CAMBRIDGE, MD – The Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) convened its 110th Annual Convention & Meeting of Delegates earlier this week at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake in Cambridge, Maryland. This annual event united Maryland's farming community, offering opportunities for professional development, direct collaboration with Federal and State officials, and the fundamental work of shaping the organization’s grassroots policy agenda for the upcoming year.

Steve Walter Accepts Distinguished Service Award (L to R: MDFB President Jamie Raley, Charles County farmer Steve Walters, MDFB 1^st Vice President Jo-Ann Chason, and MDFB 2^ndVice President Chris Catterton)

A central component of the convention was the recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Maryland agriculture. Steve Walter of Charles County received the Distinguished Service to the Farm Bureau Award, Merhlyn Barnes of Howard County was named the 2025 Agri-Woman of the Year, and Dave Tribbett from Caroline County was honored with the Sand County Foundation Leopold Conservation Award.

The event also highlighted rising stars and farmers serving on national boards. In a competitive contest, Sylvia Calabrese from Anne Arundel County and Helen Quill from Howard County were named MDFB’s 2026 Ag Ambassadors, and they will represent the organization at agricultural events throughout the year. Additionally, Catherine Savage of Montgomery County and Connor Clary of Garrett County won the Francis Moats Discussion Meet, earning the opportunity to represent Maryland at the American Farm Bureau Federation competitions in 2026 and 2027. The Monday morning session emphasized Maryland’s outsized national impact during a National Ag Leaders Panel, featuring Maryland farmers serving on national commodity boards, including Mary Stewart & Travis Hutchison (United Soybean Board), Jason Scott (U.S. Wheat), Jennie Schmidt (U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council), Andy Mason (National Milk Producers Federation), and Greg Dell (America's Young Farmers & Ranchers).

Rep. McClain Delaney Speaks to Maryland Farm Bureau Convention Attendees

The convention provided a vital platform for farmers to interact directly with key policymakers. Congresswoman April McClain-Delaney (MD-6), Maryland's lone representative on the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, kicked off the National Ag Leaders panel with an update on Federal agriculture initiatives. Congressman Andy Harris (MD-1) also attended and consulted with Eastern Shore farmers on their policy priorities.

Attendees had the opportunity to speak directly with numerous state officials, including Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. Secretary Atticks also recorded a live podcast episode of MDFB’s podcast, Old Line Farmer Radio, to discuss the inner workings of the department. In honor of the 110th Annual Convention, the MDFB received an official citation from the Maryland Legislature’s Eastern Shore Delegation, presented by Delegate Jay Jacobs and Delegate Barry Beauchamp.

Throughout the convention, members engaged in crucial debates on pressing issues such as energy production, land usage, and hunting laws. These discussions culminated in the formation of MDFB’s 2026 Policy Book, which will be used to advocate on behalf of the organization's members in Annapolis during the Maryland General Assembly.