HUGHESVILLE, Md. – The Southern Maryland Meats Program (SMM), a program of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland) is pleased to announce the application process for theĀ 2024 SMM Junior Livestock ProgramĀ is now open.
The SMM Junior Program was developed to engage young people in raising high quality meat animals adhering to SMM standards for feed, humane treatment and responsible raising practices, and to incentivize participation in the adult SMM marketing program.
The SMM Junior Livestock Program is open to kids and youth (age 8 to 21 yrs) involved in livestock production resident in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georgeās, and St. Maryās counties. More than 100 youth have signed up to participate in the SMM Junior program since its inception in 2017. Eligible SMM Junior livestock projects include beef, sheep, hogs, goats, poultry and rabbits. 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members are encouraged to apply.
“Southern Maryland Meats has always seen one of its missions as nurturing the next generation of livestock farmers,” commented Craig Sewell, SMM Marketing and Livestock Manager. “Through the creation of the Junior Promotion Program and as premier sponsor for the past 16 years of the Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo (SMILE), SMM has a demonstrated commitment of support for the region’s future farmers.”
SMM Jr. Program participants receive a free t-shirt and stall card to promote their animals during the fall county fairs and, at the successful completion of the program, a stipend of $125 to help finance their on-going livestock projects. To be eligible for the final Completion Award, SMM Juniors are required to submit an essay on one of four topics:
- What inspired you to get involved in livestock farming, and what do you most enjoy about it?
- Can you describe a typical day in your life as a livestock farmer, and what are some of the biggest challenges you face?
- What advice would you give to other young people who are interested in starting their own livestock farming projects?
Applications for the SMM Junior Program must be submitted by June 21, 2024. Find the online 2024 Jr. Application Form and full SMM Junior Program details at News & Events on SMADC.com. The Southern Maryland Meats marketing program is a program of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a Division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.