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Nuffield Scholars Visit Southern Maryland - June 18-20, 2008
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc. hosted the Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars on June 18 - 20.
On Thursday, the Scholars participated in a roundtable discussion about Maryland agricultural trends with Buddy Hance, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Mike Phipps, president of the Maryland Farm Bureau, and Dr. Christine Bergmark, director of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. Following the discussion, they visited Richard Pelz and the Circle C Oyster Ranch, toured Even' Star Organic Farm with proprietor Brett Grohsgal, and enjoyed an evening cruise and crab feast on the Dee of St. Mary's, captained by St. Mary's County Commissioner Francis J. "Jackie" Russell.
Dr. Bergmark explains the "So. MD, So Good"* agri-tourism program and discusses the statewide "Buy Local" challenge that originated in southern Maryland.
Richard Pelz demonstrates the 6-inch oysters he is able to grow in hisTaylor Floats at the Circle C Oyster Ranch. Raising the oysters at thewater's surface helps prevent sedimentation and ensures a sufficient oxygen supply.
Brett Grohsgal explains the Even' Star Farm organic CSA and direct marketing operation.
Commissioner and Captain Jackie Russell explains the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay region on his Skipjack Dee of St. Mary's.
On Friday the Scholars began the day at the Loveville Produce Auctionwith Elmer Brubaker. They then traveled to Forrest Hall Farm and touredthe diverse agritourism operation there courtesy of owners Joe and MaryWood. Following the tour, land use planners from Calvert, Charles, andSt. Mary's counties discussed the challenges of preserving agricultural land in a rapidly growing region. After lunch catered by Blue Wind Gourmet, the Scholars resumed the tour at the Russell Brothers Farm to observe a traditional grain farm in operation. The tour finished with a stop at Lawtan Hall Vineyard to hear from Steve Purvins about the successes and challenges related to viticulture in Southern Maryland.
Nuffield Australia is a farming scholarship program committed to equipping farmers with the knowledge they need to compete and succeed internationally as part of Australian agriculture. Nuffield scholars travel around the world to gain knowledge about the international agricultural industry and trade policies, to identify changes Australia needs to make to stay competitive in the global market, and to learn about technological advances made by producers in other countries.
*Links to organizations are for informational purposes only, and do not constitute an endorsement by the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology or the University of Maryland.
For more information, contact Jennifer Dindinger
Last updated: 03/10/2009