Final Draft. Volume 1 Issue 2 October 2022

Farm
bureau
OF DORCHESTER COUNTY
"To promote and protect agriculture and rural life in Dorchester County."
Volume 1, Issue 2 October 2022
A Message from the President
Board of Directors
Officers
Valarie Brinsfield, President
Chip Fleming, Vice President
Lisa Trice, Secretary/Treasurer
Board Members
Mary Lou Brown
Dale Collins
Barbara Edgar
Steve Edgar
Beth Hill
Trent Jackson
Mike Knauer
William Layton
Brinsfield Lowe
Terry Nuwer
Women’s Leadership
Committee
Valarie Brinsfield
OUR VISION
Maryland Farm Bureau takes
pride in being a true grassroots
organization, starting at the
local level. As the unified voice
for Maryland agriculture, our
members find value in our
lobbying efforts and Farm
Bureau programs and workshops.
We work every day to
promote and protect the rural
landscape and natural resources
of Dorchester County.
Contact Us At:
P.O. Box 1293
Cambridge, MD 21613

UPDATES
Dorchester Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting was held on September 19th. During this meeting the following motions were made,
approved and carried:
To approve slate of nominations to the board, to include Steve Edgar, District #1, and extend current term
to William Layton, District #2. To extend current term to Dale Collins, pending his acceptance, motion to
rename the scholarship to Education/Scholarships, and motion to amend current by-laws as presented.
Beginning in January 2023, monthly Farm Bureau meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Several Issues of Concern for the 2022 County Policy Development from MDFB were discussed, such as:
Agrivolltaics—Dual-Use Solar, and Zero –Emission Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks.
Legislative Committee, Mary Lou Brown
County Activities — Held the Legislative Wrap-up Breakfast in May. Chris Adams, Johnny Mautz, Addie
Eckardt attended along with 30 other participants. Held a County Council Candidate Meet & Greet in July,
at the Arts Center. Ten of the candidates attended as well as FB members for a total of about 40 people.
State Activities —The MD Board of Directors met with the PAC Committee in August and heard from the
following candidates: Dan Cox, Republican candidate for Governor, Brooke Lieman, Democrat for
Comptroller, Barry Glassman, Republican for Comptroller, Anthony Brown, Democrat for Attorney General.
We spoke with Wes Moore, Democrat for Governor through a zoom call.
Women’s Leadership Committee, Valarie Brinsfield
I attended all WLC monthly meetings. Attended the Ace Summit in DC as well as Congressman Andy
Harris’s office to advocate for Agriculture. I was appointed 1st Vice Chairperson for State WLC. Pam
Eskridge conducted the Little Mr/Miss Farmer contest. Held a Dorchester WLC Chicken BBQ and Membership
Drive in July and raised over $1900 for WLC, where 20 youth and adults volunteered.
I was appointed chairperson for State Women’s Leadership, for Women in Ag Workshop which will be held
on October 15th at MDFB Office in Davidsonville.
WLC Donated: $100 in gift cards to State WLC for their Card Fundraiser, $100 of canned goods to MDFB
fill a Ford for MD Food Bank, 10 Agriculture Books to 7 Dorchester Elementary Schools, and donated a
Holiday Wreath to WLC silent auction for Ag Education.
Farm Bureau Receives Donation
Pictured above: Lisa Trice – Farm Bureau Secretary/Treasurer,
Valerie Brinsfield – Farm Bureau President, John “Pat” Neild, Jr. –
Tidewater Farm Club Historian and Karen Houtman -Tidewater
Farm Club Secretary.
The Tidewater Farm Club was incorporated as a
non-profit in May 1976 by Mr. John Neild Jr.,
Marion Hodgson, and Webster Allen. The purpose
of the non-profit was to work with other agricultural
and educational groups, as well as governmental
agencies to benefit and advance the interests of
those engaged in agricultural activities and to
promote and stimulate the public interest in agriculture.
After forty six years the membership made the
difficult decision to dissolve the corporation and
voted to give the remaining funds to the Dorchester
County Farm Bureau to use for educational
scholarships. On September 28th, 2022 Mr. Neild
presented a check for $3,945.61 to President
Valerie Brinsfield and Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Trice.

UPCOMING EVENTS
15th
17th
23rd
21st
October
Women in Ag Conference , MDFB Office Davidsonville, 9:30am -3:00pm
Farm Bureau Board Meeting, Contact a board member if you have questions or something to share
Dorchester County Farm Bureau Picnic, 1:00pm at Layton’s Chance Winery
November
Farm Bureau Board Meeting, Contact a board member if you have questions or something to share
December
3-6 MD Farm Bureau Convention at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge
More details to come regarding our Annual Banquet!
Don’t miss this years Annual Picnic!
A lot of new exciting activities for the kids and adults!
Bounce House, Corn Hole, Pumpkin Painting
LIVE MUSIC
Raffle Fund Raiser—Bushel of Crabs & TWO $50 gift cards to
Emily’s and Layton’s Chance Winery!!!
Bring a friend and have them join Farm Bureau and you both get FREE raffle tickets!
Little Miss Farmer/Little Mr Farmer Contest
During the Annual Picnic on October 23rd
Children need to be 5-7 years old by 1 week prior to the picnic. The Little Miss
will receive a crown, sash, and a gift The Little Mr. will receive a "Little Mr.
Farmer" hat and a gift. The runners up also receive a gift.
They need to participate in the local parades, attend any Farm Bureau events
that they are invited to if they are available, and hopefully attend the next Little
Miss/Mr contest held at the following annual picnic.
At least 2 judges will talk with them in private during the picnic and ask them
questions about what is on their application and allow them to talk about
something if they want to.
They will choose the winner and runners up from those interviews and they will
be announced soon after.
Those interested should contact Pam Eskridge, via call or text at 410-726-2348.
She will send an application that needs to be back to her by October 14th.
Contact Pam with any other questions.

AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
Agriculture
Governor Larry Hogan just announced the launch of a Small Acreage Cover Crop Program to support
small farm producers and urban agriculture. The pilot program is operated by the Maryland Department
of Agriculture (MDA) and aimed at helping historically underserved farmers and communities build
healthy soils, increase yields, sequester carbon, and improve local water quality. Financial assistance for
this program is capped at $1,000 per grower, per year. For more information contact Bill Tharpe,
Program Administrator at bill.tharpe@maryland.gov or 410-841-5869.
The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) is
offering a new Maryland Producer Cold Storage Grant Program to assist farmers and watermen with
purchasing cold storage equipment needed for their operations during the fall of 2022. Matching grants
of up to $1,000 are now available. For more information, www.marbidco.org.
University of Maryland Extension Updates
The University of Maryland (UMD) is partnering with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)
and USDA to create a four-module online training course, Maryland Farming Success. The online
training course is separated into four modules designed around preparing farmers for success by
providing information about available USDA programs and creating the ability for participants to have
a successful business plan, including - mission and goals, enterprise budgeting, risk management,
and legal risk management.
UME will be holding several training and recertification events this Winter & Spring for those who
need pesticide and nutrient credits.
For more information please either contact the Dorchester County Extension office (410-228-8800)
or visit the website at https://extension.umd.edu/
Maryland Farm Bureau PAC Endorses Legislative Candidates
As Elections near, MDFB encourages going to the polls informed on farming interests.
The Maryland Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC) announces its endorsement
of candidates for the Maryland General Assembly. Each election, the Maryland Farm Bureau
(MDFB) PAC looks at incumbent voting records, reviews candidate questionnaires, and solicits
recommendations from county Farm Bureau organizations to determine candidates who are
friends of Maryland agriculture.
Early Voting begins on October 27th and runs through November 3rd.
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is November 1st.
In Legislative District 37A and 37B, PAC endorses the following candidates:
State Senator Johnny Mautz
House of Delegates District 37A, Sheree Sample-Hughes,
District 37B, Chris Adams and Tom Hutchinson
Statewide Offices Attorney General, Anthony Brown and Comptroller, Barry Glassman

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
ADVOCACY AT WORK
Dorchester Farm Bureau President Valarie Brinsfield and Legislative District 6 Director
Mary Lou Brown attended The American Farm Bureau County Presidents Summit in
Washington, DC on September 20th and 21st. The American Farm Bureau briefed
attendees on the 2023 Farm Bill and other important farm legislation. They also met with
U.S. Representative Andy Harris and were able to express their concerns on a local level.
On the second day of the summit, they attended a breakfast at the Capitol while listening to
Senators Cardin and Van Holland. Topics discussed were Estate Taxes, Broadband,
Diesel and input costs, and Agriculture Education in Dorchester County.
“Part of the strength of Farm Bureau is having
many capable leaders and advocates to ensure
all the bases are covered when it comes to
advocating on behalf of farmers and ranchers.
Congressman Andy Harris (District 1) was one of five members of Maryland’s
congressional delegation that was named “Friend of Farm Bureau”, by the
American Farm Bureau Federation. Maryland Farm Bureau President Wayne
Stafford, stated “We are very fortunate to have elected officials in Washington,
D.C., who understand and appreciate the important role agriculture plays in
our nation.”

RECIPES
Nothing says fall like a slice of homemade Apple Pie!
This classic American dessert bursts with apple flavor from two different varieties of the fruit, and a
sweet, nutty crunch from the streusel topping.
Makes: 1 pie
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
All American Apple Pie
INGREDIENTS:
Cinnamon-Pecan Crust
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup pecans, finely ground
½ cup butter-flavor solid vegetable shortening
7-8 tablespoons ice water
Filling
2 large Honey Crisp apples, peeled, cored sliced thin
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored sliced thin
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel
⅓ cup sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup cold butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup walnuts, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS:
To make crust, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon and
pecans in a large mixing bowl.
Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening. Add water, 1 tablespoon
at a time, and toss the mixture with a fork. Roll in
a circle ¼-inch thick. Line a 10-inch deep-dish pie pan with
dough; set aside.
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
To make the filling, toss apples with sugar, flour and
cinnamon in a large bowl.
In a medium bowl, combine egg and cream until smooth.
Stir in vanilla. Place apples in prepared crust. Gently pour
cream mixture over apple mixture.
Bake pie in the lower one-third of oven for 20 minutes.
To make the streusel, combine sugar, brown sugar, flour,
cinnamon and nutmeg in the bowl of a food processor. Process
until well combined. With processor running, add the
cold butter one piece at a time and process until crumbly.
Toss in walnuts.
Remove pie from oven and shield crust with foil. Sprinkle
prepared streusel over pie. Return to oven, and bake 45
minutes or until pie puffs.
Homemade Apple Cider
INGREDIENTS:
10 large apples, quartered
1 orange, halved
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. whole cloves
1 tsp. whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large stockpot over medium heat, add apples,
oranges, spices, and brown sugar. Cover with water by at
least 2”. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer,
covered, for 2 hours. Remove fruit. Return to a simmer and
let simmer uncovered for 1 hour more.
Have a recipe you’d like to submit, send it to DorchesterFB@gmail.com

EDITORIAL
Farming is more than just a job, it's a way of life and a mission. It's an American tradition practiced
by a select few who enjoy what they do and take their responsibility to help feed humanity seriously.
Despite our country's rich agricultural history, many Americans have lost touch with farming, and
many are unaware of the important role agriculture plays in our daily lives and the economy. That is why
Dorchester Farm Bureau exists: to advocate for and speak out on behalf of our farmers. The organization’s
vision statement reads, “Maryland Farm Bureau shall be recognized as the leading voice of Maryland agriculture
and the predominant force in agriculture policy development. Maryland Farm Bureau will be regarded as the most
credible source of information and the strongest advocate of safe, environmentally responsible and economically
sound food and fiber production.”
Because we're a grassroots organization, the members we serve determine our top priorities. From
farms and fields to boardrooms, newsrooms, municipal halls, and legislative chambers, we work for agriculture
in a variety of ways and settings. We think it's crucial to inform young people, decision-makers,
and the general public about modern agriculture, rural communities, and the people who cultivate crops,
keep livestock, and look after the land.
Farmers, like the majority of you, are passionately concerned with the welfare of their families, their
animals, and the environment. Family farms, as opposed to corporate farms, make up the majority of farms
in Dorchester County. The families who run these farms must contend with numerous difficulties beyond
their control, including extreme weather conditions, insects, disease, bureaucracies, and selling goods to
volatile international markets
In other words, the history of farming (and farmers) is considerably more complex and rich than it is
typically represented. Because of this, we think it is our duty to convey the "true farming story," which is
one of the main reasons Farm Bureau was founded. To learn more about agriculture and the people who
practice it every day, we invite you to browse our website for videos, podcasts, blog articles, statistics, and
other content. If you have a question or concern, we’re here for you. Together we will cultivate a solution.
God Bless our Farmers, and God Bless our Nation.
Lisa Trice
Become a Farm Bureau Member
If you haven’t renewed your Farm Bureau Membership, do it today!
Farm Bureau is open to all who support our mission, whether you work professionally
in the agriculture industry or simply appreciate and understand the value of
agriculture in our community. Explore the benefits membership has to offer, take a
closer look at what membership could mean to you.
Together We Are Stronger!
https://www.mdfarmbureau.com/dorchester/

Dorchester County Farm Bureau
PO Box 1293
Cambridge, MD 21613
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Cambridge, MD
Permit No. 39
“Cultivators of the earth
are the most vigorous, the most
independent, the most virtuous, and
they are tied to their country and its liberty
by the most lasting bands.”
~Thomas Jefferson