In 2023, the Utilization Board Funded 7 grants at $422,002. Read about the 2023 check-off funded grants success below!

E85 Infrastructure and Education Project | Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc.

  • Funded $54,891 in 2024.
  • Sustainable Energy Strategies worked to educate Maryland retailers and decision-makers on the use of higher blends of ethanol and the opportunities for grant funding. With 56 flex fuel stations in operation, Maryland drivers have more choices at the pump than ever before. Each public station sells an estimated 800,000 to 1,400,000 gallons of ethanol-blended gallons annually, representing about 10 million bushels of corn.

Working Together To Build Demand | U.S. Grains Council

  • Funded $99,691 in 2024.
  • The U.S. Grains Council works together in trade with partners, members and global staff in more than 15 key markets to advance their mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives. A study conducted by the Council showed that in 2022 Maryland’s grain and grain product exports were valued at $96,700,000 – creating a total of $274,600,000 in economic output across the Maryland economy and supporting more than 1,528 jobs in the state. Learn more about the Council here.

National Association Of Wheat Growers

  • Funded $13,000 in 2024.
  • Over the past year, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) has seen several huge wins for the industry. Notably and most important for the organization has been the opportunity to bring wheat growers to the table when discussing the 2023 Farm Bill. The organization has represented growers in DC, focusing on a long list of issues that centered around crop insurance, cover crops, voluntary conservation programs, doubling MAP and FMD funding, transportation issues and the need for continued use of crop protection tools. Learn more about NAWG here.

National Corn Growers Association

  • Funded $75,000 in 2024.
  • The National Corn Growers Association continues to propel the corn industry forward and advance its vision to sustainability feed and fuel a growing world. NCGA’s staff and grower-led action teams and committees advance that vision through four strategic priorities: enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability; increasing demand, strengthening customer and consumer trust, and protecting profitability. Visit their website for more information, here.

National Barley Growers Association

  • Funded $1,420 in 2024.
  • The National Barley Growers Association (NBGA) works to keep producers aware of a variety of issues. In 2023 the team focused on the Farm Bill reauthorization, crop insurance improvements, increasing federal research funding, and enhancing trade, transportation, infrastructure, and supply chain systems to ensure market access and competitiveness for U.S. barley. More information about NBGA can be found online here.

MAIZALL

  • Funded $10,000 in 2024.
  • The International Maize Alliance represents 50% of total global corn production and currently 80% of total global corn exports. This past year, MAIZALL directors participated in numerous missions to promote biotechnology and modern farming practices that required travel to Switzerland, France, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. The engagements in Mexico followed up the August 2022 mission which allowed farmers from the three largest corn exporting countries in the world to directly address Mexican government officials about the negative consequences their Biotech Decree could have on the citizens of Mexico and their livestock industry. The alliance was involved in a number of other great corn trade and use events across the world. Learn more about MAIZALL here.

Developing Export Markets For Maryland’s Wheat Producers | U.S. Wheat Associates

Annual International Association of Operative Millers Trade Shore in the Middle East
  • Funded $54,000 in 2024.
  • This past year, the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) used their grant to promote soft-red winter wheat in growing cookie, cake, and snack food markets. USW’s success promoting SRW including convincing Columbia’s largest cake producer to add SRW to their products for the first time. Online and in-person trade service with Chinese wheat buyers prepared them to purchase $70 million in SRW in 2022/23 and lead all new crop SRW importers the current marketing year.

Education, Press, and Administration for the Utilization Board

  • Funded $153,000 in 2024.
  • The Maryland Grain Producers Association provided public relations, education, and market development for Maryland’s grain industry on behalf of MGPUB. Check-off funds supported the organization of the annual Commodity Classic, the successful administration of seven student scholarships, updated website maintenance, current news coverage, recognition at state and national meetings, consumer and student outreach, and much more. Be sure to sign up for weekly news and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Other Funded Grants:

  • Delmarva Chicken Association was funded $5,000 to design a mobile diorama to educate consumers about the relationship of poultry and grain farms with Maryland’s environment.