Nominees for 2 BCFB awards are now being taken. Please submit your nominees to BCFB no later than September 14th.

Please review the award's rules and qualifications here.

Past BCFB recipients of this prestigious award include:

·        Richard Price (2015) **

·        Steve Webber (2016)

·        Wayne and Harriet McGinnis (2017)

·        Vernon Foster (2018)

·        Donald Cole (2019) **

·        Les Richardson (2021)

Please review the award's rules and qualifications here.

The deadline to submit nominees to me is September 14th. Please let me know if you have any questions. I may also be reached at 410-823-1789.

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!

Deadline This Week! Maryland Farm Bureau Ambassador Applications

September 16, 2022 is the deadline for the 2022-2023 Maryland Farm Bureau Ambassador program, a scholarship and leadership development initiative for Maryland's Farm Bureau member-families. After receiving entries from the county Farm Bureaus, the state Farm Bureau will choose one female and one male ambassador to represent Maryland Farm Bureau and the importance of agriculture's role in the state from December 2022 through December 2023. Plesae share this application with full details with any individual you feel would make a great representative for Maryland Farm Bureau.

Tomorrow! 2022 MAEF Scholarship Golf Tournament The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. and the Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association are pleased to be co-hosting the Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Oakmont Green Golf Course in Hampstead, Maryland. Join us for a relaxing day of golf with agriculture friends and help raise funds for students who are continuing their education in agriculture. View the Event Flyer. View Sponsorship Options. Register for the 2022 MAEF Scholarship Golf Tournament

New! 2022 MAEF Annual Banquet & Auction On November 3rd MAEF will host it's Annual Banquet & Auction. The banquet will be held at the BWI Marriott. Reception begins at 5:30pm followed by dinner at 6:30pm. More information to come!

Due Friday! Agri-Woman of the Year

The Maryland Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee will present the 4^th annual award for a woman that shows exceptional passion and dedication to the agricultural community and Farm Bureau. Rules governing the selection of award recipient are attached, along with a fillable PDF and Word Doc version of the application. One recipient per year will be named by the awards committee. The committee will be appointed by the Agri-Woman of the Year Steering Committee. 

All Farm Bureau members are encouraged to submit nominations of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Maryland agriculture and Farm Bureau using the nomination form. Mail your completed nomination(s) to Parker Welch at Maryland Farm Bureau, 3358 Davidsonville Road, Davidsonville, MD 21035 or [email protected]. Or you can email them to Ashley Barber at [email protected]. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, September 16, 2022 but please send yours earlier if you have it ready.  

Register Now! BCFB's 99th Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held at the

This meeting is a forum for voting members to gather and conduct important business, including the election of the Board of Directors, bylaw updates, and acceptance of policy as drafted at the August policy meeting. There is no fee for attending this event. Registration is required. Register for the Annual Meeting.

Register Today! Maryland 4-H Foundation's

Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart fees, a chance to win team and individual prizes, lunch and awards dinner.

11 a.m. registration and lunch, 1 p.m. shotgun start, 6 p.m. awards dinner sponsored by Maryland State Fair Inc.

Questions contact Lauren Mohler [email protected] and 301-405-2833.

Proceeds support national 4-H trips.

New! Maryland Operator Certification

UMD Extension is offering an Operator Certification (FTC) for Writing Nursery Nutrient Management Plans for Nurseries, Greenhouses and Controlled Environments on September 29th from 9:00am to 3:30pm. The cost for this program is $35.00 and includes program costs (including lunch) and the MDA exam fee ($20). For consultants not taking the exam, the cost is $15. Payment will be required at the beginning of the program. A check can be made out to University of Maryland. A receipt will be available. If you wish to register, please do so before September 23rd, 2022 by emailing Dr. Andrew Ristvey ([email protected]). Add your business name and phone contact number. If you have questions please send an email to me or call me at 410-827-8056 x113. View the event flyer.

New! Increasing Access and Equity in Youth Programs:

Maryland 4-H is hosting a free training on Increasing Access and Equity in Youth Train-the-Trainer event at the Baltimore County Extension Office on September 24th from 1-4pm. Registration closes on September 20th. The goal of the training is to strengthen social justice awareness in the community and share strategies for teaching advocacy to youth audiences. The session will highlight two 4-H curricula pieces designed to build skills at any level. The workshop is free however, space is limited. View the event flyer.

New! 2022 8th Annual Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference

Do you have trouble keeping up to date with agricultural and environmental laws? The Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference (AELC), hosted by the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI), is a unique event that brings together stakeholders from Maryland's agricultural, conservation, and legal fields. The AELC focuses on the network of environmental laws affecting Maryland's agricultural businesses. Whether you are concerned about the upcoming Farm Bill or want to learn more about the growth of the hemp industry - the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) is here to provide you with the information you seek on all current agricultural law concerns. We are pleased to invite all agricultural service providers, attorneys, educators, environmentalists, producers, policymakers, and students to our 2022 Annual Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference both virtually and in person! The conference will be held on October 28^th from 8 AM-3 PM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis, MD.

New! Maryland Farm Bureau PAC

As Maryland state elections draw nearer, the Maryland Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC) announces its endorsement of candidates for the Maryland General Assembly. Each election, the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) PAC looks at incumbent voting records, reviews candidate questionnaires, and solicits recommendations from county Farm Bureau organizations to determine candidates who are friends of Maryland agriculture.

Early voting begins on October 27 and runs through November 3. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is November 1.

New! Baltimore County Extension's 'Ag Insight'

In the September 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.

On July 11th, the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) announced that HB268, which raises the exemption from personal property assessment for all Maryland businesses from $2,500 to $20,000, has taken effect. This legislation will save 14,217 businesses from paying taxes on $44.2 million in assessment, and is an extension of HB90, which SDAT sponsored in 2018 and exempted 28,493 businesses from $10.8 million in assessment. Read the full press release. 

Accepting Applicants! UMD Extension

University of Maryland Extension just posted a Master Gardener Coordinator position for Baltimore County. Visit the website for more information or to apply for the position.

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.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Highlights -

New! Reminder to Register Products With State Chemist The MDA is reminding farmers, business owners and agricultural industry partners that are required to adhere to the Maryland Pesticide Registration and Labeling, Commercial Feed, Commercial Fertilizer, and Agricultural Liming Materials and Gypsum laws and regulations to register with the Maryland State Chemist Section all products in these classifications that are exchanged, offered for sale, sold, or bartered, supplied, furnished, or provided as part of a commercial enterprise. Registration of these products provides for consumer safety. Read the full press release. 

Maryland Horse Industry Board Accepting 2023 Grant Applications  The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) will begin accepting grant applications for the 2023 grant year. The goals of the grant program are to promote the Maryland equine industry by increasing public awareness and participation, advancing education and training, supporting and promoting equestrian events, programs, and activities, and preserving access and use of public lands for riding. The deadline to apply is October 7, 2022. Read the full press release.

MDA Now Accepting Applications for Governor's Ag Hall of Fame  The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting nominations of farmers and farm families for the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the state’s leading industry. Nominations are due by Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Those selected for induction will be honored during the “Taste of Maryland Agriculture” event on Feb. 2, 2023. Any family that derives its income principally from farming is eligible for the award. 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.

Maryland Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Pesticide Container Recycling Program The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Pesticide Regulation Section has announced the 2022 dates and drop-off locations for its Pesticide Container Recycling Program. On certain days from June through September farmers, pesticide applicators, and other users can recycle used plastic pesticide containers at no cost at locations in Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico counties. Collection dates to begin June 2022. Read the full press release.

The first 50 BCFB members that place an order for their farm/company's membership sign will receive a $60 dollar rebate from

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

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.

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 August 30, 2022 titled Update on USDA's Debt Relief Plan for Black and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers can be viewed here.. Earlier blogs can be accessed here on the college's website.