spurring innovation through agricultural research.

Organizations wanting to know more about “Farm Bill for America’s Families” or to join the campaign can do so at Farm Bill for America’s Families (farmbillforamericasfamilies.com).

MDFB President Lobbies for Swift Passage of the 2023 Farm Bill

MDFB President Lobbies for Swift Passage of the 2023 Farm Bill

Maryland Farm Bureau President Wayne Stafford traveled to Washington DC last week to lobby for swift passage of the 2023 Farm Bill. He met with Maryland Senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Andy Harris (1st district) and David Trone (6th district). Rep. Harris is Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development Food and Drug Administration. 

 

His lobby visits to Capitol Hill took place during the annual American Farm Bureau Council of Presidents meeting that took place July 12 and 13. State Farm Bureau Presidents from across the nation heard from USDA Undersecretary for Trade Alexis Taylor, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Robert Bonnie and House Majority Leader, Steve Scalise.

 

The farm bill impacts all Americans – from food availability and nutrition to jobs and the environment. It is the most significant legislation for farmers and ranchers, protecting their livelihoods and ensuring a safe, nutritious food supply. The farm bill is reauthorized every five years, and the current farm bill is set to expire on September 30, 2023. 

 

President Stafford told Members of Congress that failing to pass a new farm bill would have a serious impact on farming and food security in Maryland and across the United States. He told elective officials that it is essential for Congress to prioritize passage of a new farm bill this year.

 

Farm Bureau’s overarching priorities include:

·      Continuing current farm bill program funding.

·      Maintaining a unified farm bill the includes nutrition programs and farm programs together.

·      Prioritizing risk management tools that include federal crop insurance and commodity programs.

·      Ensuring adequate USDA staffing and resources to provide technical assistance. 

 

Other issued raised by President Stafford during his Congressional visits included the importance of an available and reliable farm labor workforce and concerns about the recent Supreme Court decision that allow one state to impose production standards on commodities grown or harvested outside its borders.

 

MDFB Pleased with Legislation Passed in First Year of New Administration

MDFB PLEASED WITH legislation passed in first year of new administration

 

2023 Maryland General Assembly Agricultural Bills Wrap-up  

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (April 12, 2023) — Maryland Farm Bureau is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 General Assembly, with six out of ten of its priority bills expected to be signed into law by Governor Wes Moore. MDFB’s topline supported bills expected to be signed by the governor include:

 

HB152 – Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) – Urban Agriculture Grant Fund
Bill sponsors: Delegate Melissa Wells.
This bill expands the purpose and scope of the Urban Agriculture Grant Program and the Urban Agriculture Grant Fund, expanding the scope to apply to agricultural producers in an urban area, including but not limited to Baltimore City, and provides grants to qualified applicants, including but not limited to nonprofit organizations in Baltimore City. The governor must include in his annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $100,000 to the fund.

HB253/SB262 – Environment – On-Farm Composting Facilities – Permit – Exemption
Bill sponsors: Delegate Emily Shetty and Senator Jason Gallion.
This bill, among other things, requires the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to establish an exemption from the permitting requirements under the Code of Maryland Regulations for an operator of an on-farm composting facility that (1) uses 10,000 square feet of area or less for active food scrap composting; (2) composts only one or more of a specified list of feedstocks; (3) records the amount and source of specified source-separated organics composted, and other necessary records, provided to MDE and (4) meets any other conditions specified in regulations.

HB389/SB34 – MDA – State Specialist for Value-Added Agriculture
Bill sponsors: Delegate Todd Morgan and Senator Katie Fry-Hester.
This bill establishes a State Specialist for Value-Added Agriculture as a position within MDA.

HB378/SB310 – Natural Resources – Black Bear Conflict Reduction and Damage Reimbursement Fund – Uses
Bill sponsors: Delegate Sara Love and Senator Chris West.
This bill 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. It renames the past fund and increases maximum amount of reimbursement per person annually from $3,000 to $5,000. The governor must allocate $50,000 annually.

HB983/SB327 – Hunting, Wildlife Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation – Funding, Promotion, Management, Licenses, Permits, and Stamps
Bill sponsors: Delegate Nick Allen and Senator Sarah Elfreth.
This comprehensive wildlife management and hunting bill 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; and increases fees (unchanged for 36 years) for many hunting licenses and stamps, to generate the needed funding for Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to qualify for the available USDA matching funds to address food habitats and farmer conservation cost-share, among other things.

HB200 – Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)
Bill sponsors: Speaker Adrienne Jones on behalf of Governor Wes Moore.
This bill is the only bill constitutionally required to be passed as a balanced budget during the 2023 legislative session. The bill appropriates full funding for critical ag programs in key state agencies and departments. MDFB requested four additional programs to be funded; however, only two were included: 1) $825,000 to MDA’s budget to fund the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board to promote state and county ag fairs and exhibits; and 2) $150,000 to DNR’s budget to fund the Venison Donation Grant Fund that is currently unfunded. This fund has been used in the past to grant funds to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH).

MDFB will be prioritizing new versions of the following bills in 2024. MDFB-supported bills that didn’t pass:

HB592/SB418 – Property Tax – Agricultural Land and Improvements – Assessment
Bill sponsors: Delegate Courtney Watson and Senator Sarah Elfreth.
This bill outlines that value-added ag activities are a farm or ag use of land for assessment purposes. It defines value-added ag activities as: (I) Agricultural Alcohol Production; (II) Agritourism; (III) Equine Activities; (IV) Value-added ag products processing from products derived from the farm; (V) Roadside Stands; (VI) other ag uses that are permissible under local zoning; and (VII) other activities as determined by the secretary of agriculture. This bill defines barns and structures used in value-added farms as ag structures and required to be assessed as such. The bills remained stagnant this year with concerns on the impact to property tax revenues. Therefore, the senator has agreed to craft a bill that satisfies the stakeholders, Maryland Association of Counties and the Department of Assessment and Taxation.

HB678/SB640 – Sales and Use Tax – Electricity for Agricultural Purposes – Exemption
Bill sponsors: Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes and Senator Michael Jackson.
This bill adds to the existing ag sales and use tax exemption on electricity that is used for ag purposes, such as raising livestock and poultry, irrigation, or crop production and grain harvest. Currently, only farm electricity use tied to the house meter is tax exempt. Unfortunately, just like last year, this bill was held up in the House due to potential fiscal impact.

Bills opposed by Maryland Farm Bureau as drafted:

HB230/SB224 – MDE – Zero-Emission Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Regulations (Clean Trucks Act of 2023)
Bill sponsors: Delegate Sara Love and Senator Malcolm Augustine.
This bill requires MDE, by December 1, 2023, to adopt regulations that, among other things, (1) establish requirements for the sale of new zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the state; (2) update existing regulations and incorporate by reference the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations, as revised and updated; and (3) take effect starting with model year 2027 (unless delayed by stipulation), among other things. Because a needs assessment and deployment plan was amended into the bill, MDFB removed its opposition.

HB319/SB158 – Pesticide Registration – PFAS Testing – Requirement
Bill sponsors: Delegate Dana Stein and Senator Shelly Hettleman.
As drafted, this bill, beginning January 1, 2024, 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. Because the bill was amended to instead become a study, MDFB removed its opposition.

MDFB followed 141 bills that were introduced and testified on 69 of them. Of the 57 bills supported, 24 passed and should be signed into law by the governor this spring. Of the 12 bills MDFB opposed, all 12 were either defeated or amended to remove our opposition. With a new term, so many new legislators and a new governor, MDFB worked diligently to ensure that the voices of our members were heard during this legislative session to protect and grow Maryland agriculture.

# # #

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

 

GOVERNOR-ELECT WES MOORE ANNOUNCES LONGTIME MARYLAND FARM BUREAU MEMBER AS MARYLAND SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

Governor-Elect Wes Moore Announces Longtime Maryland Farm Bureau Member as MarylanD Secretary of Agriculture

Maryland Farm Bureau congratulates longtime member Kevin Atticks on his appointment as MD Secretary of Agriculture by incoming Governor Wes Moore. Atticks manages producer groups such as Maryland Wineries Association through Grow and Fortify. We thank Governor Moore for selecting such a qualified professional of Maryland’s ag and farming community. 

“Governor Moore has chosen an individual whose career has melded an understanding of value-added start-ups in food and agriculture to the needs of well-established farm families throughout the state,” said Wayne Stafford, MDFB president. “He will be an asset to guide the growth of Maryland agriculture.”

For more on Atticks’s background and transitioning roles, visit Grow & Fortify. 

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3IVhx9K.

 

Maryland Farm Bureau Convention Assembles to Grow and Shape State’s Agribusiness

Maryland Farm Bureau Convention Assembles to Grow and Shape State’s Agribusiness

Agriculture-focused event includes policy development priorities, awards and programming

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. (Dec. 14, 2022) — The 107th Maryland Farm Bureau Annual Convention & Meeting of Delegates convened last week at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland. The Maryland farming community gathered to hear from prominent guests and to set the organization’s grassroots policy agenda for the year.

Highlights included a new Young Farmer NextGen Summit, recognizing the achievements of the state’s 23 county Farm Bureaus and individual award winners, the selection of the 2023 MDFB Ag Ambassadors, educational workshops and the election of officers.

This year’s keynote speaker was Matt Rush, a fourth-generation New Mexico farmer and rancher and former CEO of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau. “Farm Bureau holds a very special place in my heart. I was honored to spend time with the members in Maryland to talk about how we can plant seeds of greatness in others as we work to build future leaders for Maryland’s number one industry,” said Rush.

The convention and meeting of delegates featured the organization’s annual policy development session, roundtable discussions and experts, including representatives from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, University of Maryland Extension and American Farm Bureau Federation, during keynotes, workshops and breakout sessions.

Among the speakers, Veronica Nigh, senior economist for American Farm Bureau Federation  said, “Volatility in agriculture and the input markets we rely upon will unfortunately continue to be high for the foreseeable future. Rather than one or two factors that may have a large influence on markets, there are at least a handful.”

Awards
The newly selected Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) Ambassadors for 2023 are Jayci Mitchell from Cecil County and Ethan Scofield from Anne Arundel County. Each ambassador will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a trip to American Farm Bureau’s FUSION Conference in Jacksonville in March 2023 as they begin their work of representing Maryland’s next generation ag community.

Joseph Layton of Dorchester County received the Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau award for his lifetime of achievements and service, including serving in several capacities with the Farm Bureau, such as Political Action Committee chairman and board member. The Agri-Woman of the Year was awarded to Frederick County’s Connie Palmer, who has been a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau since 1983. She has been instrumental in getting agricultural books into all elementary school classrooms in Frederick County.

Baltimore and Garrett County Farm Bureaus won Silver Bowl awards for receiving top scores in all program areas in the county awards of excellence recognition program, which include leadership, outreach and more.

The Young Farmers competition is a highlight that showcases the upcoming generation of farming leaders. Winners are:

  • Collegiate Discussion Meet: Grace Tisone of Calvert County attends University of Maryland and will compete at FUSION in Jacksonville in March 2023.
  • Discussion Meet: Shelby Green of Frederick County will compete at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City in January 2024.
  • Excellence in Agriculture: Becky Yost of Garrett County will compete at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City in January 2024.


In its second year, the Leopold Conservation Award was awarded to a Maryland farm or forestry landowner who exemplified the conservation ethic of the award’s namesake, Aldo Leopold, presented by the Sand County Foundation. Long Green Farms and Caleb and Alice Crothers of Rising Sun won the honor and received a $10,000 prize.

Policy Updates
Nearly 200 farmer-delegates reviewed and adopted five national policy resolutions ranging from eminent domain to regenerative agriculture. In addition, 44 new state policies were adopted. New policy highlights are solar siting, agricultural education, renewable fuels, and roadside tree trimming and maintenance. The upcoming Day in Annapolis state legislative day was announced and will be held in-person on February 8, 2023. Registration is now open on MDFB’s website.

Elections
In addition to the election of Jamie Raley of St. Mary’s County to MDFB’s first vice president role and Jonathan Quinn of Kent County to second vice president; the following individuals were elected to a two-year term on the MDFB board of directors:

  • Matthew Schnebly – District 1, Washington County
  • Michael Calkins – District 2, Howard County
  • Karl Shlagel – District 3, Charles County
  • Amanda Miller – District 4, Cecil County
  • Jennifer Debnam – District 5, Kent County
  • Far Nasir – District 6, Worcester County

Community Outreach
At last week’s event, MDFB’s Young Farmers Committee collected food donations through their Fill-A-Ford-Truck campaign, in partnership with the Maryland Food Bank. In addition, Nationwide donated $2,500 and King Crop Insurance donated $1,000 to benefit the food bank.

 

# # #

 

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

 
 
Translate »