North Baltimore Journal

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks on June 23 toured farms to view agricultural operations and land conservation practices on Maryland’s mid-shore. Together with state and local officials, the tour included stops at five farms across Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties. 

“Maryland’s agricultural community is essential to our state’s economic success,” said Gov. Moore. “On June 23 tours highlight the importance of ensuring that daily operations also consider long-term conservation practices so we can ensure sustainability and promote the Maryland farming industry for generations to come.”
The day began at the farm of Jason Shuebrooks in Sudlersville to highlight the importance of the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation and Maryland Department of Agriculture conservation grants, including the cover crop program. The Maryland Board of Public Works recently approved 34 new Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements to preserve more than 4,000 acres of prime farmland—an investment of more than $19 million.

“I’m excited to highlight the importance of the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation and to have Governor Moore see first hand the value of this program,” said Secretary Atticks. “Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties are exceedingly proud of the land preservation work being done.” 

The tour continued with a stop at Crow Vineyards in Kennedyville, where owners Roy and Judy Crow discussed the importance of diversifying agricultural properties and expanding public knowledge on making farm properties economically feasible. 

Following a lunch at Willards Agri Service, Kent County farm owner and operator Casey Owings highlighted the importance of Eastern Shore conservation efforts.

The day concluded at the farm of Ralph and April Whaley, a third generation farm family operating more than 12,000 acres in Queen Anne’s County. 

Original source can be found here.