CAMBRIDGE, Md. — The 109th Annual Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) Convention & Meeting of Delegates took place earlier this week at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland. The event brought together Maryland’s farming community to participate in educational sessions, collaborate with state agencies, and shape the organization’s grassroots policy agenda for the coming year.
On Monday, a panel discussion featured Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, and Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. Moderated by Dr. Craig Beyrouty, Dean of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, the panel explored how each department engages with agriculture and emphasized the importance of farmers maintaining active dialogue with government leaders. Governor Wes Moore also addressed the delegation via video message.
On Tuesday, members elected new leadership for the upcoming year. President Jamie Raley will be joined by 1st Vice President Jo-Ann Chason of Baltimore County and 2nd Vice President Chrissy Catterton of Anne Arundel County. Catterton is new to the officer role, while Chason takes her new role after serving as 2nd Vice President, replacing outgoing 1st Vice President Jonathan Quinn of Kent County. We thank Jonathan for his dedicated years of service to Farm Bureau.
The convention also celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to Maryland agriculture. Howie Feaga of Howard County received the Distinguished Service to the Farm Bureau Award, Audrey Wolfe of Frederick County was named the 2024 Agri-Woman of the Year, and the Hutchison family from Talbot County was honored with the Sand County Foundation Leopold Conservation Award.
In a competitive contest, Dalena Bryant from Frederick County and Holly Knight from Baltimore County were named MDFB’s 2025 Ag Ambassadors. These young leaders will represent MDFB at agricultural events throughout the year. Additionally, Sarah Beale and Ryan Snow won the Francis Moats Discussion Meet, earning the opportunity to represent Maryland at the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meets in 2025.
Throughout the convention, members debated pressing topics such as energy production, land usage, and raw milk sales for inclusion in MDFB’s 2025 Policy Book. Earlier in the week, attendees participated in a specialized panel discussion on Maryland’s energy production challenges.
Photos from the 2024 MDFB Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates are available on Flickr.
–Jeb Burchick, Maryland Farm Bureau
