Applications Due by April 10, 2026
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland’s Best, Maryland’s state-wide marketing program connecting consumers to producers, is seeking Maryland ice cream locations with on-farm creameries or locally-sourced milk to join the 2026 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail. The Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail supports Maryland dairy farmers by highlighting locations that are on-farm or are using locally-sourced milk for their product, which supports the overall dairy industry. Consumers are encouraged to download a free digital pass to track their adventures and be entered to win the ultimate prize of “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trailblazer Champion”.
“The Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail is expanding its definition to encourage more of our local ice cream shops to utilize local milk in their products,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “We encourage all Marylanders and visitors to check out the trail, visit the on-farm creameries, and support the ice cream shops that support Maryland farmers.”
Farm and business participation eligibility has expanded to include the following:
- Creameries that are on an existing Maryland farm and use milk they produce on-farm; or
- Creameries that are on an existing Maryland farm and use an ice cream mix from a milk processor that benefits Maryland dairy farms; or
- Non-farm creamery locations that use an ice cream mix from a milk processor that benefits Maryland dairy farms.
Those interested in joining this year’s Ice Cream Trail should fill out this form and be prepared to submit invoices proving proof of purchase from a local processor that benefits Maryland dairy farms by April 10 at 5:00 pm.
Additionally, dairy farms that sell other products are encouraged to participate in state-wide dairy promotions this summer. Any dairy farm in Maryland that is making a value-added product, such as cheese, yogurt, or milk, can apply to be highlighted by the program during upcoming promotions. Applications are also due by April 10 at 5:00 pm.
Questions? Potential participants may reach out to Maryland’s Best Director of Special Projects, Kristin Hanna, at kristin.hanna@maryland.gov or visit Maryland’s Best.net.
