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Milburn Orchards in Elkton | #MemberSpotlight

Spend a day at a nationally renowned orchard!

Milburn Orchards in Elkton is entering its peak season, and each fall, visitors flock to this more than hundred acre farm for a full day of agricultural fun. After picking apples in the orchard, guests can indulge in delicious, value-added products like apple butter and cider donuts at their marketplace.

The word spreads quickly about the good times at the orchard, and it shows—recently, the orchard was voted one of the top 10 in America by USA Today. Given the competition from larger, apple-producing states, this recognition is a big win for Maryland. But for cousins Caleb Milburn and Olivia Palmeri Johnston, the awards aren’t the focus.

“When you shop local, you’re getting quality and freshness,” says Caleb. “It makes me happy to serve the customers around us and be their local vendor.” #MemberSpotlight

Learn more about Milburn Orchards at milburnorchards.com.

Makin Memories Farm in Greensboro | #MemberSpotlight

It’s harvest time in this little town 🌾🚜

Levi and Kristin Hayman grow corn, wheat, soybeans, and certified organic poultry in Greensboro. This time of year, you can expect to see them on combines harvesting the essential grain that makes Maryland move.

With poultry being Maryland’s largest agricultural product, particularly on the Eastern Shore, the grain grown here feeds birds all along the shore. It’s a local ecosystem that thrives without the need for imports, benefiting farmers like the Haymans and their community. It’s hard work for this couple, but they enjoy every moment spent together.

“Farming is born and bred into you,” says Levi with a smile. “And if you find the right person to share it with, that enjoys it as much as you do, that’s a plus.” #MemberSpotlight

Maryland Farm Bureau Urges Motorists to Share the Road with Farmers During Harvest Season, Releases PSA

The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) has launched a new video public service announcement (PSA) featuring Caroline County farmers Levi and Kristin Hayman to raise awareness about rural road safety. As harvest season approaches, MDFB is reminding Maryland motorists to share the road safely with farm equipment, which plays a vital role in producing the food, fuel, and fiber that sustains our state.

During the fall months, many farmers in Maryland will be operating farm equipment on rural roads, moving from field to field. Motorists are urged to pass tractors only when it is safe and legal, and to be mindful of the extra space farm equipment often requires making wide turns. Staying vigilant and patient on the road is essential to ensuring the safety of both drivers and farmers alike.

In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, MDFB recently joined a press release highlighting the importance of rural road safety. SHA notes that since 2020, there have been 185 crashes, including three fatalities, involving farm equipment on Maryland roads.

“Maryland farmers work tirelessly every day to keep our communities fed, and they deserve to be safe on the roads,” said Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley. “We urge all Maryland motorists to stay alert and be mindful of the farm equipment sharing our roadways to ensure the safety of both drivers, their passengers and our farmers.”


MDFB’s insurance partner Nationwide reports that while only 19% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, rural roads account for 45% of vehicle-related fatalities. Their ‘Drive the 5’ campaign emphasizes five key principles of road safety: staying distraction-free, being well-rested and alert, avoiding impairment, keeping vehicles properly maintained, and staying aware of the environment.

Maryland Farm Bureau Releases 2024 Voting Guide Highlighting Candidates’ Agricultural Platform

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD – The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) has officially released its 2024 Voting Guide, which provides insight into the positions of federal candidates on key agricultural issues in Maryland. As part of this effort, candidates were asked to address the question central to MDFB’s mission: “As a member of Congress, how will you work to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland?

While MDFB does not endorse any federal candidates, the guide is intended to offer information to its nearly 8,000 member families as they consider their voting decisions. The full responses from the campaigns can be accessed at mdfarmbureau.com/votingguide2024

“The upcoming election has serious implications for the future of agriculture in our country,” says Tyler Hough, MDFB’s Director of Government Relations. “We appreciate the candidates who took the time to recognize the vital role that farmers play in Maryland’s economy and communities.”

Special thanks to the following campaigns for participating:

  • U.S. Senate: Larry Hogan and Angela Alsobrooks
  • 1st Congressional District: Andy Harris and Blane Miller III
  • 2nd Congressional District: Johnny Olszewski and Kim Klacik
  • 3rd Congressional District: Sarah Elfreth
  • 4th Congressional District: George McDermott
  • 6th Congressional District: April McClain Delaney and Neil Parrott
  • 8th Congressional District: Cheryl Riley

Agriculture is Maryland’s largest commercial industry, contributing $8 billion annually from over 12,500 farms. The Maryland Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural advocacy organization, representing nearly 8,000 member families committed to advancing the future of Maryland farming.

Earlier this month, the American Farm Bureau Federation also released a questionnaire with responses from 2024 Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, addressing national agricultural policy issues. To view their responses, click here.

Maryland Farm Bureau to Host 109th Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates in Cambridge

Cambridge, MD – Maryland Farm Bureau is excited to announce that its 109th Annual Convention & Meeting of Delegates will be held December 7-10, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland. This event is the largest gathering of farmers in the state, bringing together over 500 agricultural leaders from across all of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions.

This year’s convention will offer a comprehensive platform for Maryland’s agricultural community to connect, share ideas, and influence policy. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in sessions on legislative advocacy, sustainability practices, and the latest agricultural trends, making it an invaluable event for anyone involved in Maryland’s farming sector. The convention’s first day, Saturday, December 7th, will also serve as the NextGen Summit, a celebration of Maryland’s young farmers and ranchers.

We are also inviting businesses and organizations to be exhibitors at our convention trade show. With sponsorship opportunities starting at $1,000, exhibitors will benefit from premium visibility and engagement with our attendees. All sponsorship packages of $1,000 or more will include a Standard Booth in the exhibit hall and a complimentary General Convention Registration.

Key Details:

  • Event: 109th Maryland Farm Bureau Annual Convention & Meeting of Delegates
  • Dates: December 7-10, 2024
  • Location: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina, Cambridge, Maryland
  • Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities: Available now, with packages starting at $1,000

Updates and additional information regarding exhibitor details, sponsorship packages, and a draft agenda are available on our website at mdfarmbureau.com/convention.

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event and to another successful gathering of Maryland’s agricultural community.

What They’re Saying: Maryland Farm Bureau Opposes MPRP

(Broadcast Supercut: Watch & Share)

Broadcast: WJZWBALWBFFWBAL News RadioWYPR

Stop MPRP, Inc: “We greatly appreciate the Maryland Farm Bureau for this statement of opposition to the proposed MPRP. We agree, Maryland farmers deserve better and Maryland farms should be protected.”

State Senator Justin Ready: Excellent! Thank you Maryland Farm Bureau for standing with our community.

WBAL: Maryland Farm Bureau announces opposition to Piedmont Reliability Project “The Maryland Farm Bureau on Wednesday announced its opposition to a proposed power line project that would stretch across three counties in the state…The bureau said the loss would put further pressure on the local food supply and worsen food insecurity. Even though many legislators opposed the lines, the bureau said they still voted to approve expanding data centers that necessitate the developments, adding lawmakers are often at odds with local farmers.”

Delmarva Farmer: MFB opposes controversial transmission line proposal “With Maryland already losing more than 12,000 acres of farmland in recent years and lacking a clear succession plan for the future, MFB said the potential loss could have serious implications for local food supply and worsen food insecurity problems.”

Fox 45: Maryland Farm Bureau announces opposition to controversial power line project “Maryland’s largest agricultural trade organization broke its silence on Wednesday morning to officially condemn a controversial power line project that it contends would put over 1,300 acres of farmland at risk. The Maryland Farm Bureau reports an internal survey showed more than 25 of its members could be directly affected by the development of the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.”

Morning Ag Clips: MDFB Opposes the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project “As the MPRP project is needed to reach goals mandated by the Maryland General Assembly, MDFB has expressed concern over the potential negative impact on farmland. Members have been encouraged to voice their opposition to state lawmakers regarding the MPRP.”

Maryland Reporter: State Roundup: Farm Bureau Condemns Huge Powerline Project “Maryland’s largest agricultural trade organization broke its silence on Wednesday morning to officially condemn a controversial power line project that it contends would put over 1,300 acres of farmland at risk.”

Baltimore Sun: Maryland Farm Bureau announces opposition to controversial power line project “Meanwhile, the Maryland Farm Bureau said it has instructed its members to join the fight to cancel the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. ‘Members have been encouraged to voice their opposition to state lawmakers regarding the MPRP,’ the MDFB said.”

WMAR: Power play leaves property owners in the dark “This week, the Maryland Farm Bureau officially announced its opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, which would carve out room for a 70-mile-long transmission line. The Farm Bureau says the transmission lines could impact dozens of its members and could put 1,300 acres of farmland at risk. It argues development has already wiped out thousands of acres in recent years cutting into the local food supply.”

Bay Journal: Plans for Maryland transmission line run up against land preservation goalsAngry residents packed public informational meetings. The Maryland Farm Bureau denounced the project, saying it would threaten 1,300 acres of farmland.”

Baltimore Sun: Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project group not connected to requests to buy land, community opposition continues “Maryland’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2045 has created the need for new energy infrastructure, according to the farm bureau, and the piedmont project could affect more than 25 Maryland Farm Bureau members with an estimated 1,300 acres of farmland. ‘We greatly appreciate the clear and strong opposition from the Maryland Farm Bureau,’ a representative from Stop MPRP said in an email.”

Maryland Farm Bureau Opposes the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD – The Maryland Farm Bureau’s (MDFB) Board of Directors officially announced its opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), a proposed transmission line that could disrupt agricultural land in northern Maryland. MDFB is the state’s largest agricultural trade organization, comprising nearly 8,000 member families with a shared mission to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland.

The MPRP is a proposed 70-mile transmission line running through northern Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Frederick County. These lines have the potential to cut through agricultural property and the developers will need to acquire property rights for the project. After hearing from its grassroots membership, who voiced concerns about the project’s impact on their farms, MDFB’s leadership decided to take a stand.

“Our members have raised important concerns about the viability, and more importantly, the disruption this project causes Maryland farmers,” says MDFB President Jamie Raley. “Maryland Farm Bureau stands with our state’s farmers in opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project for its substantial impact on our state’s finite farmland.”

An internal survey revealed that more than 25 Maryland Farm Bureau members could be directly affected by the MPRP, with an estimated 1,300 acres of farmland at risk. With Maryland already losing over 12,000 acres of farmland in recent years and lacking a clear succession plan for the future, the potential loss could have serious implications for local food supply and worsen food insecurity problems.

“Amid the rising mandates for clean energy and other legislation that competes with agriculture for land use, we believe it’s crucial to take a stand on this project in collaboration with our local county farm bureaus,” says MDFB Executive Director Parker Welch.

In 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed The Climate Solutions Now Act (SB0528/HB0038), aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2045. To meet these goals, the Maryland Department of the Environment has outlined the need for new statewide transmission and distribution infrastructure.

As the MPRP project is needed to reach goals mandated by the Maryland General Assembly, MDFB has expressed concern over the potential negative impact on farmland. Members have been encouraged to voice their opposition to state lawmakers regarding the MPRP.

On the same day as this decision, MDFB signed a letter from Forever Maryland to Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. (PSEG), the entity behind the MPRP. The letter, co-signed by multiple agricultural organizations, opposed the construction of transmission lines on permanently preserved land.

In July, MDFB launched their Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project Resource Page as a way to provide members with the latest updates relating to the project. In late August, MDFB also released a blog post, “Maryland Lawmakers Put Farms at Risk with Data Center Legislation,” highlighting how many of the legislature’s short-sighted bills can often have downstream effects on farmers.

Farmers Experience 23% Drop in Income Since 2022

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released their net farm income data, which shows a shocking 23% drop in on-farm income since 2022. This exacerbates other problems, including farmers paying the highest dollar amount ever on interest, labor and taxes which was also highlighted in the report.

“The drop in net farm income is not just an economic hiccup, it’s evidence of an agricultural downturn,” says American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “High inflation, severe weather and plummeting crop prices should serve as a wake-up call for Congress to finally step up and do the right thing by modernizing the farm bill.”

Recently, Maryland experienced a loss of more than 12,000 acres of farmland according to the latest Census of Agriculture. Across the United States, the census reported 141,733 fewer farms and a loss of more than 20 million acres of farmland from just five years earlier. 

Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) has been sounding the alarm on disadvantageous policies that contribute to the loss of income and acres of farmland. This includes solar siting on class 1 and 2 agricultural soils and excessive taxation on agricultural products and property.

“Maryland farmers are incredibly aware of the problems that such a steep loss of income can bring,” says MDFB President Jamie Raley. “It is imperative that our elected officials come together and pass farmer-friendly legislation to support the farmers that feed and fuel our local communities.”

MDFB has issued an action alert, encouraging its nearly 8,000 family members to write their federal representatives to pass a new and modernized farm bill. The farm bill is the most important federal legislation designed to support American agriculture, farmers, and nutrition programs. Last year, MDFB members filmed a PSA in support of the Farm Bill during their annual meeting with lawmakers in Washington, DC.

In May, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture passed a new Farm Bill through the committee on a bipartisan basis. Since then, it has not moved forward in the House or introduced in the Senate.

Governor Wes Moore Scoops Ice Cream at Maryland Farm Bureau’s Dairy Bar

TIMONIUM, MD. – After several Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) members attended the Governor’s Annual Luncheon at the Maryland State FairGovernor Wes Moore helped serve ice cream to fair goers at MDFB’s Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar is an annual tradition hosted by MDFB, serving locally made ice cream at the state fair with all the proceeds going to support MDFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program.

Left to right: LEAD MD President Emily Wilson, LEAD Class XIII Stephanie Knutsen, Governor Wes Moore, MDFB Executive Director Parker Welch, and Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks

From MDFB’s Facebook“Maryland Farm Bureau relies on the support of volunteers to staff our Dairy Bar at the Maryland State Fair – that’s why we were thrilled to have Governor Wes Moore pick up a shift and serve ice cream to fair goers!

All of the proceeds from our Dairy Bar goes to support young farmers in Maryland. Thank you Governor for taking the time to support our state’s wonderful young farmers and dairy industry!

Governor Wes Moore prepares a root beer float for a fair-goer

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 nearly 8,000 families who belong to the state’s 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, MDFB has been committed to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland. MDFB is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau® Federation. For more information, visit mdfarmbureau.com.

Additional photos can be found on MDFB’s Facebook.

Maryland Lawmakers Put Farms at Risk with Data Center Legislation

As you may know, northern Maryland farms are facing a significant challenge. The Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project is a proposed 70-mile transmission line running through Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties.

These lines have the potential to cut through agricultural property and the developers will need to acquire property rights for the project. While technological progress is important, these transmission lines could threaten the finite farm land that sustains us all.

It’s important to note that while many of our state legislators have voiced their opposition to these transmission lines, 𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨.

This contradiction is not lost on us, and it highlights a pressing issue: 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨.

We understand the importance of data centers in our modern world, but we believe that this development should not come at the expense of our farmers’ livelihoods. Our legislators must be held accountable for the choices they make, and it is up to us to ensure that our voices are heard.

Maryland’s farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, and now more than ever, we must stand united. Your support as a Maryland Farm Bureau member is invaluable, and we need your help to deliver on our mission to strengthen and grow agriculture in Maryland. Your support will allow us to continue our work in lobbying, legal challenges, and public advocacy campaigns.

We know that together, we can make a difference. Our farmers deserve to have their land protected, and with your help, we can hold our legislators accountable and encourage them to instead push for solutions that benefit everyone.

Consider becoming a member of Maryland Farm Bureau, donating to our legal fund, or refer a friend at members.mdfarmbureau.com

Learn more about the MPRP project

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