Chester, Maryland (May 13, 2024) – The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ (AGNR) Agriculture Production Systems Committee, selected Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) as a recipient of the 2024 Cornerstone Award. This award recognizes programs and activities that increase awareness, enhance visibility, or elevate the prominence of AGNR’s Strategic Initiatives.
Photo Credit: Edwin Remsberg
The University of Maryland (UMD) ANGR’s Agriculture Production Systems strategic initiative seeks to: Increase plant and animal productivity through new technologies, cutting edge research and Extension programs; Improve and conserve soil health and water quality to sustain farms through the generations’ Address measures to manage the changing climate and its impact on agricultural production in Maryland; Contribute to the success of agricultural businesses and; Provide educational opportunities to create the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board was selected for this Cornerstone Award for embodying this initiative through programming. Since its inception in 1991, the Maryland check-off program has awarded over $26 M in farmer dollars in research, market development, and education projects to improve the efficiency and profitability of Maryland grain farmers and improve public understanding of agriculture. MGPUB has funded university research to determine the optimum nutrient management and conservation systems for Maryland grain production and a systems approach to controlling pests and disease in grain crops. In 2023, MGPUB started the On-Farm Research Program with Dr. Nicole Fiorellino. Farmer dollars have also gone to support 78 students further the education to pursue careers in agriculture.
Dr. Nicole Fiorellino, UMD Agronomist and MGPUB Board member, was awarded the Integrated Research & Extension Excellence Award. Nicole serves as a nexus between the farmer board and the university to provide her insights on research needed to meet the needs of Maryland grain farmers. MGPUB has funded several research projects with Dr. Fiorellino including the state corn variety trials, nitrogen management in high yielding wheat, phosphorus build-up and draw-down in high-P soil, among others. The board has always found her proposals to be responsive to grower needs and executed in a manner consistent with grower education. Nicole also does not just let her research “sit on the shelf” and actively uses her work to educate farmers at grower meetings, field days, and more.
Dr. Fiorellino is well respected among the grower community in Maryland and serves as a convener for MGPUB of other researchers at UMD as well as the University of Delaware which allows for collaboration on agronomic research projects for more useful outcomes for growers. Nicole is also very successful at acquiring grants to conduct research, outreach, and education through partnerships with other universities and organizations.
Congratulations to Dr. Fiorellino and the farmers of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board for their Cornerstone Award.
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