EAST NEW MARKET — Dorchester County Farm Bureau’s Annual Banquet was a huge success and filled the house last Friday at the East New Market Firehouse. There were over 200 guests in attendance, making it one of the highest attended banquets in recent years. The evening program featured guest speaker Mark Belton, the newly-appointed Secretary of Natural Resources for the State of Maryland. As an Eastern Shore native growing up just north of Dorchester County in Queen Anne’s, Secretary Belton commented on how nice it was to cross the bridge and come home to the Shore. He recognized farmers as the first environmentalists and commended their efforts in stewardship of the land. Elected county officials included County Council members Rick Price, Ricky Travers and Tom Bradshaw. Other guests who represent the county in Annapolis included Sen. Addie Eckardt, Delegate Johnny Mautz, and Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes. Sen. Eckardt presented retiring Dorchester County Farm Bureau President, William Layton, with a Senatorial Citation for his five years of leadership. The Delegation representing Dorchester County also presented newly-elected President Garrett Luthy and the Dorchester County Farm Bureau with a Citation from the House of Representatives for their hard work and commitment for the betterment of agriculture in Dorchester County. Maryland Farm Bureau 2nd Vice President, John Draper, presented the county Farm Bureau with a certificate recognizing them for excellence in the areas of: Agricultural Education, Government Relations, Membership and Outstanding County Program. The evening ended with a live auction featuring items donated from local businesses. In combination with the silent auction and 50/50, the Dorchester County Farm Bureau raised over $6,000 for the scholarship fund to support youth in the county to continue their education. The Dorchester County Farm Bureau is dedicated to promoting and protecting Dorchester agriculture and rural life. Through community outreach programs and educational opportunities, the Farm Bureau aims to inform people on the importance of agriculture at the local, state and federal level.