Queenstown, Maryland (January 10, 2024) – On January 4th and 5th, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) reviewed 46 grant proposals for the 2024 calendar year. Proposals covered a broad spectrum of education, market development, and research programs. For 2024, Maryland grain check-off funds will be distributed to 40 applicants totaling $1,093,484.
“As a net-value check-off, 2024 income is projected to be down due to lower grain prices. However, the Board was able to fund many projects that will work to improve the profitability of Maryland grain farmers,” said MGPUB President, Steve Ernst. “There were many great proposals and we are excited to see farmer check-off dollars hard at work.”
Of the 40 funded proposals, $280,532 dollars will be utilized in research. Corn, wheat, barley variety trials, wheat cultivar development, and on-farm trials will continue across the state. Research will also cover biologicals, SCAB, tar spot, wheat nitrogen use efficiency, and sorghum fungicide efficacy. To read more on check-off funded research with Maryland Grain funds, click here.
Seeking to strengthen markets for our grain, $422,002 will be distributed to six organizations working in domestic and international market development. These groups have been working hard to keep our Mexico corn market available, building new trade relationships and maintain current ones, while keeping climate-smart ethanol top of mind. Maryland truly appreciates all the work they do across the globe. U.S. Grains Council said $274,600,000 is the total output from grain trade to Maryland’s economy. Lastly, the Grain Producers is honored to fund the Lower Shore Doe Harvest challenge and help control the white tail deer population to some degree. Read more on market develop grants here.
Lastly, 16 education grants will be presented in 2024 totaling $420,750. These funds will be used to continue Maryland Farm and Harvest with a 12th season, LEAD Maryland with the XIII Fellows class, and support the Maryland FFA Foundation. Furthermore, outreach on slow moving vehicles and My Maryland Farmers will continue. A number of youth education programs will be funded and projected to reach 20,800 students. To learn more about 2024 check-off education funded grants, click here.
Thank you to all the grain farmers who voluntarily remit their check-off dollars. The Utilization Board takes a lot of time to review each proposal and fund grants for the grain farmers best interest and for the future of agriculture across Maryland. Here is to big plans in 2024 for the farmer!
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