Rooted in Our Community: Investing in Agriculture

A gathering of foodies, farmers, and residents of rural communities. Tentative Agenda and Session Overview: 9a – Welcome (County Executive (invited) and Maureen O'Shea Fitzgerald - Cecil County Agricultural Business Coordinator) 9:15 – Horses, an Economic Driver Invited speakers: Ross Peddicord, Jeff Newman, Kaleigh Collett Overview: This session will provide an overview of the horse industry as an economic driver for both agriculture and the Maryland economy. The equine industry has an irreplaceable impact on our local economy from raising competition horses, to breeding, hay production, straw bedding, and horse manure for mushroom production. We’ll also hear from the President of the Maryland 5 Star Organizing Committee about the economic impact the 2021 inaugural event. 10:15 - A New Wave of Agriculture Invited Speakers: Levi Sellers (South Mountain MICROfarm), Jason Robertson (Susky River Beverage Co.), Andy Mussaw (Fresh Source Farms - Tentative) Overview: We’ll hear from two distinctly different agricultural enterprises that are entering new and emerging markets in the agricultural industry. The future of farming looks very different than it did just 15 years ago. Today, we’re seeing vertical indoor farming, closed loop systems reusing water to raise fish to fertilize plants, hemp, and farm to glass beer! Get a glimpse into the new wave of agriculture during this presentation. 11:15 - Positioning for the Future Invited Speakers: Sarah Rider (Flying Plow Farm), Alice and Caleb Crothers (Long Green Farms), Jayci Mitchell (Maryland FFA President), Stephen Milburn (Milburn Orchards) Overview: This will be a panel discussion (moderator - Rachael Coffey) on how our farmers are positioning themselves and their businesses for the future. From climate resiliency to value added products, land acquisition and of course the effect of a global pandemic, we’ll hear from farmers how they are setting themselves up for success and what challenges they face in today’s world. 12:00 – Agricultural Trivia and Door Prizes 12:30 – Closing Remarks