The Southern Maryland Agricultural Resource Fair will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. at The Barns at New Market, 29133 Thompson Corner Rd., Mechanicsville. The event brings together resources serving Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties and offers opportunities to network, learn about available programs and connect with regional partners. The event is free to attend; registration is requested at: Registration Form
The fair is organized by the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Charles County Economic Development Department and St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development. Questions may be directed to info@choosecalvert.com
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains an ongoing threat to both commercial and backyard poultry operations in Maryland and nationwide. Since January 2025, multiple commercial broiler flocks on the Delmarva Peninsula have tested positive for H5 avian influenza, with the most recent Maryland detection occurring in December 2025. The virus also continues to be detected in migrating wild birds, including snow geese and black vultures, underscoring the persistent risk of transmission to domestic poultry.As of Jan. 8, 2026, HPAI has been confirmed in more than 2,000 flocks across all 50 states, affecting both commercial operations and backyard flocks. In response, the Maryland Department of Agriculture strongly recommends that all poultry producers move birds indoors and maintain confinement until the risk associated with outdoor access can be reassessed. Producers observing black vultures or wild waterfowl near their flocks should take immediate precautions and keep birds indoors.All poultry producers are urged to maintain strict biosecurity practices, closely monitor flock health, and promptly report any unexplained illness or mortality to the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810, available 24/7. Sightings of sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or USDA Wildlife Services.Visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's webpage, High Path Avian Influenza: What You Need to Know for the latest updates and resources. Additional guidance and prevention tips are available on the University of Maryland Extension’s HPAI resource page.
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has unveiled a new mental health awareness initiative to support the well-being of the region’s agricultural community. As part of this effort, free stickers featuring the national crisis line 988 will be produced for display in tractor cabs, farm offices, and other highly visible areas, with the message that it’s okay to not be okay and that help is always available.
Stickers are free and available to anyone who would like to distribute or display them. For more information or to request stickers, Southern Maryland residents can contact info@smadc.com.
The campaign complements broader national efforts to address farm stress. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind initiative provides resources to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and connect farmers and ranchers with mental health support. Learn more at www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers confidential support for people in distress, emotional trouble, or who are considering self-harm. Caring counselors are available to help, and you are not alone.
Farming is a demanding occupation with elevated risks of anxiety and depression due to long hours, isolation, weather extremes, financial pressures, market volatility, labor shortages, and other stressors. Studies indicate higher suicide risk among farming communities. Addressing stigma and expanding access to support are critical to safeguarding producers and their communities. Barriers in rural areas include stigma, concerns about anonymity in small towns, and limited access to mental health providers. National and regional efforts emphasize outreach, education, and improving access to care.
Ways you can help:
Buy local: Support farmers by purchasing food directly from them.
Meet your farmers: Get to know local producers through farmers’ markets or county farm bureaus.
Advocate for resources: Support mental health services in rural communities; explore telehealth options and work to improve connectivity and access.
Keep talking about mental health: Normalize conversations to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for the Lifeline. For immediate help, call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
For more information, contact the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission at info@smadc.com.