ANNAPOLIS, MD – In a heartfelt ceremony led by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, the Morgan Brothers farm, among six other distinguished farm families, received the prestigious Century Farm designation, celebrating their enduring commitment to agriculture in Maryland. This accolade is awarded to families who have continuously farmed the same land for over 100 years, a testament to their dedication to preserving agricultural land and traditions.
The event, steeped in gratitude and recognition, saw Lt. Governor Miller commending the seven families for their unwavering service to the agricultural community and their significant role in maintaining the state's farming legacy. "Governor Moore and I are grateful for your extraordinary service and your commitment to honoring the legacy of agriculture and its significance to Maryland," Lt. Governor Miller expressed.
Established in 1994 and reinvigorated in 2017, the Maryland Century Farm Program honors those who have kept their farming operations within the family across generations, contributing not only to the state's economy but also to its rich cultural heritage. To qualify, a farm must have been in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, maintain a minimum of 10 acres of the original parcel, and generate a gross annual income of $2,500 or more from farm products.
Since the inception of the program, 216 farms have been honored with the Century Farm title, a recognition of their historical significance and contribution to Maryland's agricultural landscape. The program also celebrates Bicentennial and Tricentennial Farms, for families who have farmed the same land for over 200 and 300 years, respectively.
The Morgan Brothers farm in Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County, stands as a beacon of agricultural resilience and heritage. Since its acquisition from J. Edward and Hattie B. Burroughs in 1917, the farm has evolved from a diverse operation cultivating tobacco, corn, wheat, and beans, and raising livestock, to focusing on sustainable crop production. Despite changes in agricultural practices and the fading of the original homestead from memory, the spirit of the Morgan Brothers continues through their commitment to cultivating corn, wheat, and beans. Their participation in soil conservation and land preservation programs further exemplifies their dedication to sustainable farming practices.
Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks lauded the families for their "dedication, passion, and diligence," acknowledging their role in feeding the region as both a multi-generational business and a public service.
For more information on the Century Farm program, please contact Harrison Palmer at harrisonb.palmer@maryland.gov or 410-841-5882. The legacy of the Morgan Brothers and other Century Farm designees highlights the enduring importance of agriculture in Maryland and the invaluable contribution of farm families to the state's heritage and future.
No comments:
Post a Comment