Season Finale of Maryland Farm & Harvest premieres February 7

Popular weekly series showcases Maryland’s largest industry

Farmer Jim Davis of Deep Run Pawpaw Orchard with host Al Spoler (Credit: Maryland Public Television)

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Public Television’s popular original series Maryland Farm & Harvest is now in its fourth season with new half-hour episodes airing Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The series puts a human face on Maryland agriculture by telling stories of the people, skills and technology required to sustain and grow the state’s number one industry. Episode 413—the final episode of season four—will premiere Tuesday, February 7, at 7 p.m.

Joanne Clendining, who earned an Emmy® from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter (NCCBC) of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for her work as Maryland Farm & Harvest host, returns for season four.  Joining Joanne is Contributing Editor Al Spoler, who serves up the Local Buy segment during each episode.

Featured on this week’s episode:

• Cooper Family in Wicomico County. The segment features Aaron Cooper and his father, Clifford Cooper. Aaron raises organic green beans and grain on his portion of the family farm in Eden, while is father focuses on conventional grown grainFar. The Coopers explain what it takes to balance organic and conventionally grown grain, and the definitions of both.
• Creek Bound Farm in Washington County. The Weddle family farm in Hagerstown is home to field grains and a herd of cattle, but if you get technical the Weddle’s don’t really have any cows. They explain that seeming contradiction while showcasing their replacement heifer operation.
• Rigbie Farm in Harford County. The segment visits the equine care facility in Darlington. Owner Sharon Clark explains the farm’s services, including assisting clients with horse import and export quarantine services.
• Deep Run Pawpaw Orchard in Carroll County. The Local Buy segment features an unusual fruit that is more popular than you may think – the native pawpaw. Host Al Spoler tours the orchard in Westminster, then visits the annual Pawpaw Festival at Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville.

The series airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT-HD and is rebroadcast on Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 a.m. Each show also airs on MPT2 on Fridays at 7 p.m.  For more information visit mpt.org/farm.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is MPT’s co-production partner for Maryland Farm & Harvest. Major funding is provided by the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board.

Additional funding is provided by Maryland’s Best; the Maryland Soybean Board; MidAtlantic Farm Credit; the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation; the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation; and the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts.  Other support comes from the Maryland Nursery, Landscape & Greenhouse Association; the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association; the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.; Willard Agri-Service Company; the Maryland Farm Bureau Service Company; the Mar-Del Watermelon Association; and the Maryland Grape Growers Association.

About MPT

Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).  MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia.  Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows.  Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of 19 million page views annually.  MPT’s community engagement connects viewers with local resources on significant health, education, and public interest topics through year-round outreach events, viewer forums, program screenings, and phone bank call-in opportunities.

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