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!
Queenstown, Maryland (November 24, 2023) – The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) was named the 2023 Volunteers of the Year by Chesapeake Charities. Each year, Chesapeake Charities hosts a Celebration of Charity honoring exceptional volunteers, philanthropists, advocates, and nonprofits in the Chesapeake Bay region who have had a profound impact on the community. Every year an area of focus is highlighted and for 2023, Maryland’s Farming Community was chosen to be honored.
Recognized as Volunteers of the year, MGPUB has funded over $26 million in grants since 1991 to improve the profitability, public understanding, and sustainability of Maryland agriculture and farm families. The Maryland Grain Checkoff is refundable and yet, MGPUB has an average annual refund percentage of just 3.4% demonstrating that Maryland farmers see the value in donating their hard-earned money to this important cause. Notable education projects include providing primary funding for Maryland’s Public Television’s Maryland Farm and Harvest which has educated over 11 million viewers about Maryland agriculture. MGPUB also funds many youth agriculture education programs through Maryland Extension and FFA throughout the state. Research grants focus on nutrient management, crop protection, and seed varieties all with the primary purpose of improving farmer’s productivity. MGPUB funds national organizations such as U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Wheat Associates that promote exports of U.S. grains to benefit all farmers’ bottom line. Research has shown that for every $1 invested in market development, $24 is returned to the farm gate. Lastly highlighting, funding has been provided to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and the Lower Shore Doe Harvest Challenge, which has paid for the processing of over 300,000 pounds of venison donated to food banks in Maryland.
Left to Right: Chip Bowling, Melvin Baile Jr., Kevin Atticks, Jenell Eck McHenry, Allen Davis, Lindsay Thompson, Bobby Hutchison, Justin Brendel, and Bobby Guy.
The investment by Maryland farmers in the grain checkoff program has had broad sweeping and long-lasting impacts on the agricultural community. None of this would be possible without the contributions of Maryland farmers to the checkoff program and the time volunteered by the farmer board to administer the program.
Thank you to those who serve and have served on the Utilization Board for your dedication to the future of agriculture. We appreciate you and all your hard work.
Also awarded at the annual event were; Philanthropist of the Year – Jim Perdue, Nonprofit of the Year – Wild Kid Acres, and Advocate of the Year – Amy Cawley, Maryland Food Bank. Congratulations to all awardee!
Chesapeake Charities’ mission is to provide innovative leadership and quality services that encourage charitable giving, building community resources, and enable donors to achieve their charitable purposes, and the work they have accomplished across the state.
Queenstown, Maryland (November 1, 2023) – The Maryland Grain Producers Association is offering their CDL Grant program to producer members for the second year. To assist farmers with the financial burden now associated with the classes required to obtain a CDL for themselves and or their employees, a $1,500 grant will be awarded to two applicants.
“To obtain a Class A CDL, one must complete a 280-hour class costing well over $4,000. We understand the challenges this causes for our members and would like to assist with this grant,” said Justin Brendel, Maryland Grain Producer Association President. “After two successful candidates last year, our board is happy to offer this grant again.”
Congratulations to Evan Staley and Jayden Wilson for being awarded the 2023 CDL Grant. Evan Staley is the owner and operator of Tower View Farms in New Windsor. Jayden Wilson is a full-time employee of Chesterville Bridge Farm in Millington.
To apply for the grant, complete this online application, found on MarylandGrain.org by March 1st. Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee with all personal information redacted. Winners will be announced at the 2024 Maryland Commodity Classic on July 25th. Eligible candidates include Maryland Grain Producer Association members, or employees of. Other eligibility requirements can be found on the online application. Grant funds will only be awarded, once a CDL A has been obtained.
If you have any questions, please contact Jenell McHenry with our team at jenell.mdag@gmail.com or by calling 443-262-6969.
Queenstown, Maryland (October 23, 2023) – The Maryland Grain Producers are offering a total of $15,000 through seven scholarships for the 2024 to 2025 school year. There are three different scholarship opportunities for Grain Producer Members and non-members. Applications are due online by January 31st.
“The number of strong applications received for the first year of our new program showed our board the value and need to support all of our members and those interested in agriculture.” said Maryland Grain Producer Association President, Justin Brendel. The three different scholarship opportunities are outlined below.
Maryland Grain Honoree Scholarship
Awarding three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each.
Must be a member of the Maryland Grain Producers Association.
Must be attending a secondary education school studying agriculture or working towards a degree to directly benefit the agriculture industry.
Maryland Grain Membership Scholarship
Awarding two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each.
Must be a member of the Maryland Grain Producers Association.
Must be attending a secondary education school, with any area of study.
Maryland Grain Production Scholarship
Awarding two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.
Must be attending a secondary education school studying agriculture or working towards a degree to directly benefit the agriculture industry.
For the three different opportunities all applicants are only eligible to receive a scholarship two times and only eligible to apply for one of the three scholarships available. One’s family farm may not have requested Maryland grain checkoff refunds in the last 12 months. Lastly, graduate students are ineligible to apply.
In addition to our scholarship program, those eligible for the Honoree and Membership Scholarship, as well as grad students, would be eligible for the National Corn Growers Scholarships, please visit their website here to learn more and apply online.
For more information and to apply online for our 2024 scholarship program, visit our website at MarylandGrain.org/Scholarship-3/. Please contact our team if you have any questions.
Queenstown, Maryland (September 28, 2023) – The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is currently seeking proposals to help fulfill our mission of increasing the profitability of Maryland’s grain farmers and improve the public understanding of agriculture. Proposals will be accepted until November 17, 2023, at which time they will be distributed to our Funding Committee for review.
“Overseas and domestic market development, increasing demand for our grain, are top of mind for the grain producers board of directors, but our priorities don’t stop there,” said Steve Ernst. “Fulfilling our mission to improve public understanding of agriculture through promotion, education, and research are prioritized as well.”
Detailed priorities and proposal guidelines can be found online at MarylandGrain.org/Checkoff-Grant/. Each proposal will be eveluated and funding decisions will be made on January 4-5th, 2024. Applicants may be asked to present their projects in person or virtually at the funding meeting.
The Utilization Board receives check-off income from corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rapeseed/canola. Commodity specific projects are generally funded proportionately to check-off income received. In 2023, MGPUB funded 46 grants totaling $1,166,124 for research, education, and market development. A full list of funded projects and summaries can be found on the Maryland Grain Producers website, MarylandGrain.org/Checkoff-Grant/.
Funded grants are determined by farmer-leaders who serve on the Utilization Board which has farmer representatives from six regions of the state. Funding is provided by Maryland grain farmers through the state check-off program voted on every five years. Grain elevators collect one-half of one percent of the net market value on each bushel produced and sold in Maryland. For more information, visit MarylandGrain.org.
###
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. Learn more about the organization here.
Queenstown, Maryland (September 6, 2023) – Tobacco Barn Distillery of Hollywood, Maryland has recently been awarded the Top Farmer-Distiller award, best Maryland whiskey and gold medal for their Single Barrel Bourbon in the 2023 Heartland Whiskey Competition. For the fourth year, the competition was managed by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) which judged craft whiskeys from across the nation. State corn marketing associations, such as the Maryland Grain Producers Association, sponsored the event which took place in St. Louis, MO.
Tobacco Barn Distillery is a farm to bourbon business located in St. Mary’s County providing bourbon and other products at their tasting room and select retail locations throughout Maryland. Three good friends – Dan, Sean, and Scott – started Tobacco Barn Distillery in December of 2015 and offered very limited quantities of their single-barrel bourbon. For the bourbon aficionados, they will soon be releasing a bourbon that is Bottled In Bond. Everything about their products is LOCAL! The Distillery grows their own corn and utilizes locally sourced rye.
Scott Sanders, Director of Bourbon Relationships for Tobacco Barn Distillery is very proud to represent Maryland and honored to win a national award. “This award is an acknowledgement that Craft Distilleries are producing some of the best bourbons and whiskies in America” said Scott. “We have a lot of new and exciting products growing in popularity, and available in the coming months. Be sure to stop by our small town and check out the Nation’s best Farmer-Distiller.”
Congratulations to Tobacco Barn Distillery and their team in Hollywood for this great honor!
Learn more about the Distillery online here and learn more about the competition online here.
Queenstown, Maryland (July 28, 2023) – The 25th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic took place yesterday, July 27th at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park. The venue was packed full of farmers, check-off grantees, legislators, and sponsors reaching an all-time high of 420 people! As co-sponsors, Maryland Grain Producers and Maryland Soybean Board, are grateful for all those who participated and volunteered for a successful 25th anniversary event.
Maryland Grain Producers Board Members
The day began with a presentation on transitioning the family farm in partnership with Maryland Farm Bureau and Nationwide. Then the Grain Producers had a follow-up on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Deer Summit. Kevin Anderson, local farmer, related deer damage to Marylanders by saying “no one else would like 10 to 20% of their paycheck to be given away.” Participants discussed difficulties with filling crop damage permits, deer processors shutting down out of season, forage soybeans, deer ownership, and funding for deer avoidance measures and damage reimbursement. The Maryland Grain Producers Association is committed to finding feasible solutions for their grower members, “we aren’t going to let the conservation end here,” said Lindsay Thompson, Executive Director. “Maryland Grain Producers will continue working with farmers, legislators, and the departments to come up with solutions driven programs and policies to reduce deer damage to crops.”
Before the business meeting, attendees enjoyed lunch served by the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Goat Club and snow cones by the Queen Anne’s County FFA Chapter while mingling with farmers ad event sponsors!
During the business meeting Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board spotlighted check-off funded grants, presented the 2023 Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship Recipients, and the new CDL Grant awardees. Josh Appenzeller with the Maryland Soybean Board shared a few words before Dani DiPietro with Maryland Comptroller gave remarks on behalf of Comptroller Brooke Lierman. Next, Justin Brendel Maryland Grain Producers Association President provided a 2023 legislative up-date showcasing membership dollars at work. Lastly, Delegate Regina Boyce presented the 2023 Dr. Miller Award to Delegate Jay Jacobs. Delegate Jacobs was very surprised and honored. He told the audience “when I was elected, I asked to be on the Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review Committee (AELR). The speaker told me no one had ever asked to be on AELR before. But, I represent the farmers and the waterman, the highest regulated industries in the state of Maryland. These industries hold a special interest to me as my mother was a farmer and my father was a waterman. I wanted to be involved with the whole process. I care deeply about these issues and I work as hard as I can to do the best Job that I can.” Congratulations to Delegate Jay Jacobs, learn more about the award and Jay below.
The meeting ended with our Keynote Speaker, The Cow Guy, Scott Shellady. Scott’s dad worked for the board of trade and owned an 800-acre grain and dairy farm. Scott grew up on the farm but was heavily involved in the marketing and trading career his dad lived. The cow suit was worn in Chicago by his father to represent agriculture. After years of experience, today Scott works for RFDTV because he wants to represent the most under represented class in America.
Thank you to everyone on coming out and braving the hear for a good time! We look forward to seeing you next year on July 25th for the 26th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic.
CDL Grant Recipients
Jayden Wilson with Buddy Cahall
For the first year, the Maryland Grain Producers are funding two members with a $1,500 grant to obtain their Class A CDL. Congratulations to Jayden and Evan!
Jayden Wilson, full-time employee of Chesterville Bridge Farm
Evan Staley of Tower View Farms.
Left to Right: Sydney Garner, Dylan Patterson, Parker Miller, and Emily Crossley.
Scholarship Recipients
This year the Maryland Grain Producers offered three different scholarship programs totaling seven scholarships at $15,000. Watch an online video on our recipients here.
Maryland Grain Producers Honoree Scholarship for member families with students studying agriculture at $3,000 each.
Chad Patterson
Raised on a dairy and grain farm in Chestertown, Maryland, Chad Patterson is an incoming Senior at Purdue University. At Purdue, Chad is working towards a degree in Agriculture Systems Management to bring efficiency back to the family’s multi-generational farm. In Indiana Chad has been involved in the Dairy Club, Agriculture Systems Management Club, and the Agriculture Tech and Innovation Club. In 2020, Chad graduated from Queen Anne’s County High School where he was involved in Varsity sports, the FFA Chapter, and the National Honors Society.
Parker Miller
Parker Miller was a 2022 graduate from Kent County High School and completed his first year at the Institute of Applied Agriculture at the University of Maryland this year, majoring in Agribusiness. Parker became a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Theta Chapter, and was elected as Vice Noble Ruler, House Management and Operations as a freshman. Aside from college, he works at three different farming operations; his family’s grain farm, a dairy farm, and an organic row crop farm. Parker was raised on his family’s farm in Kennedyville, Maryland and intends to return to the farm after graduation.
Sydney Garner
As a Senior at the University of Kentucky, Sydney Garner is studying Agriculture Ecosystem Sciences. Currently Sydney is involved with the University’s Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority where she aids the planning of professional development activities promoting agriculture education. Sydney was raised on her family’s grain farm in Newburg, Maryland and was actively involved in Charles County 4-H and Charles County Farm Bureau. After graduation Sydney plans to work with 4-H through Extension.
Maryland Grain Producers Membership Scholarship for member families with students attending college at $2,000 each.
Dylan Patterson
Dylan Patterson is a 2023 graduate from Queen Anne’s County High School and intends to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Prior to graduation, Dylan was an active member of the QACHS baseball team and has been active 4-H member showing beef, dairy, and swine for many years. Aside from the academic and 4-H careers, Dylan helps on his family’s grain and dairy farm in Chestertown, Maryland and also works for another local farmer.
Tawney Nelson
Tawney Nelson will be attending East Carolina University this fall pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. As a 2023 graduate from the Holly Grove Christian School in Westover, Maryland, Tawney was a member of the National Honors Society and an active member of her high school’s track and field, cheerleading, and field hockey teams. Outside of school, Tawney has volunteered with her local Young Farmers chapter by fundraising for local scholarships and community needs. After graduation, Tawney hopes to pursue her nursing career by working with infants.
Maryland Grain Producers Production Scholarship for non-members with students studying agriculture at $1,000 each.
Emily Crossley
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education, Emily Crossley of Sudlersville, Maryland will be attending West Virginia University this fall. During her time at Queen Anne’s County High School, Emily was an active member of their FFA chapter. National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Interact Club, and Women’s Varsity Tennis Team. Emily credits the agriculture education program for her career choice, and hopes to become an agriculture teacher after graduation.
Kaitlyn Bradley
As a sophomore at the University of Delaware, Kaitlyn Bradley is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources with a minor in Animal Science. While at college, Kaitlyn is a member of the NESA livestock judging team, animal science club, member of Sigma Alpha and Ag Ambassador. Aside from her academic career, Kaitlyn was the Dorchester County Farm Bureau Ambassador, Caroline/Dorchester County Fair Queen, and was the first runner up for the Maryland Dairy Princess contest. This summer, Kaitlyn is completing an internship with Smithfield Pork Industry in North Carolina. Kaitlyn plans to pursue a degree in agriculture education after graduation.
Dr. Miller Award
The Dr. James R. Miller Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding service to the Maryland Grain Industry. The award began in 1988 and was presented to Dr. James R. Miller. Since then, grower leaders, as well as elected officials, researchers, and agency representatives have been recognized. Dr. Miller directed the University of Maryland’s Agronomy department for 22 years and helped educate Maryland grain farmers immensely over that time.
Left to Right: Steve Ernst, MGPUB President, Justin Brendel, MPGA President, Delegate Ruth, Delegate Boyce, Delegate Jacobs, Delegate Arentz, and Lindsay Thompson, Executive Director.
As a small business owner, waterman and former Mayor of a rural town, Delegate Jay Jacobs can uniquely relate to what it takes to be successful as a grain farmer and have a viable grain industry in Maryland. Delegate Jacobs was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 36 including Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline counties in November of 2010. During his 3-term tenure as a Delegate, Jay has served on the Environmental Matters Committee, now called the Environment and Transportation Committee, and the Natural Resources and Agriculture Subcommittee which has jurisdiction over most of the issues that impact grain farmers in Maryland. Delegate Jacobs’ demonstrated leadership and ability to work across the aisle on important issues have elevated him to ranking minority member on the Environment and Transportation Committee. The members of his committee look to him on legislation that pertains to agriculture, natural resources and rural Maryland and he represents those constituents well.
Delegate Jacobs takes his job as an elected official very seriously. Maryland Grain Producers President Steve Ernst said, “he doesn’t just serve on committees, he actually shows up.” Delegate Jacobs served on the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays, 2009-11. Jay has been the Maryland House of Representatives members on the Nutrient Management Advisory Committee and the Maryland Dairy Industry Oversight and Advisory Council since 2011. During his tenure on the nutrient management Advisory Committee Jay has been integral in representing farmer’s best interest on a variety of issues including the Phosphorus Management Tool transition and nutrient management plan privacy. Jay also serves on the Mid-Shore Regional Council and the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Delegate Jacobs has served on task forces addressing rural housing, workforce and health care delivery.
Jay Jacobs has lived a life of service. In addition to everything I’ve already mentioned, Jay has also been a firefighter and ambulance driver for the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department, received the Community Service Award Kent County Chamber of Commerce and Person of the Year from WCTR Chestertown.
Maryland Grain Producers Association is grateful to have Delegate Jacobs in their corner as a go-to on legislation impacting everything from nutrient management, land preservation, pesticides, forest conservation, water quality, and more. His service to Maryland agriculture as a legislator is exemplary and Maryland’s grain industry appreciates all he has done and continues to do.
Queenstown, Maryland (June 8, 2023) – On Monday, June 5th, the Delmarva Wheat Tour traveled across the peninsula to visit wheat fields and determine the impact of the 2023 spring season on the cash crop. Seven farms across Delaware and Maryland showed hopeful signs of a good crop for growers. Based on the condition of the wheat viewed, we will likely see combines moving in the coming weeks.
Spring weather was nearly ideal for the small grains. “The four inches of rain in May really allowed the small grains to perform. If we missed that rain, we would have seen drought impacts in the wheat crop,” said Mark Sultenfuss with Nagel Crop Insurance. Otherwise, the dry and cold spring lowered the risk of disease development, with little to no scab found during the tour across fields.
From the seven stops, fields looked to average 75 bushels per acre to well above 100 bushels per acre. All fields had different management throughout the growing season, with practices such as irrigation, growth regulator, fungicide, and combinations of all three. In general, “we are hopeful for a prosperous harvest this summer,” said Mark.
Back in planting season, wheat futures were as high as $8.35 per bushel. Since then, the market has fallen twice, and last week ended at $4.90 per bushel for the 2023 harvest delivery. “There has been a lot of volatility to the market with Ukraine, drought across the United States, and with improved crop ratings from last year,” said Lee Sproull with Leland Commodities Services LLC.
One of the seven stops was at the University of Delaware Caravel Research and Education Center to view the 2023 wheat varieties trials. “There are over 70 varieties of soft red winter wheat, we are honored to provide unbiased variety trials for some of the popular and upcoming varieties for our peninsula growers,” said Alyssa Koehler, Plant Pathologist for the University of Delaware.
On another note, discussion was brought up about barley. Farmers have been cutting barley across the region and seem to be very pleased with the yields and test weights they have come across. One farmer on the mid-shore has seen 100 bushels per acre with 48 test weights coming off dry.
With that, we wish all our growers a bountiful and safe harvest season. Thank you for your dedication to feeding your neighbors.
###
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board was established in 1991 to administer the Maryland Grain Check-off 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. Learn more about the utilization board at marylandgrain.org.
Queenstown, Maryland (May 30, 2023) – On July 27th, 2023, be sure to come out to the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park to celebrate the 25th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic! The Maryland Grain Producers and Maryland Soybean Board are excited to provide a great agenda for the 25th annual event.
Starting at 8:30 AM, Maryland Farm Bureau is providing light refreshments and coffee. The first session will begin at 9:00 AM presented by Eric Vinores of Nationwide covering Land As Your Legacy, Transitioning Your Farm to the Next Generation. At 10:00 AM the Maryland Grain Producers will be hosting a Deer Summit Follow-Up focusing on solutions to crop damage from white-tailed deer. Starting at 10:30 AM sponsors and check-off funded projects will be ready for visitors throughout the park with lunch and snow cones available at 11:00 AM. Be sure to bring cash to support our local 4-H and FFA programs.
Following lunch, the business meeting will begin at 1:30 PM with National and State Policy updates. The Maryland Grain Producers will be awarding $15,000 in scholarships to seven students, two CDL grant recipients, and honoring the Dr. Miller Awardee. To wrap up the program, Scott Shellady, also known as The Cow Guy, from RFDTV will be the keynote speaker. Lastly, enjoy an afternoon of good company with a pork and chicken BBQ and crab feast.
“The Maryland Grain Producers is proud to host this event in partnership with the Maryland Soybean Board. We hope our members and the agricultural community will come out to see the showcase farmer investments in projects increasing the profitability of Maryland grain farmers.”
Utilization Board President, Steve Ernst
Maryland Grain Producers Association members receive a complimentary ticket, if you would like to join our association there is still time to join! Join today with a card or with a check-off transfer at marylandgrain.org/member/. To pre-purchase tickets for our event visit our website at marylandgrain.org/events/.
We will see you on the 27th!
The Maryland Grain Producers Association is a membership organization of grain producers across the state. The organization’s major role is to act as a voice for grain farmers, mostly through its legislative activities both at the state and federal levels. Members stay informed through newsletters, social media, and the Maryland Commodity Classic. Learn more about the organization here.
Queenstown, Maryland (May 9, 2023) – Craft distilleries from across the country will once again compete for top honors at a national whiskey-tasting competition sponsored for the first time by Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA). Craft spirits are a fast-growing U.S. industry – the number of craft distillers has increased 54% since the inaugural competition in 2016 — and whiskey is its most popular product. Most distilleries that produce craft products are family-owned and rely on farmers for a reliable supply of corn to make the mash from which spirits are distilled.
On May 3rd, Governor Wes Moore signed a bill sponsored by Delegate Kirill Reznik and Senator Steve Hershey making Maryland Rye Whiskey the State Spirit. Maryland farmers grow rye over the winter to maintain the nitrogen from the previous crop and protect the soil. Once harvested, it can be used by local distillers to make whiskey. Maryland’s own Delegate farmer, Natalie Ziegler (District 9 – Howard County) grows rye on her farm which is used by Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Baltimore. MGPA President, Justin Brendel, said “The Maryland Grain Producers were excited to work alongside a great group to pass House Bill 179 this session and showcase a valuable crop our producers grow.”
The 2023 competition will for the first time award a trophy for Top Farmer-Distiller, the top-scoring whiskey produced by a distillery whose owner(s) operates a working farm.
“Maryland Grain Producers is excited to sponsor this event. Especially this year as Maryland Rye has been designated as the Maryland State Spirit! We hope this will create more opportunities for Maryland farmers to diversify into growing rye to be used in local distilling.”
Lindsay Thompson, Executive Director
Sponsorship from Maryland Grain Producers makes the state competition possible by providing funds for the competition. The two-day blind judging event will award medals in multiple whiskey categories (e.g. rye, bourbon, bottled in bond). The most coveted medals are for Best of State, the best-scoring whiskey across all categories. A best-of-show trophy is also awarded.
The awards are important for distillers to attract the interest of customers and also distributors who legally market and sell spirits to retailers. The competition will take place on August 2nd and winners will be announced in September. Learn more and register here.
Maryland Grain Producers Association is a membership organization of grain producers across the state. The organization’s major role is to act as a voice for grain farmers, mostly through its legislative activities both at the state and federal levels. Members stay informed through newsletters, social media, and the Maryland Commodity Classic. Learn more about the organization here.
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) is the only registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirit producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone.
ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount of which a Federal Excise Tax is paid).
