Queenstown, Maryland (October 27, 2020) – The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) participated in the United States Grain Council’s Virtual Grain Exchange this October. Over 1,200 registrants, from 54 countries tuned in online to hear from agriculture industry professionals and farmers during the two-day event. Attendees included International buyers, end-users of coarse grains and co-products, and members of the U.S. grain export value chain.
MGPUB Executive Director Lindsay Thompson, alongside Jenell Eck (MGPUB Public Relations and Program Director), Jason Scott (MGPUB Board Member and Farmer), and Chad Nagel with Nagel Farm Service, met with buyers from the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. Lindsay and the team were able to showcase Jason’s family operation during corn harvest through a virtual tour. Jason talked about Maryland’s cover crop program, his nutrient management plan, pesticide application, and much more. Once the grain leaves Jason’s operation, it travels to a nearby mill, similar to Nagel’s. Chad Nagel showed participants how they test each farmer’s harvest, store grain, and sell grain through the port of Baltimore and other avenues. The virtual attendees were interested in the combine’s technology and how much of Maryland’s corn is exported. According to the U.S. Grains Council, Maryland corn exports total $46.3 million and $100,000 for barley. You can view our recorded tour here.
“Although Maryland Grain farmers are fortunate to have the poultry industry as our #1 customer, trade is important for all farmers’ bottom line. We are thankful to be able to make these overseas connections virtually,” said Jason Scott, farmer.
During the two-day conference, attendees were able to take part in a virtual exhibit hall where they could learn about new advances in technology, crop production, and the various businesses that make up the farm-to-freight chain. MGPUB had a booth allowing participants to interact with staff online and learn more about our organization.
Maryland Grain looks forward to building connections with out international buyers in-person and online in the coming future, thank you to the U.S. Grains Council for this experience.
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Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board was established in 1991 to administer the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program. Grain Producers in Maryland voted to institute this voluntary checkoff program, which is funded by participating growers donating 0.5% of each Maryland bushel sold. With this funding, the board can fulfill its mission to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production and to improve public understanding of agriculture through promotion, education, and research.
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