Category: News (Page 1 of 2)

2024 Tubes and Trainings Complete in Maryland

November 18, 2024 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

Chester, Maryland (November 18, 2024) – The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) funded three new Grain Bin Rescue Tubes with trainings and a joint-training at the Maryland Commodity Classic this year. MGPUB sees the importance of being prepared for any emergency and with the help of other agricultural partners, there are 80 rescue tubes in close proximity to Maryland grain farmers. You can find your nearest tube online here. If you believe your local department would benefit from a rescue tube, please contact the Maryland Grain Producers office.

The Grain Bin Rescue Tube is designed to adapt to a multitude of grain entrapment rescue scenarios. The lightweight wall sections are easily maneuvered and can be aligned to form a wall or tube around the entrapped victim. The tube will stop the flow of grain towards the victim and block any additional pressure that may be created by rescuers. Then the rescuers will utilize a small auger to remove grain inside the tube and perform the rescue.

The specialized training is completed by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) and includes simulations of entrapments and rescues using a state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulator which is loaded on a trailer and able to hold about 100 bushels of grain.

In 2024, seven new tubes and two tube re-training’s were performed in Maryland with the help of local agricultural organizations. The new tubes can be located at the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Department, Church Hill Fire Department, Hartford County Special Operations Team, Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company, Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company, New Midway Fire Company, and Upperco Volunteer Fire Department.

Every year, thousands of farmers and commercial grain handlers risk their lives by entering grain bins. As rural communities have come to know all too well, the risks of entering grain bins continue to be overlooked. It only takes seconds, or a simple mistake for an adult to sink in the quicksand-like flow of grain and become fully entrapped or engulfed.

To help lead the fight against these accidents impacting agricultural communities, the country’s leading insurer of farmers and ranchers, Nationwide, began its Grain Bin Safety Campaign in 2014 to bring awareness to the hazards of entering grain structures and to equip fire departments with the resources needed to respond effectively. The Maryland Grain Producers has utilized check-off funds to add 11 tubes and extra trainings since 2022 with $69,000 of funding.

According to American Farm Bureau Federation, in 2022 Maryland has 55 million bushels of storage capacity.

To learn more or view grain bin safety resources, visit www.ThinkGrainBinSafety.com.

Registration Now Open – 2024 Maryland Commodity Classic

June 19, 2024 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

Chester, Maryland (June 19, 2024) – You can’t miss this year’s event! The 26th Maryland Commodity Classic will take place at the newly renovated Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park in Centreville, MD on July 25th. The Maryland Grain Producers and Maryland Soybean Board invite you to attend our annual event for a day full of great opportunities.

The day will begin at 8:00 AM for local fire departments and farmers to hear from Dan Neenan, Director for the National Education Center for Agriculture Safety (NECAS). Dan will be training attendees how the grain bin rescue tubes work. The Grain Producers and Soybean Board value their relationship with NECAS and Nationwide for the safety of our farmers. To find your local tube visit our website here.

At 9:00 AM our morning check-off funded research presentations will begin. Nutrient Management and Certified Crop Adviser credits will be available for those who participate. Vijay Tiwari with the University of Maryland will be sharing the results of the Maryland Small Grains Variety Trials and Jarrod Miller with the University of Delaware will be covering his research on Grid Soil Sampling for Variable Rate Applications.

At 10:30 AM the exhibit hall showcasing event sponsors and check-off funded grants will open. The exhibit hall will be located in the newly built barn. Be sure to visit these booths for a chance to win a giveaway from the Maryland Grain Producers!

Starting at 11:00 AM enjoy a tasty lunch cooked by a local 4-H club and snowcones by the local FFA Chapter. Supporting the future of agriculture is one thing the Grain Producers are proud and honored to do each year! New this year also starting at 11:00 AM will be the Maryland Best Cocktail Tasting. In partnership with Maryland’s Best, local distilleries will be competing for a farmers choice award. Attendees 21 and over will be able to taste these local products and vote for their favorite.

The Annual Business Meeting will begin at 1:30 PM with Maryland Farm and Harvest Joanne Clendining as the meeting Emcee. There will be state commodity updates, scholarship and CDL Grant presentations, and the 2024 Dr. Miller Award presentation. The meeting will end with Keynote Speaker Jim Wiesemeyer. Jim Wiesemeyer is a policy and market expert currently serving as the policy analyst for ProFarmer.

To wrap-up the 26th Annual Commodity Classic attendees will enjoy a Crab Feast with Chicken and Pork BBQ prepared by Sisters By Chance of Galena, MD. Thank you to Mountaire Farms for their donation of chicken!

For tickets, you can pay by card online at MarylandGrain.org or reserve your seat and pay at the gate by calling 443-262-8491. Tickets are $10 a piece from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. From 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, tickets are $20 each. And there will be no entry after 3:30 PM. Maryland Grain Producers Association members will be receiving their free entry ticket any day.

Delmarva Wheat Tour 2023

June 8, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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.

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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.

25th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic

May 30, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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.

Maryland State Spirit and Best Whiskey

May 9, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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).

Grain Producers Offers Class A CDL Grant

March 1, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

Queenstown, Maryland (March 1, 2023) – Understanding the new challenges of acquiring Maryland’s new Class A Commercial Driver’s License process, the Maryland Grain Producers is offering a grant opportunity to farmers across the state. The new required class to obtain a CDL is challenging for farmers due to the time commitment of attending class and cost. The Maryland Grain Producers recognizes these challenges and is here to support farmers and their employees through their first-ever CDL grant. This year, the Grain Producers are offering two grants in the amount of $1,500.

To apply for the new grant, please complete the online application by May 5th. Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee with all personal information redacted. Winners will be announced at the 2023 Maryland Commodity Classic on July 27th. Eligible candidates include Maryland Grain Producers Association members, or employees of.

“As the world continues to change, the Maryland Grain Producers strives to assist producers across the state as they adapt to the new rules and regulations,” said President Justin Brendel. “Your membership dollars are important to allow grain farmers to have a voice at a table in the conversations that impact our business. Be sure to sign-up or renew your membership to support this work.”

Lastly, recipients will be awarded the grant funds, once a CDL A has been obtained. If you have any questions, please contact our team at Jenell.mdag@gmail.com or by calling 443-262-6969.

Annual Grain Store

February 22, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

Queenstown, Maryland (February 22, 2023) – Each year, the Maryland Grain Producers sends an annual report called the “Grain Store” to producers across the state. The 2022-2023 report will be in mailboxes in the coming days! Be sure to read about Maryland grain check-off funded projects, hear from the Utilization Board President, and save the date for the annual Maryland Commodity Classic being held on July 27th, with keynote speaker “The Cow Guy!” Anyone can check out an online version as well as MarylandGrain.org.

In 2022, Maryland grain farmers harvested 62.7 million bushels of corn, 13.2 million bushels of wheat, and 1.3 million bushels of barley. Throughout the year, over 250 people attended the 24th annual Maryland Commodity Classic and congratulated five student scholarship recipients and our 2022 Dr. Miller Awardee, Mr. Mark Fuchs.

The Utilization Board considered a number of grant proposals in January and is very honored to fund 46 grants furthering the mission of improving the profitability of grain farming in Maryland! Grants are used to educate the public about agriculture, build markets for grain, and research top grower priorities. These programs can be read in depth in the Grain Store or on our website.

Lastly, thank you to our 2022 sponsors, we appreciate your support! If you do not receive a copy of the annual report, please contact our team and we would be more than happy to send one your way.

Here is to a prosperous 2023 year for all farmers across the state!

Atticks and Thompson, Chat on MD Ag

January 19, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

Maryland (January 19, 2023) – Maryland Grain Producer Association, Executive Director, Lindsay Thompson chats with newly appointed Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, Kevin Atticks. Kevin was appointed by Governor Wes Moore earlier this week. In 2015, Kevin Atticks founded Grow & Fortify to support value-added agricultural organizations and the businesses they represent. Mr. Atticks launched his career publishing books about the local wine industry but soon led the industry by hiring talented staff, building new events and promotional programs, and guiding government affairs initiatives. He serves on the University of Maryland College of Agriculture’s Global Leadership Council, the board of Future Harvest, and the board of the Maryland Tourism Coalition where he previously served as chair. He is the past president of the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council, and past chair of the WineAmerica State & Regional Associations Advisory Council. In addition to serving as Executive Director of the Maryland Wineries Association for 20 years, Mr. Atticks also serves as the Executive Director of the Brewers Association of Maryland and the Maryland Distillers Guild. During his tenure, he has advanced major policy initiatives, clearing age-old laws and regulations, while bringing business growth, new jobs, and new tax revenue to the state. Mr. Atticks holds a bachelor’s in journalism from Loyola University Maryland, a master’s in environmental journalism from CU-Boulder, and a doctorate in communications design from the University of Baltimore. He holds a faculty position in communication at Loyola University Maryland.

Thompson: What are you hoping to achieve in your first 90 days as Secretary of Agriculture?

Atticks: My first objective is to listen and learn from the agency and the agriculture community. My goal is to get to know every sub-agency and department within MDA and speak with every agricultural organization. I am really interested in doing a full agriculture industry assessment including every sector. We have a real opportunity from the Moore administration to make agriculture a priority. Agriculture contributes so much to the state and it is time to make the state work for agriculture.

Thompson: What opportunities do you see for agriculture to help the Moore administration achieve their climate goals?

Atticks: The first thing everyone needs to understand is that farmers are the original environmentalists. No one cares more about the environment than farmers. Period. I want the administration to work with every facet of the industry to support agriculture in leading and assisting the state in meeting their climate goals. The industry can bring forward many ideas and I am confident that through meetings with farmers, we can find ways to work together.

Thompson: How do you plan to work with all types of agricultural producers?

Atticks: The reality is that none of the segments of the agriculture industry is truly isolated. Every segment is interconnected. I have seen the silo-ing over the years and different types of farmers not talking with each other which has allowed external groups to shape the conversation. Agriculture is under pressure from a lot of different interests. We have to speak with a unified agriculture voice from value-added to commodity, conventional to organic, and small to large. We need to unify common goals and priorities. Each segment may have their own priorities but there are certain things that are good for all of agriculture. When you zoom out and look at all of Maryland and see common themes like development pressure, environmental needs, issues with poverty, and food insecurity – agriculture has a huge role in solving many of these issues. It may seem foreign to a grain and soybean farmer on the Eastern Shore or hemp farmer in southern Maryland but, farmers have the opportunity to make a big difference in the overall well-being of Marylanders.

Thompson: How can farmers help you be the best Secretary of Agriculture you can be?

Atticks: Know that I am ready, willing, and excited to speak with and hear from anyone in the industry. So, make use of that opportunity. I want to hear from you. Please invite me out and I will bring the team out including MDA but also other cabinet secretaries. This is an extremely collaborative administration. Ag will be working with the Department of Environment, Natural Resources, Labor and Health. We need to be working together from the start.

Grain Fields and Phosphorus

March 27, 2020 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

Queenstown, Maryland (March 27, 2020) – As of January 2020, the Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) has moved into the next transition phase across Maryland. The decision not to delay the next phase was voted on by the PMT Advisory Committee and upheld by Secretary Bartenfelder.

Due to the Total Maximum Daily Load restrictions, reductions of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sediment must be achieved. Maryland farmers have done well with reaching each milestone, particularly with phosphorus. Farmers follow their state-mandated Nutrient Management Plan which is completed by a certified professional.

Manure is a slow-release, organic fertilizer that our grain farmers use to feed their crops. The Department of Agriculture has new funding and initiatives for farmers looking to utilize manure on their operation by helping to transport it to their farms. If you’re looking to buy or sell manure, you can call the Manure Matching Hotline at 410-841-5864. Please be patient with state employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Maryland Grain Producers shares this infographic with the public and our farmers to understand the current steps being taken. High risk fields are no longer allowed to receive phosphorus, with a few exceptions. For other fields, manure may be applied at the crop removal rate stated in the infographic.

According to the Department of Agriculture, through compiled soil phosphorus data of regulated farmland, data indicates that most farm fields are not at risk for phosphorus loss and may still benefit from manure as a crop fertilizer.

Season 7 Featured Strong Episodes – Watch Them Now

March 18, 2020 / jenell_eck

Queenstown, Maryland (March 18, 2020) – Maryland Farm and Harvest aired 13 episodes during their seventh season. The first episode premiered on November 12^th on Maryland Public Television. As students across the state are home, take advantage of this opportunity to educate them on how farmers produce the food that we purchase at the grocery store, the fuel we fill our cars with, and the fiber we use every day.

The Linthicum Family
Photo Credit – Edwin Remsberg

This season covered a wide range of topics and featured a buy local recipe every Tuesday. The second episode touched on the importance of high speed internet across rural Maryland. The Linthicum family in Montgomery County was showcased in episode 703. They produce grain outside the suburbs and share how technology has changed their farm. Conservation practices including drainage, nutrient management, and irrigating from a wastewater treatment plant was covered in episode 704. Throughout the season Women in Maryland Agriculture, ancient grains, palmer amaranth, and corn mazes were all featured. All episodes can be found online and are aired Tuesdays at 7PM, Thursday’s at 11:30AM, and Sundays at 6AM.

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board is honored to provide major funding for Maryland Farm and Harvest. The Board Members understand the importance of providing strong educational and transparent information to Maryland residents.