Maryland's Agricultural Leadership Development Program - LEAD Maryland - $16,000

LEAD Maryland's two-year program is designed to prepare emerging leaders to make a difference in areas of education, research, marketing and promotion, and improving the image and effectiveness of agriculture. Outcomes will be everything from having legislative representatives be more responsible to the needs of Maryland farmers, to having stronger leadership serving our current agricultural and community organizations.

Enhancing the Education & Development of Maryland Youth - Maryland FFA Foundation - $5,000

High school students in FFA programs will develop vital life-skills by participating in a leadership or career development event, or conducting a supervised agricultural experience project. This grant will support career development and sponsor speakers and workshop leaders at activities such as state convention, officer training, and student leadership workshops.

Maryland Envirothon - Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts - $5,800

This natural resource education program trains high school students in forestry, soils, aquatics, wildlife and a current agriculture issue throughout the year to prepare for a final competition. Students train with professionals in the topic areas, introducing them to the many career opportunities in agriculture.

Ethanol Performs - Bunny Burkett Racing Team - $10,500

The Racing Team conducts promotions at County and State Fairs, other agricultural functions and actually competes on the racing circuit garnering significant publicizing due to the fact that very few women compete in motor sports on a National level.

Ethanol Issue Briefs - Clean Fuels Development Coalition - $3,500

Educational Issue Briefs promote ethanol as an alternative fuel, economic booster, and environmentally-friendly product. The fourth in a series of Issue Briefs designed to deal with ethanol production and use will be researched, printed and distributed.

Close Encounters with Agriculture - Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Office - $2,500

Students in 4th grade are offered hands-on learning in areas of environment, nutrition and production agriculture. Teaching packets with additional learning activities are provided.

Kids Growing with Grains - Allegany County Extension Advisory Council - $1,000, Frederick County Extension Advisory Council - $3,000, Washington County Extension Advisory Council - $1,800

Children, teachers, and parents of western Maryland 4th graders learn about grain utilization in animal science, the importance of grain products for good nutrition, and grain production through hands-on stations. A separate portable program will be added this year to the Washington County program for schools who would like to participate but are unable due to field trip restrictions.

Mobile Lab / New School Grants - Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation - $9,000

A mobile agriculture science lab will be rebuilt for use at schools statewide. Funding for additional grants will be made available to schools who have not had a science lab visit their school before.

National Agriculture Day - Agriculture Council of America - $500

National Agriculture Day raises Americans' awareness of how food, fiber and fuel are produced and celebrates the essential contribution agriculture makes to our daily lives. At the national level, organizers reach out to leaders, key influences, and the media. Ag Day materials and tools include a website, media and classroom resources, Ag Day Poster, Planning Guide and Fact Cards.