DAVIDSONVILLE, MD. – Maryland Farm Bureau is delighted to announce the availability of five $2,000 scholarships for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025. These scholarships aim to support the educational pursuits of our dedicated young members committed to making a difference in agricultural related disciplines.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be current high school seniors with plans to embark on their college journey in Fall 2024 or already be enrolled as full-time students at any accredited community college or four-year institution. Additionally, applicants or their parents/guardians must be members of the Maryland Farm Bureau.

The breakdown of the scholarships is as follows:

• Three scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing academic degrees in food, agriculture, and/or natural resources disciplines.
• Two scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing degrees in other academic disciplines or who are pursuing minors in food, agriculture, and/or natural resources disciplines.

Applicants are urged to submit their scholarship applications by March 22nd, 2024, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of the application. The selection committee reserves the right to conduct interviews if deemed necessary for the final selection.

Scholarships will be presented to the selected applicants in conjunction with high school graduation programs or before the commencement of the fall semester. Family members of the Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors or staff are ineligible to participate in the scholarship program.

For more information and to access the application, please visit our website.

ANNAPOLIS, MD. – Today, the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) testified on the state of agriculture in front of the House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee. Greg Dell, a grain farmer from Carroll County and MDFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Chair, testified on MDFB’s behalf on the most pressing issues facing Maryland agriculture.

Greg Dell Testifying at House of Delegates Environment & Transportation Committee

“In an industry where margins are tight, it’s helpful to have the assistance of our elected officials’ to advance farmer-friendly policies,” said Greg Dell. “We look forward to working with our legislators to ensure a brighter future for Maryland agriculture in 2024.”

Topics of discussion included the issue of solar siting on agricultural land, including MDFB’s opposition to placing solar panels on finite class 1 and 2 agricultural soils, and the importance of accurate assessments on agricultural products and buildings. Dell also discussed the growth of urban agriculture in Maryland and advocated for its expansion. MDFB plans to remain intimately involved in these discussions as legislation gets introduced in the General Assembly.

Other agricultural stakeholders that testified in front of the committee included Mary Lou Brown of the Delmarva Chicken Association, Kurt Fuchs of Horizon Farm Credit, Jennie Schmidt of the Maryland Grain Producers Association, and John Swaine of Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts. The committee was chaired by Delegate Marc Korman and included Delegate Regina Boyce, the vice-chair of the committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture & Open Space.

Delegates Regina Boyce and Marc Korman

“It is an exciting time,” said Delegate Regina Boyce. “Although there are some challenges, we’re looking forward to working with everyone to stabilize and grow agriculture in Maryland.”

In December, MDFB’s Board of Directors met with Governor Wes Moore to discuss similar issues. Maryland Farm Bureau remains steadfast in advocating for our state’s agricultural industry, and we plan on keeping in regular communication with our elected officials to deliver wins for Maryland farmers. Additional photos from today can be found on our Flickr.

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ANNAPOLIS, MD. – Yesterday afternoon, the Board of Directors of the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) convened at the Maryland State House for a productive meeting with Governor Wes Moore. Accompanied by Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, the discussions centered around key agricultural policy matters and potential legislation that could impact the farming industry.

Governor Moore and Secretary Atticks accompanied by Maryland Farm Bureau members and staff

Notable topics included the issue of solar siting on agricultural land, strategies to combat food insecurity, the expansion of urban agriculture, the ongoing success of tire recycling programs, and the importance of accurate assessments on agricultural products. These issues will be followed thoroughly by MDFB as we prepare for Maryland’s Legislative Session next year.

“We greatly appreciate Governor Moore taking the time to meet with Maryland farmers to discuss some of the important issues facing our industry,” said MDFB President Jamie Raley. “By maintaining an open line of communication with our elected officials, we are confident that Maryland Farm Bureau can continue to strengthen and grow agriculture in our state.”

Governor Moore speaks with Maryland Farm Bureau members

Earlier this month, Governor Wes Moore provided a video message to MDFB members at our annual convention. Maryland Farm Bureau remains steadfast in advocating for our state’s agricultural industry, and we extend our thanks to the Governor for granting us a seat at the table. Additional photos from the meeting can be found on MDFB’s Flickr.

CAMBRIDGE, MD. – The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) convened in Cambridge, Maryland, for their 108^th Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates, during which new organizational leadership was elected. James (Jamie) Raley of St. Mary’s County was elected to a two-year term as President. Raley owns his family farm in Avenue, where they produce grain, hay, and cattle. Previously, Raley had a long career in law enforcement, serving 21 years as a member of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Raley begins his tenure as President after serving as 1st Vice President of the organization and as the former President of St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau.

Newly Elected Maryland Farm Bureau Leaders (L to R): 1^st Vice President Jonathan Quinn, President Jamie Raley, and 2^nd Vice President Jo-Ann Chason

“I am honored to have the support and confidence of Maryland farmers in my role as President of the Maryland Farm Bureau,” said President Raley. “Working in tandem with our grassroots members, I am confident that we can achieve victories on behalf of our state’s vibrant and diverse agricultural industry.”

Joining Raley in leadership roles are Jonathan Quinn of Kent County as 1st Vice President and Jo-Ann Chason of Baltimore County as 2nd Vice President, both serving one-year terms. The election of these officers took place with the participation of delegates from Maryland’s 23 county farm bureaus, along with representatives from MDFB’s partner organizations.

Bill Edwards of Dorchester County Receives the Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award from former MDFB President Wayne Stafford

In addition to the elections, the convention recognized several MDFB members for their outstanding contributions to Maryland agriculture. Bill Edwards from Dorchester County received the Distinguished Service to the Farm Bureau Award, Sandy Cross from Prince George’s County was named the 2023 Agri-Woman of the Year, and the Burrier Family Farm in Frederick County was honored with the Sand County Foundation Leopold Conservation Award.

Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture Kevin Atticks Addresses MDFB’s Convention

Earlier in the convention, members had the opportunity to hear updates from key figures in Maryland agriculture. Secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), Kevin Atticks, provided insights into MDA’s accomplishments over the past year, while the University of Maryland’s Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Craig Beyrouty, addressed the attendees on the college’s recent undertakings. Members also debated several topics, including agricultural education, solar siting, and wildlife management in relation to MDFB’s upcoming 2024 Policy Book.

As the 108th MDFB Annual Convention concludes, the newly elected leadership and honored members stand poised to contribute to the continued success and growth of Maryland’s agricultural community. The commitment and dedication exhibited at this convention reaffirm the strength and resilience of the Maryland Farm Bureau, as well as agriculture in Maryland.

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