AGRICULTURE

Maryland, in the 1960's, has undergone rapid industriali-
zation and urbanization. This has altered its image as a pre-
dominantly agricultural State. Agriculture, however, con-
tinued to form a significant part of the Maryland economy
and this role was frequently acknowledged in the addresses
and actions of the State's Chief Executive.

REMARKS, RECOGNITION DINNER FOR
MASTER FARM FAMILIES

ANNAPOLIS

October 19, 1964

Mr. Elliot, Dr. Alton, Mr. Larue, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, Miss Sturges,
our guests of honor, the Maryland Master Farm Families, distinguished
guests, ladies and gentlemen:

I am most grateful to the publishers of The Progressive Farmer for
inviting me to attend this dinner at which we pay tribute to working
farm families of the State of Maryland. I recall with great pleasure
having attended a Master Farm Family dinner here four years ago,
and I assure you that I am honored to be with you at this 1964
recognition dinner.

The Progressive Farmer, one of the finest publications of its type
in the entire country, is to be commended for the task it performs
each year in selecting and giving recognition to outstanding working
farm families for maintaining farm and home practices in keeping
with the highest standards of American agriculture. Like most people
born and brought up in a rural area, I have read for many years The
Progressive Farmer and I know the great contribution it has made
to the progress and development of the sound and healthy agricultural
system that we enjoy in this area of our country.

From the very beginning of our American civilization, agriculture
has been the bone and sinew of our economic system, and although
farming has undergone radical changes over the years, it remains the
solid foundation upon which the economy of our nation rests. It is
of fundamental importance, therefore, that we foster agriculture, be-
cause the prosperity of our country depends upon the well-being of
those who till the soil.

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