Annapolis, Maryland (February 12, 2025) – Last week, several key Maryland agriculture organizations, including the Maryland Grain Producers, Delmarva Chicken Association, Maryland Farm Bureau, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and the Maryland Agriculture Council, came together in Annapolis to celebrate Maryland Agriculture Week.

The celebration kicked off with a unique event at LEO Annapolis, where members of each organization, along with Senator Jason Gallion and Delegate Regina Boyce, hosted “Wing Talk.” During this engaging event, participants tasted wings donated by Mountaire Farms, gradually increasing in heat, while discussing important agricultural topics that are directly impacting Maryland farmers during the current legislative session. A video of the event can be viewed here.

On Tuesday, February 4th, Delegate Regina Boyce presented a Maryland House of Delegates Resolution in recognition of Maryland’s agriculture community during their legislative session. The Maryland Grain Producers Association would like to extend their gratitude to Delegate Boyce and the Maryland House of Delegates for their dedication to Maryland’s agricultural industry.

Throughout the week, various organizations, including the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, Delmarva Chicken Association, Maryland Farm Bureau, Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation, and the Maryland Grain Producers, hosted members in Annapolis to raise awareness among legislators about the importance of Maryland’s diverse agricultural industry. Additionally, the LEAD Maryland Class XIII was in Annapolis during Maryland Agriculture Week, where they had the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and key issues affecting Maryland agriculture.

Thursday evening saw the Maryland Agriculture Council’s annual Taste of Maryland event, which was well attended by farmers, industry leaders, legislators, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The event honored the DeFord family as the 2024 inductees to the Maryland Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to the state’s agricultural community. During the event, grain farmers Joey and Jenell McHenry were also recognized by Governor Moore for their contributions to Maryland’s agriculture industry.

The Maryland Grain Producers Association has been closely monitoring numerous bills this legislative session that could affect grain farmers across the state. As an organization, the Maryland Grain Producers’ ability to advocate for Maryland farmers is directly supported by the strength of its membership. Those interested in joining the association and supporting Maryland’s grain farmers can find membership information here.

The Maryland Grain Producers are proud to work alongside partnering organizations at the state and national levels, ensuring that Maryland’s farmers have the resources and support they need to continue their essential work.

Left to right: Speaker of the House Delegate Adrienne Jones, Delegate Regina Boyce, Maryland Grain Producers Executive Director Lindsay Thompson, Delmarva Chicken Association member Far Nasir, Delegate Natalie Ziegler, Delegate Charles Otto