The Maryland Association of County Agricultural Agents (MACAA) recently hosted its Annual Summer Tour and Professional Improvement Conference on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Kent and Queen Anne’s counties, bringing together members for a day of learning, networking, and industry exploration.
The tour began at Fair Hill Farms in Chestertown, where participants gained insight into organic dairy production, local farming practices and agricultural innovation. The group then traveled to Red Acres Hydroponics in Worton, where attendees explored modern hydroponic growing systems and discussed the expanding role of controlled-environment agriculture in the region.
The next stop was Angelica Nursery in Kennedyville, allowing members to observe ornamental plant production and nursery management techniques. A midday break followed, with lunch provided during the tour at Queen Anne’s 4-H Park, offering an opportunity for informal discussion and connection among participants.
In the afternoon, attendees visited Harris Seafood Company’s oyster shucking and packing house in Grasonville , where they learned about the seafood industry and the importance of aquaculture to Maryland’s economy. The tour concluded with a MACAA BBQ picnic Stevensville, providing a relaxed setting to reflect on the day’s experiences and strengthen professional relationships.
The conference continued the following day with a business meeting at the Wye Research and Education Center, in Queenstown. During the meeting, key organizational matters were discussed, and a new slate of officers was installed to guide MACAA’s future efforts. The newly installed officers are:
- Past President: Erika Crowl
- President: Amanda Grev
- President-Elect: Dwayne Joseph
- Vice President: Haley Sater
- Secretary: Hayden Schug
- Treasurer: Emily Zobel
Overall, the Annual Summer MACAA Tour and Professional Improvement Conference provided valuable educational opportunities while fostering collaboration and camaraderie among members dedicated to advancing Maryland agriculture.