The future of Southern Maryland farming was on display this weekend at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. For three days animal owners aged 8-21 years showed the traditional livestock breeds of sheep, beef, dairy cows, swine and goats at the 7th Annual Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo (SMILE). This year cavies and rabbit shows were added
According to their website: “The Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo, Inc. (SMILE Inc.) was established in 2007 as a tax exempt public body operating to provide an educational, fun and nurturing environment for area youth to showcase their skills and talents, foster camaraderie and enhance their knowledge and appreciation of Southern Maryland’s rich agricultural heritage, and provide outreach to the community in order to inform and increase awareness of the vibrant and diverse possibilities of farming and agricultural enterprises in Southern Maryland. SMILE operates primarily within the area consisting of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s counties, and other counties by invitation.”
Admission was free to the general public to watch the livestock competitions and visit the animal barns, various agricultural themed displays and vendors. A total of 90 youth from 12 Maryland counties participated in last year’s SMILE Expo bringing with them 305 animals.
SMILE is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), the St. Mary’s County Fair Board, Maryland Soybean Board, farm bureaus and local businesses, and is organized by SMILE committee members and the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers.
