OCEAN CITY, Md. β The Maryland Farm Bureau held its 103rd Annual Convention from Dec. 2-4 at The Clarion Resort Hotel in Ocean City with more than 400 voting delegates, members and guests in attendance.
βIt has been a challenging year for farmers, with the rain and low prices. But coming together as Farm Bureau has re-energized us,β said Chuck Fry, MFB President. βI look forward to working with the Farm Bureau family in the year ahead.β
The three-day convention featured presentations, awards, elections and discussions to educate members on Farm Bureau activities and the agricultural industry. MFB President Chuck Fry, Nationwide Insurance Board member Steve Hirsch, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Joe Bartenfelder, Dean of University of Marylandβs College of AGNR Dr. Craig Beyrouty and Miss Maryland Agriculture Bailey Riggs addressed the members. Comedian and farmer Leslie Norris Townsend gave the keynote address about her move βFrom Hollywood to the Cornfields.β
The Young Farmers group participated in a policy development session led by Cody Lyon, managing director, Advocacy & Political Affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Several Young Farmers also competed in the Discussion Meet competition, vying for trips to New Orleans in January and Milwaukee in March. Our Womenβs Leadership Committee also heard from Cody Lyon about advocating for Farm Bureau.
Committee meetings were held Monday, including dairy, wildlife management, field crops and communications. Several guest speakers from various Maryland departments and organizations were in attendance to brief committee members on issues of importance. During the business sessions on Monday and Tuesday, Farm Bureau voting delegates from all 23 counties reviewed the organizationβs policy on issues pending before government. The 2019 policy positions that were adopted by the delegate body will provide direction for the Farm Bureau lobbying team in Annapolis and Washington.
βThrough the Farm Bureau organization, we will work to put in place policies in Washington to improve trade agreements and sure up risk management with the new Farm Bill. In Maryland, we will work to protect the economic value of our crops with better wildlife management and weed control,β said Fry.
MFBβs annual Awards Banquet was held Monday night of convention. Awards were presented to the following members:
- Young Farmer Discussion Meet winner: Matt Teffeau, Talbot County
- Young Farmer Collegiate Discussion Meet winner: Bethany Meyers, Garrett County
- Silver Bowl Awards: Queen Anneβs and Frederick Counties
- Distinguished Service to Farm Bureau Award: Betty Moore, Cecil County
The 104th Annual Maryland Farm Bureau Convention will be held from Dec. 8β10, 2019, at The Clarion Resort Hotel in Ocean City, Md.
β Maryland Farm Bureau