DAVIDSONVILLE, MD – Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley issued a response to Governor Wes Moore’s recent proclamation declaring March 20^th as “MeatOut Day” in Maryland:

“While the Maryland agricultural community respects the right of every individual to make personal dietary choices, we are deeply disappointed by Governor’s recent proclamation declaring March 20th as ‘MeatOut Day.’ This initiative, created by an animal rights activist group, sends a discouraging signal to the thousands of farm families who work tirelessly to provide a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for our state.

To suggest that abstaining from meat is a necessary step to prevent animal cruelty ignores the reality of modern animal husbandry. For Maryland’s livestock farmers, the welfare of their animals is not just a priority — it is their livelihood and a core value passed down through generations. Our members adhere to rigorous, science-based standards of care that ensure the health and safety of their herds and flocks.

Furthermore, the implication that animal agriculture is a detriment to the environment overlooks Maryland's status as a national leader in conservation. From sophisticated nutrient management to robust water quality protections, our farmers are true stewards of their land and to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These efforts are grounded in proven environmental science and represent a significant benefit to the public interest and our natural resources.

With 94% of Maryland farms being family-owned, agriculture remains a cornerstone of our state’s economy, contributing billions in economic impact. Rather than encouraging citizens to reject locally produced food, we should be celebrating the hardworking families who sustain our communities.

We respectfully urge the administration to ensure that future state-endorsed observances support, rather than disparage, the vital contributions of Maryland agriculture. We cordially invite Governor Wes Moore and his staff to visit our family-run farms to see firsthand the dedication, care, and environmental innovation that define our industry.”

According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, Maryland is home to 12,550 farms. More than 2,000 farms in Maryland produce poultry, eggs, or cattle. 800 farms in Maryland raise sheep, goats, or are involved in wool production. More than 400 farms raise hogs and pigs.