Sylvia Calabrese may not have been heavily involved in agriculture as a small child, but she’s sure making her mark now. The South River High School senior this week was selected as one of two 2026 Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB) Ag Ambassadors, putting her in a position to advocate for agricultural issues across Maryland.
The MDFB Ag Ambassador program is a prestigious year-long initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders and communicators. Candidates are evaluated on their agricultural knowledge, public speaking abilities, interview skills and passion for advocating on behalf of Maryland's farming community. Candidates face a rigorous selection process that includes prepared and impromptu speeches, panel interviews with agricultural industry leaders, and demonstrations of their understanding of current agricultural issues and Farm Bureau policy priorities.
“Sylvia exemplifies the passion, leadership and dedication needed to advocate for Maryland agriculture,” MDFB said in making the announcement.
Calabrese's path to agriculture is uniquely inspiring. Born and raised in Pasadena, she had no exposure to farming during her younger years. Everything changed four years ago when her family moved to Davidsonville and purchased FAFO Farms.
Through hands-on experience at the family farm, Calabrese discovered her passion for agriculture and developed the knowledge and skills that would propel her to state-level recognition. Her journey from complete newcomer to accomplished agricultural advocate demonstrates that dedication and family mentorship can create powerful pathways into farming, even without traditional educational access.
Helen Quill of Howard County is MDFB’s other 2026 Ag Ambassador.
As a 2026 Ag Ambassador, Calabrese will receive a $1,500 scholarship to support her educational pursuits. Throughout the year, she will serve as an official representative of the Maryland Farm Bureau, traveling across the state to engage with students at elementary, middle, and high schools. Her responsibilities include leading agricultural literacy programs, educating young people about where their food comes from, promoting career opportunities in agriculture, and raising awareness of the Maryland Farm Bureau's legislative policy priorities.
She will also enjoy an all-expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference in March 2026 in Portland, Ore., where she will network with young agricultural leaders from across the nation and participate in professional development opportunities focused on agricultural advocacy and leadership.