Enjoying agriculture experiences in Maryland and Europe

contest. In the beef division, I judged a class of Belgium Blue heifers, Limousin bulls, Galloway heifers and Angus heifers. Then I gave two sets of oral reasons - one on Limousin bulls and one on the Belgium Blue heifers.<br><br> At the conclusion of the contest, it was announced that the Maryland team had placed first out of the American beef, dairy and sheep judging teams and that my teammate Maria Stevens and I had placed first and second, respectively. After leaving Scotland, we traveled to more urban cities of Europe, but wit- nessed the vast differences in the agricultural landscape of Europe's countryside. Traveling on the Chunnel from England to France, the rolling and lush hills became a preview of the landscapes yet to come.<br><br> One of the most striking fea- tures of Europe was the tremendous amount of moisture received throughout the year. In Belgium, we traveled to a veg- etable auction where farmers sold their produce to various companies and other retail markets. We toured their facilities where the vegetables were stored, sent out and sold.<br><br> From the vegetable auction, we were taken to the farms of our host fami- lies. My teammate and I resided on a beef, dairy and hog farm where they also raised a few crops each year. We saw their Belgium Blue beef herd, 1,400 hogs and even helped with the evening milking.<br><br> We stayed with a family of five children, all who had specific farm duties, and the par- ents who were full-time farmers. The food, people and environment were all things which were completely different to me, but at the same time fantastic. We also traveled with another family who took us to different farms in Belgium.<br><br> At one farm, we were even lucky to see the cesarean birth of a Belgium Blue calf. Belgium Blue cattle tend to be double muscled and have difficulty giving birth but their very lean beef is prized in Europe. On our trip, we also saw a German Angus operation and an English family farm.<br><br> Over this past year, I have seen the vast opportunities available in agriculture in Maryland, and Europe as well. This has only made me more appreciative of the place that I live and the agricultural community I am surrounded by. I want to thank all of those who have welcomed me into their county, and exposed me the many facets of agriculture in Maryland.<br><br> See you all at the Maryland State Fair! Enjoying agriculture experiences in Maryland and Europe By Rebecca Hamilton Miss Maryland Agriculture

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