It was great to see many from AGNR at the winter celebration last week! There is so much going on in AGNR that I recognize it was a challenge for many to attend. It seemed a bit early to hold our annual end of fall semester gathering, but the next two weeks seem filled with many other events.
My sense is that autumn is over for 2025 but I remain optimistic we will have a few more days in the 50’s before winter officially arrives. In the meantime, the suspense is driving me nuts. What is the fate of the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center? Who among the USDA – Agriculture Research Service scientists will remain in the area and what will be their research foci? I, too, hear the rumors about decisions already made and transactions underway. We are in a different time as far as communication and decision making. Perhaps we will know more before the winter solstice.
I am spending the first couple of days this week at the Maryland Farm Bureau Convention. I’ve witnessed the organization’s resolution development and policymaking process in other states. I was glad to hear that a few of our students had the chance to observe the process over the weekend. My focus for attending is getting to know some of the members and learning more about an important AGNR partner.
Mid-week I will attend the Maryland Ag Commission virtual meeting then on Thursday I have the good fortune of spending some time with the UME Family and Consumer Science team at their in-service summit to be held at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville. The work this group does is so important to Maryland. During the winter celebration last week, I understood Dr. Lansing to say that 48% of Marylanders experience food security challenges. That number is frighteningly high but illustrates why programs that promote personal finance and healthy eating on a budget are as critical to AGNR efforts as natural resources management and food production. I look forward to learning more about our programs during the in-service event.
In between travels and meetings, a number of our majors are holding capstone presentations. Other units and university offices host their winter gatherings. There is no shortage of opportunities to connect this week! I hope to see lots of sunshine along the way!