Every day is National Agriculture Day in Maryland
The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is celebrating the 44th National Agriculture Day on March 21. However, we believe every day is National Agriculture Day in Maryland because agriculture is our number one industry in the state. Many refer to Maryland as “America in miniature” because we have all four distinct seasons and a diverse landscape of mountains, flatland, beaches, rivers, lakes and bays.
Maryland also represents America because our farmers produce almost every commodity in the agricultural industry, from dairy, pigs and grain to fruits, vegetables and poultry. Here in District 3, which includes Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties, you can primarily find horses, grain crops, vegetables, cattle and vineyards on our farms.
In most of Western Maryland, you will see dairy, forestry and beef cattle on farms. And on most of the Eastern Shore, you will see poultry, corn and soybeans on farms. But the unique part about Maryland agriculture is that you can see any of these commodities produced in any part of the state.
We are proud to not only produce the food, fuel and fiber for our local communities and the world, but to also be the best stewards of the land and environment. Maryland farmers implement Nutrient Management Plans on our operations to protect the soil, air and Chesapeake Bay, plant cover crops to absorb unused plant nutrients, and use buffer strips to stop water flow off of a field.
As board members of Maryland Farm Bureau, we are proud to represent an organization that promotes and protects ALL types of agriculture and rural life in Maryland. All commodities, all farm sizes and all production methods. I challenge you to visit a local farm this spring and celebrate National Agriculture Day, no matter what day it is, because agriculture is celebrated in Maryland 365 days a year.
If you are not a member of Maryland Farm Bureau and want to support our state’s natural resources and rural heritage, visit mdfarmbureau.com or call 410-922-3426 to join today. James Raley Jr. and Milly Welsh, Maryland Farm Bureau Board members