I hope all of you will be able to look back on the year’s greatness. Put your pencil to paper as you consider all you learned from 2024; some very important lessons were sprinkled in there.

To give time for reflection and enjoyment this holiday season, we will not be sending out our daily emails the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The Morning Ag Clips’ daily email will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

There will still be news articles published on our site, so make sure to stay up-to-date by going to morningagclips.com. Every day there will be something new, and there will be an editor watching for breaking ag news every day. But like you, we all need a break, and the only way to get it is to be extremely intentional about it, so we are!

Here’s to you, your family, and a prosperous and healthy New Year! We will see you in 2025!

With love,
Kate

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“Farmers who commit their land to preservation play a crucial role in the future of agriculture in Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Their dedication to protecting prime farmland not only supports local communities but also ensures the resources needed for a thriving agricultural economy. This commitment is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of Maryland’s agriculture.”

The Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation was established in 1977 as part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The foundation purchases agricultural preservation easements from willing farmers to forever protect prime farmland and woodland. The newly approved easements will help maintain the agricultural landscape of the state while bolstering efforts to promote local food production and sustain rural livelihoods.

To view a list of the Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements broken down by county, see this chart. Having already achieved the 30% by 2030 goal as outlined in the Maryland the Beautiful Act as passed in the 2023 Session by the Maryland General Assembly, the newly-approved easements will help the state meet the next goal of conserving 40% of state land by 2040.

For more information, please contact the foundation’s Executive Director Michelle Cable at (410) 841-5860 or michelle.cable@maryland.gov.

–Jessica Hackett, Maryland Department of Agriculture

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From October 25 to November 18, 2024, the Forest Pest Management team conducted inter-state collections of L. nigrinus beetles at Rocky Gap State Park. These beetles, first released in 2004 as part of a strategic pest management initiative, have played a crucial role in combatting the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, a serious threat to the health of Eastern Hemlocks. Thanks to the collaborative efforts between the department and the U.S. Forest Service’s Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Initiative, Rocky Gap State Park has emerged as one of the most successful locations on the East Coast for the establishment of this biological control.

This year’s collection set a new state record, with over 14,000 L. nigrinus beetles harvested and redistributed to various states including Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, and multiple sites within Maryland. Over the past four years, this multi-state cooperative project has successfully collected more than 33,000 beetles, aiding vulnerable hemlock forests as far north as Maine and as far south as Tennessee.

The success of this initiative can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of Forest Pest Management staff, particularly former Forest Health Specialist Biff Thompson. His two decades of expertise in establishing L. nigrinus populations in Maryland and his commitment to training staff in beetle behavior and collection techniques have been instrumental. Thanks to his leadership, staff were able not only to collect thousands of beetles from Rocky Gap but also to identify four new sites across Maryland with high potential for future collections.

Participants in the 2024 project also included the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Catoctin Mountain Park, Kentucky Division of Forestry, The Nature Conservancy, Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Forest Service. The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration among these state and federal organizations.

For more information about the department’s Eastern Hemlock Conservation program please visit www.mda.maryland.gov.

–Jessica Hackett, Maryland Department of Agriculture

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Over the past 30 days, detections across the U.S. have increased with 90 confirmed flocks and 339 cases confirmed in dairy herds, however, there are currently no active cases in Maryland. Based on this uptake in cases, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is recommending, if possible, maintaining poultry indoors during this period of heightened risk. Additionally, all producers should assess the risk to their poultry and make informed decisions about allowing outdoor access.  The Department will assess risk again in early April 2025 to offer further recommendations.

“Maryland poultry farms and dairy farms should remain on high alert for HPAI infections in both poultry flocks and dairy cattle herds,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Home to many mixed species farms, we are urging Maryland farmers to be mindful of comingling poultry with dairy cattle and to increase biosecurity measures on all farms with poultry or dairy cattle.”

Poultry flock and dairy herd farmers are urged to follow these minimum guidelines to maintain a sanitary, biosecure premise:

• Restrict access to poultry and livestock by posting “Restricted Access” signage, securing the area with a gate, or both.

• Take steps to ensure that contaminated materials on the ground are not transported into the poultry growing house or livestock area.

• Provide the following items to anyone entering or leaving any area where poultry and cattle are kept:

  • Footbaths and foot mats with disinfectant;

  • Boot washing and disinfectant station;

  • Footwear change or foot covers.

• Cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing it.

• Cover and properly contain carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing them and to keep them from being blown around by wind.

• Allow MDA to enter the premises during normal working hours to inspect your biosecurity and sanitation practices.

• Report any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in very sick birds or dairy cattle to the department’s Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971. Also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593.

• Read up about HPAI and biosecurity measures on the Animal Health website.

USDA APHIS’ website for its Defend the Flock program and HPAI in Livestock as well as the University of Maryland Extension programs have many valuable resources available for poultry owners, including a variety of instructional videos, to help mitigate the risk of HPAI on their operation.

For more information on avian influenza, please visit the department’s website.

–Jessica Hackett, Maryland Department of Agriculture

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Thirteen awardees will receive grants of up to $100,000 to support small- and mid-sized food and agricultural businesses with projects that include:

• Business technical assistance
• Value and supply chain coordination
• Market development
• Financial guidance services
• Production expansion and new product development

The Center has also awarded up to $200,000 to four organizations focused on building regional or sub-regional technical assistance provider networks. These networks will offer professional development and training, along with fostering collaboration among providers by industry, market or geographic area.

Additionally, we are thrilled to formally launch the Center’s Community Hub, led by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement. This innovative virtual resource is designed to connect farmers, food producers and food system technical assistance providers across the Northeast with the right support, skills and information. Through the hub, users can access a directory of providers who offer tailored business, technical and financial support, as well as free and accessible business training, starting with the “Finance 101: Farm and Food Business Financial Essentials” course.

“We are excited to support these providers as they continue the work of strengthening our local and regional food systems,” NASDA Foundation Senior Director Chris Jones said. “The widespread coverage area of these organizations will offer producers and food businesses increased access to the types of services that are essential to their business operations and expansion.”

Established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in spring 2023, the Center serves 11 Northeast states and the District of Columbia, and operates through a collaborative framework that includes core partner organizations: NASDA Foundation, Buffalo Go Green, Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

The following recipients and projects received funding in the first round:

American Farmland Trust, Washington D.C.
Black Farmer Fund, New York, NY
Catskills Agrarian Alliance, Hamden, NY
Center for an Agricultural Economy, Hardwick, VT
Co-Op Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie, NY
Cooperative Development Institute, Northampton, MA
Cultivating Community, Portland, ME
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, Medford, WI
Farm to Institution New England, Boston, MA
Finger Lakes Incubator and Commercial Kitchen, Inc., Auburn, NY
Future Harvest, Cockeysville, MD
Glynwood Center, Inc., Cold Spring, NY
Keystone Development Center, Harrisburg, PA
Land for Good, Keene, NH
Nuestras Raices, Holyoke, MA
Seacoast Eat Local, Lee, NH
Stepwell Strategies, LLC, Cleveland Heights, OH

The NASDA Foundation is the only educational and research organization that directly serves the nation’s state departments of agriculture. The NASDA Foundation’s mission is to enhance American food and agricultural communities through education, outreach and research. The NASDA Foundation works with states to nourish people and communities while serving as the stewards of the environment and public trust. To learn more about the NASDA Foundation, please visit nasda.org/nasda-foundation/.

–Northeast Regional Food Business Center
NASDA Foundation

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With record soybean and corn harvests, profitable storage options and recovering export demand, the landscape is shifting. Learn how ethanol production and renewable diesel demand are driving the market, despite challenges from trade policies and global competition.

This webinar is part of Farm Credit East’s Insights and Perspectives series, which includes webinars and outlook papers for the diverse sectors of Northeast agriculture and forest products. Visit FarmCreditEast.com/CashGrain to read the 2025 grain and oilseed outlook report.

This outlook webinar taking place on January 6 is free to attend. You do not need to be a Farm Credit East or Horizon Farm Credit customer to attend. Learn more at FarmCreditEast.com/Webinars. Contact Chris Laughton at (800) 562-2235 or Chris.Laughton@farmcrediteast.com for more information.

Farm Credit East is a member-owned cooperative serving businesses involved in agriculture, forest products and commercial fishing throughout its eight-state territory of New York, New Jersey and New England. In addition to loans and leases, the organization offers a full range of specialized financial services. Farm Credit East is governed by a 16-person board of directors, comprised of 13 customer-elected, one customer appointed and two outside appointed directors. For more information, visit FarmCreditEast.com.  

Horizon Farm Credit is a member-owned agricultural lending cooperative, providing short-, intermediate- and long-term financing and related services to full- and part-time farmers, agricultural-related businesses and rural landowners. It serves Delaware, Pennsylvania, and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Association has more than 22,600 members and over $7.0 billion in loans outstanding. Learn more at horizonfc.com.

–Farm Credit East

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To register a service agency or technician, please fill out the application found on the Weights and Measures program page on the department’s website and email to weight.measures@maryland.gov. Include the certification of standard used in calibration along with the agency application.

After reviewing your application the office will contact you with additional information about requirements, testing, and payment of fees. The cost to register is $200.00 per agency, $50.00 per technician, plus an additional $25.00 for the required test and will be payable by invoice only.

For any questions, please contact the Weights and Measures program managers Alison Wilkinson at Alison.Wilkinson@Maryland.gov or 410-841-5790.

–Jessica Hackett, Maryland Department of Agriculture

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Sponsored by the Maryland Agriculture Council Inc., more than 900 are expected to attend the premier event where agriculture education grants will be awarded, and Governor Wes Moore is expected to introduce the state’s Agricultural Hall of Fame honoree.

“Our mission for this event is to promote our vital and diverse agricultural industry and educate lawmakers about its importance to every citizen in Maryland,” said Council President Faith Elliott Rossing. “As farmers, we are proud to produce food, fiber and fuel. We are proud to create jobs. We are proud to safely sustain and preserve and protect our land and natural resources. But it takes cooperation and mutual understanding and respect with our elected officials to keep us viable and strong.”

Gala attendees will enjoy a smorgasbord of Maryland-produced foods and beverages and will learn and see firsthand the financial commitment that the Council has made to agriculture education programs across the state. Several initiatives will be recognized with the awarding of almost $10,000 in grants to individuals and organizations.

 The Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame award will be presented to a farm family that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to agriculture and the community in which they live and work.

Tickets for the event are $100 per person if ordered before January 10; individual ticket prices are $130 after January 10. To order tickets online, go to www.mdagcouncil.com. A discounted overnight room block is available at Taste of Maryland Agriculture – Start your reservation.

Sponsorship and product donation opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Executive Director Susan Summers at 240-446-3601 or ssummers@comcast.net. 

—Susan Summers, Maryland Agriculture Council

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The conference brought together 152 4-H’ers from 26 states, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about poultry. Participants engaged in various events designed to enhance their decision-making, public speaking and poultry-related skills. The conference featured five competitive events: poultry judging, chicken barbecuing, turkey barbecuing, an egg chef challenge, and the Avian Bowl—an exciting game of poultry and egg trivia. Additionally, industry leaders from the poultry and egg sectors led a Poultry Careers workshop, providing attendees with valuable insights into career and educational opportunities within the industry.

The team from Texas, coached by Jeremy Lee, finished as the top overall team. Trent Ellebracht, from Texas, was named as the top overall individual. Barbara Jenkins, vice president of education and student programs for USPOULTRY and executive director of the USPOULTRY Foundation, presented the awards.

Through 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation reasserts its commitment to student outreach programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders in poultry careers. As a long-time sponsor, the USPOULTRY Foundation is dedicated to supporting these talented young people and recognize that they represent the future of the poultry industry.

“Our mission is to inspire these young people to pursue careers in the poultry and egg industries, as they are the future leaders, scientists, decision-makers and more. Through 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation reaffirms its ongoing commitment to student outreach programs that encourage the next generation of poultry professionals. As a long-time sponsor of both 4-H and the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, the USPOULTRY Foundation remains dedicated to supporting these talented individuals,” said Jenkins.

About the USPOULTRY Foundation

The USPOULTRY Foundation’s mission is to support the recruitment and training of the brightest students, seek and fund scientific research, foster student scientists and promote careers in the poultry and egg industry.

—USPOULTRY Foundation

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A preview of the episode can be found on the series’ webpage at mpt.org/farm.

Maryland Farm & Harvest airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT-HD and online at mpt.org/livestream. Episodes are also available to view live and on demand using the free PBS app and MPT’s online video player.

The popular weekly series takes viewers on a journey across the Free State, telling engaging and enlightening stories about the farms, people, and technology required to sustain and grow agriculture in Maryland, the state’s number one commercial industry.

With introductions filmed at Sharps at Waterford Farm in Brookeville (Howard County), the December 17 episode features the following stories:

• 4-H Families: Chamelin Family Farm (Carroll County) – 4-H is a family affair for the Chamelins. Parents Sam and Jennie Chamelin first met during their time in 4-H, and their three children all participate in the program today. Viewers meet the family at their farm home in Westminster and follow along as 16-year-old son Caleb vies for the crown in the Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair’s Swine Showmanship competition.

• Agriculture Queens of Maryland (Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties) – Meet two of the state’s newest agricultural ambassadors: 2024 Mar-Del Watermelon Queen Karli Abbott and 2024 Ms. Agvocate USA Lindsey Jacobs. Karli, a Trappe (Talbot County) native who’s completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Lindsey, who works at her family’s Church View Farm in Millersville and is pursuing her master’s degree at Virginia Tech University, explain how they achieved their titles and show viewers what it takes to serve as ambassadors for the agriculture industry.

• The Local Buy: Bethesda Methodist Peach Festival (Caroline County) – Every year, hundreds of people flock to the volunteer firehouse in Preston, where handcrafted goods adorn local stalls and a team of volunteers from Bethesda Methodist Church work to feed hungry visitors. Among the event’s most popular treats is peach cobbler, which boasts a sweetness derived from local ingredients. Segment host Al Spoler helps pick the dish’s main ingredient at nearby Heritage Orchard before heading to the firehouse to taste the finished product. More information about Heritage Orchard will be available at mpt.org/farm.

Following the December 17 episode, Maryland Farm & Harvest will deliver encore presentations of holiday specials from previous seasons on December 24 and 31. The first five episode of the series’ 12th season will re-air on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from January 7-February 4, 2025. The sixth episode will debut on February 11 and will be followed by weekly episode premieres through the season finale on April 1.

More than 16 million viewers have watched Maryland Farm & Harvest on the statewide public TV network since its debut in 2013. The series has traveled to nearly 500 farms, fisheries, and other agriculture-related locations during its first 11 seasons, covering every Maryland county, as well as Baltimore City and Washington, D.C.

Encore broadcasts of Maryland Farm & Harvest air on MPT-HD on Thursdays at 11 p.m. and on Sundays at 6 a.m. Episodes also air on MPT2/Create® on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Past episodes can be viewed on the free PBS app and MPT’s online video player, while episode segments are available on the series’ YouTube channel at youtube.com/c/MarylandFarmHarvest/featured.

Audiences are invited to engage with the series on social media @MarylandFarmHarvest on Facebook and @mdfarmtv on Instagram.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is MPT’s co-production partner for Maryland Farm & Harvest.  Major funding is provided by the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board.

Additional funding is provided by Maryland’s Best; MARBIDCO; a grant from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Specialty Crop Block Program; Farm Credit; Maryland Soybean Board; Maryland Nursery, Landscape & Greenhouse Association; Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts; Maryland Farm Bureau; The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment; Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation; and by the citizens of Baltimore County.

–Jessica Hackett, Maryland Department of Agriculture

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