Chester, Maryland (May 7, 2024) – Grain producers from across the state of Maryland had a different year. Parts of the state dealt with never ending rain whereas other parts of the state dealt with a horrible drought, thanks to the El Nino. Interest rates and market reports impacted all the farm businesses but with determination and stewardship, our producers still harvested 72.6 million bushels of corn, 16.5 million bushels of wheat, and 1.25 million bushels of barley. All while planting 395,000 acres of cover crops and 2,800 acres through the Cover Crop Plus program. In 2023, our Utilization Board was recognized for Volunteer of the Year and presented over $1,166,124 in check-off funded grants.
As 2024 has been off to a wet start, the last few weeks grain farmers have been working in the fields preparing for the 2024 growing season. We are hopeful for a bountiful year for all despite the current market prices. This year the Utilization Board funded 40 grants totaling $1,093,484 in check-off dollars. These farmers dollars are hard at work to continue our mission to improve the profitability, public understanding, and sustainability of Maryland agriculture and farm families.
To read more about 2023 and Maryland Grain Producers accomplishments read our Annual Grain Store here. The 20-page report will also be in your mailbox in the coming days. This report showcases each check-off funded grant from 2023, highlights awardees and yield contest winners, recognizes our 2023 sponsors, and much more!
“Hearing from our grantees each January on how they utilized their awarded check-off dollars for the year is astonishing,” said Utilization Board President, Steve Ernst. “Last year dollars helped reach 20,800 youth about our industry alone. The board can’t wait to see what our 2024 dollars can do!”
Lastly, we hope to see you at the 26th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic being held on July 25th at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park in Centreville. We will be utilizing the newly built barns for the day of the event! Check-off funded grants will be in attendance to showcase the work they have been doing. Stay tuned for more information about the Commodity Classic at www.MarylandGrain.org.
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