HUGHESVILLE, Md. – The Southern Maryland Meats Program (SMM) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 SMM Junior Livestock Program.
The program was created to involve young people in raising high-quality meat animals that meet SMM standards for feed, humane treatment, and responsible practices. It also aims to encourage participation in the adult SMM marketing program.
Open to youth ages 8 to 21 in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties, the SMM Junior Livestock Program welcomes 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members to apply. Since its inception in 2017, over 125 youth have participated. Eligible projects include beef, sheep, hogs, goats, poultry, and rabbits.
“Southern Maryland Meats has always seen one of its missions as nurturing the next generation of livestock farmers,” said Craig Sewell, SMM marketing and livestock manager. “Through the Junior Promotion Program and as the premier sponsor of the Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Exposition (SMILE) for the past 15 years, SMM demonstrates its commitment to supporting the region’s future farmers.”
Participants will receive a free T-shirt and stall card to promote their animals at fall county fairs. Upon successful completion of the program, juniors will also receive a $125 stipend to support their ongoing livestock projects. To earn the final Completion Award, juniors must submit an essay on one of these topics:
- What was the most important thing you learned this season?
- What was the hardest challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?
- How has raising livestock for meat changed your perspective on food and farming?
Applications must be submitted by May 30, 2025. Find the online application form and full program details on the ‘Junior Program’ page at southernmarylandmeats.com.
The Southern Maryland Meats marketing program is operated by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.
Header photo courtesy of the Schmidt Family — The Farm at Glen Mary, St. Mary’s County.
VIEW/SUBMIT THE SMM JR. APPLICATION FORM HERE
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