“Farming provides a healthy, local food supply, preserves beautiful, productive farmland, and strengthens rural economies for the benefit of all Marylanders,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “Farmers also play an important role in our state’s conservation and preservation efforts. Volunteers work with their neighbors in formal and informal arrangements to strengthen our communities in ways large and small. Our goals for a strong and sustainable future will only be realized if these two sectors – agriculture and volunteerism – continue to thrive and grow. I am pleased to be here today to recognize the valuable contributions of both.”

Agriculture Day, which highlights the state’s strong agricultural traditions, is traditionally held on the Thursday in the middle of the 11-day run of the State Fair while the Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Day is held on the first Sunday of the Fair and recognizes those who contribute to their communities.

During the luncheon, Lt. Governor Brown recognized U.S. Congressman Andy Harris and three past Maryland Secretaries of Agriculture: Dr. Henry “Bud” Virts, Hagner Mister, and Lewis Riley who were in attendance.

During today’s luncheon, Secretary Hance welcomed 19-year-old Phyllis McKenzie of Carroll County, who assumed the title of Miss Maryland Agriculture 2012 on Aug. 24.  Miss McKenzie lives and works on her family’s 165 acre dairy farm. She also raises hogs and sheep for show and chickens for eggs to sell. A graduate of Francis Scott Key High School and the Carroll County Career and Technology Center in Landscape Design and Construction, she plans to attend Carroll Community College in the fall of 2013 and on to the University of Maryland to major in Landscape Architecture.  A Wakefield Valley 4-H Club member since she was 5 years old, Phyllis now serves as its club president.

Following the luncheon, the Lt. Governor, Secretary Hance, State Fair leadership and other dignitaries toured the fairgrounds.