E-Newsletter - October 19, 2023

October 19, 2023

BCFB Members:

Welcome to fall; it is finally here!

With fall comes the BCFB's Annual Banquet. This year's banquet will feature a Silent Auction to benefit BCFB programming and scholarship. Registration is now open; please see below for more information.

UME and the newly formed Baltimore County Office of Agriculture invite you to a fire-side chat with MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks on October 30th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Please view more information, including how to RSVP, here.

Registration is Open for the

2023 BCFB Annual

Fall Banquet

New this year, the 99^th Annual Banquet will hold a silent auction. It will also include live music, dinner, and a chance to network and connect with your industry colleagues and district legislators. The evening will include

hors d'oeuvres, dinner, beverages, and dessert.

Location:

Summit Manor at the Hereford Fire Hall

510 Monkton Rd.

Hereford, MD 21111

Date and Time:

November 14, 2023

6:00 p.m.

Cost:

$30.00 per member

If you prefer, you can register by phone at 410-823-1789.

RSVP is due by November 6th

The Maryland Farm Bureau's Annual Convention & Meeting of the Delegates will be held on December 2-5, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, MD.

MDFB Announces

Two Key Staff Changes

On October 2nd, the Maryland Farm Bureau announced new key staff changes, with Tyler Hough being appointed as Director of Government Relations and Kendall Abruzzese as a new Regional Field Manager.

A Howard County native, Hough comes into his new role after spending 3 years as a Regional Field Manager for MDFB, giving him valuable experience as a voice for Maryland’s farmers.

As Director of Government Relations, Tyler Hough will spearhead MDFB's public policy initiatives, with a particular focus on state legislative and regulatory matters. Leveraging his extensive background in agriculture and his experience as a Regional Field Manager, Hough will play a pivotal role in shaping the 2024 Policy Book in preparation for Maryland's upcoming legislative session.

Replacing Tyler Hough on the Regional Field Team is Kendall Abruzzese, a native of Frederick County. Abruzzese is a graduate of Catoctin High School and most recently served as the State President of Maryland FFA, where she played a major role in FFA's agricultural education initiatives and gained important statewide connections. She joins Mitch Hopkins and Kara Hutchison on MDFB's field team, ensuring complete coverage across the state.

Hough begins his tenure effective immediately, Abruzzese begins on Monday, October 9th. Their additions to the team come at a pivotal time, with MDFB’s Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates scheduled for December, and preparations underway for the 2024 Legislative Session. These changes mark an exciting chapter in MDFB's journey to serve Maryland's farming community with excellence.

Due Tomorrow!

2023 Governor's Hall of Fame

Nominations are officially open for the 2023 Governor's Agriculture Hall of Fame! Please see the linked letter and application package for this year's program. Completed nominations are due by October 20th, 2023. Electronic submissions are preferred, however if you choose to mail the nomination package PLEASE notify Harrison Palmer via email or phone (410-841-8552) to expect it. Applications received after October 20th will not be considered.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to Harrison Palmer. Thank you for your cooperation and support of this incredible program honoring the farm families that are at the heart of Maryland's #1 industry.

New! Buy Local Trade Show

The Baltimore County Office of Agriculture and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Extension will be holding a Buy-Local Trade Show on Friday, December 1, 2023 for Baltimore County growers and producers to have the opportunity to display their products and local and regional buyers to have a chance to connect with them one-on-one.

New! Maryland Farm Bureau Member Spotlight with

The Farmyard in Parkton

Last week, Maryland Farm Bureau spotlighted Renee Wilson's farm, The Farmyard, in their e-newsletter. Here's a snippet of what MFB said "Inspired by their own experiences growing up on a farm, at the family owned “The Farmyard,” invite children and families to partake in the joys of local agriculture. Amidst all of the fun and laughter, visitors get the opportunity to learn more about the food producers right in their own backyard.

Check out this week’s member spotlight on Steve and Renee Wilson’s popular educational agrtiourism activities by visiting the MFB Facebook account.

New! MDFB Young Farmers Next Generation Summit

The Young Farmers Next Generation Summit will take place on Saturday, December 2-3 prior to the MFB Convention. Please join MFB as an elite MDFB sponsor to be a 2023 MDFB NextGen Partner.

For an additional $500, your sponsorship not only gives you visibility, but SO MUCH MORE! MD FB is delighted to work with you to customize this opportunity

Your sponsorship will contribute to making this event complimentary for young professionals/students from MDFB Ag Ambassadors, Maryland 4-H, Maryland FFA, and UMD MANRRS plus UMES MANRRS.

2023 will be bigger and better! Help us amplify the MDFB voice of agriculture in partnership with youth leaders! Read more

Farm Credit Announces Recipients of JumpStart

Grant Funding

Farm Credit recently announced a $150,000 disbursement of grant funds to beginning farmers through JumpStart, the Association’s competitive grant program for farmers in the start-up phase of business. We would especially like to recognize two of the recipients, whom are BCFB members:

Katelynn Troy from Parkton, MD
Carlene Curtis from Parkton, MD

Congratulations! The program is open to both full and part-time farmers and does not require applicants to be Farm Credit customers. Learn more about this program by visiting horizonfc.com/jumpstart. Read more

New! Fall 2023 PSLA Seminars

The next Fall 2023 Plant Science and Landscape Architecture seminar will be held on October 30th at 12 noon. Dr. Justin Farris of USDA will be speaking in person on the Genetic dissection of inverse gene-for-gene interactions in the wheat-tan spot pathosystem. Please reach out to Associate Professor, Dr. Nidhi Rawat with any questions.

Visit the event website for the full schedule of events

This Month! UMD Extension

Upcoming Events

Wildlife Wednesday Webinars Each webinar is free, but registration is required. To register, visit: go.umd.edu/wildlife23

The next webinars are:

November 15: Wild Turkey Population Research and Habitat Management Practices, featuring Bob Long, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The American Chestnut Foundation 40th Anniversary - Maryland Chapter, October 28, 2023 Save the date for the Maryland Chapter’s celebration of The American Chestnut Foundation’s 40th anniversary! The event will take place in Jefferson, Maryland and will be organized by Karl Mech. The celebration will include a screening of TACF’s new documentary film CLEAR DAY THUNDER: Rescuing the American Chestnut. Read more

Next Week! Fresh Food Fest

Vendor Applications Now Open

The Upper Shore Regional Council and MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill p/b Brown Advisory are thrilled to present the Fresh Food Fest on Sunday, October 22nd from 9am-4pm at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Returning for the third year, the Fresh Food Fest is a special event within the larger MD 5 Star event. The FFF features seasonal fruits and vegetables, farm products, local honey, meats and seafood, baked goods and more for sale. All MD 5 Star attendees have free access to the Fresh Food Fest.

Become a Vendor!

MDA Highlights

October 2023

Updated Tax Credits and Expansion to Certifications Offer On October 4th, the MDA announced that updates in legislation will impact Maryland farmers this year as enhanced tax credits are now available for food donations. As of July, farmers are able to claim 100 percent wholesale credit to all food—certified organic or otherwise. Read more

Farmers Market Nutrition Program Seeks Input for Electronic -Benefits On October 3rd, the MDA announced they are seeking input from farmers and Farmers Markets in its plans to create an electronic platform for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program in 2024. Input for the program is open to all Maryland farmers and Farmers Markets participating in the program via a survey created by the department. Read more

Governor Wes Moore Proclaims October as 'Maryland Horse Month' On October 1st, Governor Wes Moore proclaimed October as Maryland Horse Month in celebration of the Maryland horse industry. The month-long celebration will showcase the many ways the State is enriched by it, from the economic benefits to the recreational and therapeutic benefits. Read more

Cost-Share Grants Available for Fall Manure Transport and Injection Available On September 27th, the MDA reminds farmers that cost-share funding is available to help cover the cost of hauling all types of manure to fall-planted crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Grants are also available to offset costs associated with injecting liquid manure into the soil to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors. All fall manure transport and injection projects must be completed by December 15. Claims for payment should be submitted to the department’s Conservation Grants Office by January 15, 2024. Read more

Baltimore County Extension's 'Ag Insight'

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

In the October Edition, you'll find:

Buyer-Grower Connect Event
UME Job Postings
Farm Credit Foundation Scholarships
Private Applicator Pesticide Certification Options
And much more!

To receive the newsletter directly, email Erika Crowl.

Visit the UMD Extension website for past newsletters.

Job Openings at UMD Extension

Nutrient Management Advisors UMD is seeking dedicated individuals to join their team as Nutrient Management Advisors. Their mission is to provide educational programs and resources to Maryland farmers, helping them implement environmentally responsible nutrient management practices. As a Nutrient Management Advisor, you will play a crucial role in helping Maryland farmers develop and implement nutrient management plans. They are looking for individuals who are passionate about agriculture, have strong communication and organizational skills, and have an understanding of farming operations and computer systems. There are eight positions statewide at various locations, more information is available on the website.

Horticultural Specialist/ Master Gardener Coordinator There is a job opportunity available at UMD Extension for a Horticultural Specialist/ Master Gardener Coordinator. The position will be located in the Baltimore County Extension Office in Cockeysville, MD. Review the job posting.

MARBIDCO Offering MD Producer Cold Storage Grant Program

On August 31st, The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) announced that they are offering the Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program to assist farmers and watermen with purchasing cold storage equipment needed for their operations. Matching grants of up to $2,000 are now available. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and the deadline is November 17, 2023. Read more

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.

A recent blog from October 3, 2023 titled New Shellfish Pilot Crop Insurance Program for Container-Grown Oysters can be viewed here. Earlier blogs can be accessed here on the college's website.

Maryland Horse Foundation

Director of Development

Job Opening

The Maryland Horse Foundation is seeking a dynamic director of development and programming to fulfill a variety of duties on a full-time basis at the Reisterstown, Maryland office in Baltimore County. Duties will be focused on fundraising for the Maryland Horse Foundation, and programming for the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center.

Read the full job description here. Send resume, cover letter and questions to cricket@marylandthoroughbred.com

Maryland Farm & Harvest Season 11

Maryland Public Television's award winning series, Maryland Farm & Harvest will enter it's 11th season! Season 11 premieres on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

Follow BCFB on Social Media

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

Baltimore County Soil Conservation District Nutrient Management Cost-Share Claim for Payment

In order to help Baltimore County farmers and landowners meet Maryland's nutrient management requirement, the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District has developed a limited cost-share assistance program. The district will pay 50%, up to a $200 maximum per plan, for the cost of a nutrient management plan written by a private nutrient management consultant. There is a $10,000 cap on this program. The program will end December 31, 2023, or when the $10,000 cap is reached, whichever occurs first. View the cost-share claim application form. View the private plan writer list.

BCFB Membership Signs

BCFB has partnered with Ad Art Signs & Graphics to provide an exciting member benefit for existing and new BCFB members.

Signs may be purchased with either aluminum or dibond* materials and are offered in two sizes. Signs may be hung via hanging sign bracket or attached to a post. Ad Art will punch hanging holes to your preference. Choose between a rounded or squared top sign.

*dibond is aluminum outsides with a solid plastic core

Sizing and Pricing:

Aluminum

Double sided

18" x 24" $145

3' x 4' $380

Single sided

18" x 24" $105

3' x 4' $320

Dibond

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

To order your sign, please contact:

Ad Art Signs & Graphics

410-620-9180 www.adartsignsinc.com

Maryland's Best Producer Registration

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.

MDA Expands Spotted Lanternfly

Quarantine Zone

On March 6th, the MDA expanded its spotted lanternfly quarantine to include the following counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington and Wicomico, as well as Baltimore City. This quarantine is effective immediately, and restricts the movement of regulated articles that might contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages, including egg masses, nymphs, and adults. A map of the new quarantine zone is available.

For more details, read the full press release.

Baltimore County Farm Bureau | 410-823-1789 | Email | Website