History of Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau

Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau was organized in May, 1923 as a small group of interested farmers trying to achieve services as a group, which they could not accomplish as individuals.

The group chose James H. Carter as chairman.  Later his son served as Maryland Vice-President.

The mass purchasing of supplies such as coal, twine, salt, fertilizer and seed was accomplished.  Farmers ordered these supplies through William Keith, who handled distribution.  They arrived by train car loans.

Wheat, coal and wool were the crops the organization helped to market at that time.  Through the years, marketing and bargaining has become an important aspect of Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau.

Legislation benefiting the farmers has been of utmost importance to Queen Anne’s County Farm Bureau.  As a time when 80-90% of the population were farmers, there was a need for farmers to organize to be heard.  Due to the small percentage of population involved in agriculture today, there is much need for concern and participation in county and state legislation.

Mrs. Clay Coppage was first to represent the Queen Anne’s County Women on the Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors.  In the 1930’s, Mrs. Algernon Carter began to activate the women and organized the associated Women of the county.  She went on to become Vice-president of the state group.

Since that time, the women have had a leading role in the promotion of Farm Bureau programs, with special attention to the educational, cultural, legislative, and citizenship needs of the community.  Mrs. Carter, in conjunction with President Allen Cohey, performed outstanding work in citizenship and brought A.F.B.F. citizenship to the county.  Mrs. William Riggs, past chairman earned an A.F.B.F. award for citizenship with a scrapbook of county farm bureau activities.

Dues in 1923 were $15.00 for a three year period.  In 1948, Farm Bureau members voted to raise the dues to $10.00 per year.  In 1967, when the tire and battery service was added, dues were raised to $15.00 annually.  At some point, dues were $37.00.

Today’s membership dues are $60.00 per year.