HUGHESVILLE, Md. – The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has launched a new website for their Southern Maryland Meats (SMM) Program.
The new site, SouthernMarylandMeats.com is designed to host and promote the expanding SMM Directory of Member Producers and the upcoming Regional Agriculture Center’s suite of meat processing and sales resources for regional livestock producers.
An upgrade from the previous website established in 2015, the new site will provide space for the expansion of the SMM Producer Directory, the Junior SMM Program and host advanced integrated software and database management capabilities for the Regional Agriculture Center’s (RAC) services.
“With an eye towards future growth of the SMM program, we are committed to offering enhanced branding and service to our members,” commented Craig Sewell, SMM Program Manager. “The core site will later grow to become a more fully featured database driven clearinghouse using software tools for connecting vendors, ordering, aggregating, custom labelling, financial reporting and more.”
Now featuring a redesigned logo, the refreshed website aims to bolster the local economy by creating opportunities for the 60+ member farms it represents and other regional meat producers.
Consumers can use the site to find locally raised meats in Southern Maryland searchable by product/meat, county, farm name and by ‘Lex-Icons’, a visual language of symbols that help consumers, restauranteurs and supply chain managers find meats that suit their unique needs and preferences. Comprehensive SMM Member profiles provide descriptions of each farm’s raising practices, contact information and where/how to buy their meat products.
The website also provides resources for area livestock farmers interested in meat production or starting a livestock business including information on grants and financing opportunities, regional farm equipment inventories available for rent and SMM marketing materials.
For more information about the Southern Maryland Meats Program, its Mission, Standards, and how to join, visit the new website at www.southernmarylandmeats.com.