Maryland Farm Bureau President Chuck Fry presenting an award to Bubby Norris and his wife, Carolyn.
Ocean City, MD – Maryland Farm Bureau held its 102nd Annual Convention from December 3-5, 2017 at The Clarion Resort Hotel in Ocean City with over 500 voting delegates, members and guests in attendance. The three-day convention featured presentations, awards, elections and discussions to educate members on Farm Bureau activities and the agricultural industry.
St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau received the 2017 Silver Bowl Award for their Grain Bin Rescue Equipment Program. Using data supplied by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Farm Bureau identified 114 farms in St. Mary’s County with grain storage capacity of approximately 1.2 million bushels. Farm Bureau worked with the County Emergency Services Committee and the Board of Commissioners to obtain specialized equipment that can be used for rescue in the event of a grain bin entrapment incident.
Mr. James B. “Bubby” Norris, Jr., of Chaptico was the winner of the 2017 Distinguished Service to Maryland Farm Bureau Award. Bubby has been an active Farm Bureau member for more than 45 years. He has served as a county Board member, Vice President, and President in St. Mary’s County. He also served on the state Farm Bureau Board and continues to serve on two state committees. Bubby has worked on key legislative initiatives to establish a Right-to-Farm Ordinance, a Transferable Development Rights program, and land preservation funding. St. Mary’s Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley, said, “when there is an issue that needs to be championed for farmers, Bubby is the one to stand up and take on the challenge. It was a privilege for our Farm Bureau to nominate Bubby for this prestigious award.” Bubby and his wife, Carolyn, accepted the award from President of Maryland Farm Bureau Chuck Fry.
In other news, the St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau held its 70th annual membership meeting on October 17, 2017 at the Agricultural Services building in Leonardtown. The meeting was held to elect directors for 2018 and to transact other corporate business. There were 36 persons in attendance with 23 voting members present.
The membership heard a financial report, approved the report of the audit committee, and were given a report by Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley, on activities for the preceding 12 months. Members also reviewed and voted on issues of concern to the agricultural community, state policy proposals, and the selection of county delegates for the 102nd Maryland Farm Bureau annual convention scheduled for the week of December 1, 2017, in Ocean City, Maryland.
Incumbent directors Joan Hill Bearden, Wes Cory, Jim Moore and Joe St. Clair were reelected to serve two-year terms. Former Young Farmer Committee Chairperson Susan Vallandingham and Farm Bureau member Rhonda Riche were elected as new directors.
Farm Bureau is the leading advocate for agriculture in St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County board members work in conjunction with elected officials, Maryland Farm Bureau officers and staff, and allied agricultural organizations to promote and protect farming at the local, state, and national levels.