This Weekend! MFB's Annual Meeting

Registration is open for the MFB's Annual Convention, to be held at the Cambridge Hyatt from December 3 - 6.

Additional information, including convention registration, hotel reservations, and meeting agenda may be found here.

Horizon Farm Credit recently recognized BCFB board member, Renee Wilson with a $10,000 Farmers on the Rise award. Renee owns and operates The Farmyard, LLC, an agritourism farm in northern Baltimore County. Renee will use her award to provide opportunities for ag education in the community.

Job Opportunity! Baltimore County's

Under the general supervision of the Director of Economic and Workforce Development, the Agricultural Business Development Specialist plans, develops and implements marketing projects to promote agribusiness and agro-tourism, and expand economic opportunities for Baltimore County’s agricultural business sector. This position works closely with County agricultural and business leaders to support the production, distribution and consumption of Baltimore County’s agricultural products to market. In addition, the Specialist provides support to relevant and future DEWD boards and coordinates with relevant agencies in the development of policy recommendations in support of Baltimore County’s agricultural community. For more details and to apply, please visit the website.

New! CCBC Want to take some horticulture classes this spring at CCBC?  See the list here: Spring horticulture classes. All classes are in person. Spring semester runs January 30^th to May 20th (15 weeks). Scholarships available! Contact Winny Tan for more information. 443-840- 3787 [email protected]  

New! American Landscape Institute (ALI) Applications are now being accepted for the ALI Program. ALI is a unique “Earn and Learn” scholarship program for high school graduates to take college horticulture classes at CCBC while working for a landscape or nursery company.  Students work 4 days per week for a landscape or nursery company, and attend classes at CCBC every Friday. Students graduate debt free with a Certificate in Landscape Installation, Maintenance, and Design. High school seniors or graduates can apply via the ALI website.  Contact Martha Pindale 410-688-5115 [email protected] 

Montgomery College New Winter and Spring horticulture classes being offered:

New! MD Farm Bureau Raffle!

The MD Farm Bureau is raffling away a used and in good condition Ford F-150. You can enter for your chance to win now! The truck will be on display at the MDFB Annual Convention & Meeting of Delegates. Only 400 tickets will be sold. The winner will be drawn at MDFB's Day in Annapolis February 8, 2023. Click here to check out the truck and buy your tickets!

In addition to a brand new Facebook Page, BCFB has just launched its Instagram account! Add BCFB to your regular scroll, and effortlessly keep up to date on all things Farm Bureau!

Maryland Department of Agriculture Highlights -

New! Maryland Farm & Harvest Visits Locations Across the State During December 6 Episode Maryland Public Television's (MPT) original series Maryland Farm & Harvest, now in its 10th anniversary season, will feature farms and locations from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore during a “soil” themed episode premiering on Tuesday, December 6. The Local Buy: Foraging for Mushrooms with Chef Chris Amendola (Baltimore County/Baltimore City) is among those featured in this episode. Maryland Farm & Harvest airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT-HD and online at mpt.org/livestream. Encore broadcasts are available on MPT-HD Thursdays at 11 p.m. and Sundays at 6 a.m. In addition, each episode airs on MPT2/Create® on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Episodes are also available to watch on demand using MPT’s online video player and the PBS Video App. Read the full press release.

Maryland's Best Expo Scheduled for January 10 The MDA will host the Maryland’s Best Expo on Tuesday, January 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Returning for its 19th year, after being canceled in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland’s Best Expo provides an opportunity for Maryland farmers, seafood producers, and processors to connect with buyers from grocery retailers, restaurants, schools, food distributors, and other venues. Read the full press release.

Maryland Announces Extension of Certification and Renewal Dates for Lawn Care Professionals The MDA has announced new certification and license renewal dates for businesses and individuals hired to fertilize lawns and turf. Certified Professional Fertilizer Applicators (PFAs) and licensed businesses now have until December 31, 2022 to renew their certifications and licenses instead of June 30, 2022. The move was made to help lawn care professionals and businesses keep their renewals up to date by changing the deadline from peak season to off-season. Read the full press release.

New! Baltimore County Extension's 'Ag Insight'

Are you receiving the University of Maryland Extension's Agricultural newsletter for Baltimore County: Ag Insight?

In the December Edition, you'll find:

To receive the newsletter directly, email Erika Crowl.

Visit the UMD Extension website for past newsletters.

New Online Training Available to Assist Growers Better Understand Risk Management Tools

This summer, the University of Maryland (UMD) is partnering with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and USDA to create a four-module online training course Maryland Farming Success. This course will allow traditionally underserved and socially disadvantaged audiences to logically develop a plan, focused on financial skills, risk management tools, and legal topics regarding their farm operations, and understand additional existing assistance available from USDA, including Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs and Risk Management Agency programs.

The online training course is separated into four modules designed around preparing farmers for success by providing information about available USDA programs and creating the ability for participants to have a successful business plan, including - mission and goals, enterprise budgeting, risk management, and legal risk management. Read the full press release.

USDA will invest $25 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. Through CIG, partners work to address our nation's water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. The On-Farm Trials component of CIG supports widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers.

Find out more and how to apply.

Would you like to have your nursery featured on Maryland's Best's website? Maryland’s Best is a program managed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Agribusiness Development section. Our mission is to link Maryland farmers with consumers through this Web site, promotions and advertising. Register here to be featured on the website at no cost. Learn more about Maryland's Best.

Sizing and Pricing:

Double sided

18" x 24" $145

3' x 4' $380

Single sided

18" x 24" $105

3' x 4' $320

Double sided

18" x 24" $135

3' x 4' $350

Single sided

18" x 24" $95

3' x 4' $ 290

To claim your $60 rebate, provide proof of purchase to the BCFB via email.

Questions? Please contact BCFB at 410-823-1789 or email

410-620-9180 www.adartsignsinc.com

New Blog! Maryland Risk Management Education Blog

The College of Agriculture & Natural Resources' Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics has a blog that is focused on issues related to agricultural policy, crop insurance, and agricultural law.

The most recent blog from November 29, 2022 titled Federal Estate Tax and Gift Tax Limits Announced for 2023 can be viewed here. Earlier blogs can be accessed here on the college's website.

Work Boots.com is an online store specializing in work footwear, apparel and equipment. With styles from industry giants like Carhartt, Dickies, Timberland Pro and Wolverine, Work Boots.com is a one-stop shop for all work wear requirements. Members of the Maryland Farm Bureau receive a 15% off discount to Work Boots.com Call (636) 680-8061 or 410-922-3426 for the promo code. More here.    

MYDEALS Mobile App for Member Savings Advantage Looking for an easy way to see your member benefits all in one place? Download the Member Savings Advantage app on your phone to receive exclusive discounts at thousands of popular restaurants and retailers. Take a look at how the MYDEALS app works. The app can be downloaded on a smartphone or tablet from the APP Store or Google Play. Members can find discounts that are in their area based on their location when using the app.  If a member already registered on the website with a user email and password that same credential can be used on the mobile app. If not, a member will need to go to “Setup Account” and enter the program ID -200655 and their Farm Bureau ID# as the Mobile Password. If Access has an email address and password on file, it will pre-populate the “Setup Account” page and the member will need to finish registration. Learn more about the Member Savings Advantage program.