Written by Kendall Abruzzesse, Originally published in the Summer 2025 edition of the Old Line Farmer Magazine

Maryland Farm Bureau is proud to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through our Agricultural Ambassador Program. Open to students between the ages of 17 and 21 who are passionate about agriculture, the program provides a platform for young leaders to grow, network, and represent Maryland’s farm families.

Each year, county Farm Bureaus select up to two ambassadors to compete in the statewide contest held during Maryland Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates. Two outstanding individuals are then selected from the county winners as the new state ambassadors for the coming year.

The state ambassadors represent Maryland Farm Bureau at events across the state, including Day in Annapolis, the Taste of Maryland Agriculture, and more. Ambassadors also have the opportunity to attend national leadership events held by American Farm Bureau, helping them build valuable skills and connections.

This year, we are proud to announce Dalena Bryant of Frederick County and Holly Knight of Baltimore County as our 2025 Maryland Farm Bureau Ag Ambassadors!

Dalena Bryant – Frederick County

Dalena was inspired to apply for the ambassador program after watching her older sister, Jaclyn, serve in 2021. While family encouragement sparked her interest, Dalena says her biggest motivation came from wanting to learn more about the legislative process and explore parts of agriculture beyond her personal experience.

Dalena grew up on her family’s diversified livestock farm, where they raise club lambs and beef cattle. She also participated in her local 4-H program, which further fueled her love for agriculture. She is currently pursuing an associate degree in agricultural business through Northwest Iowa Community College’s online program.

Dalena has enjoyed being active at both the county and state levels of Farm Bureau, saying her favorite part has been “meeting other local farmers and agriculturalists and being able to help inform them about new policies that could potentially affect their farm and business. The organization and program have provided so many opportunities, resources, and connections surpassing any expectations I had going into this.”

Holly Knight – Baltimore County

Holly grew up on a small farm where her family raised chickens, goats, and horses, and she has always been passionate about livestock and agricultural advocacy. Her involvement in FFA during high school played a major role in shaping her leadership skills and deepening her understanding of the industry.

Today, Holly works at The Farmyard in Baltimore County and is studying agricultural business online through Lakeshore Technical College. Inspired by her friends at The Farmyard to join the ambassador program, Holly now hopes to continue working in agritourism and teach children about agriculture through hands-on experiences.

Wanting to give back to the community, her long-term vision includes, “raising a family and foster kids on a farm, creating an agricultural-based ministry.”

This is Holly’s first year actively participating in the Baltimore County Farm Bureau, and she’s embraced the experience. “I have truly enjoyed meeting new people within this industry and making new friends who are in the ambassador program,” she says. She believes the experience has helped her grow personally and professionally.

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At Maryland Farm Bureau, we’re incredibly proud of Holly and Dalena. They embody the goals of our ambassador program and represent the best of what Maryland agriculture has to offer. Their passion, leadership, and commitment remind us that the future of farming is in capable hands.

The next Maryland Farm Bureau Ag Ambassador Contest will take place during our 2025 Convention in December. As this program continues to grow, so does the promise of agriculture’s next generation. Interested students can learn more about the program by contacting their county Farm Bureau ambassador representative or MDFB’s Kara Hutchison-Davis at khutchison@marylandfb.org.