Category: Uncategorized (Page 2 of 8)

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.

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.

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CDL Grant Recipients

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.

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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. 

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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.

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 (April 12, 2023) – Safety for you, your family, and your farm is one of our top priorities. The Maryland Grain Producers and other agriculture organizations across the state are funding a number of grain bin safety tubes and trainings on how to use these tubes. Currently, the state of Maryland has 38 tubes across the state. You can view the location of grain bin safety tubes if needed here. If you would like to nominate your local fire department, do so by April 30th here.

If you have grain bins, be sure to establish safe grain bin entry procedures and practice with your team. Since 1977 there have been 504 documented entrapments. Nearly 1 in 8 entrapments involve youth under the age of 20 years.

“Our board knows that farms across the state are continuously adding grain bin storage and we want to make sure they are practicing safety and our fire departments are equipped for emergencies,” said Utilization Board President Steve Ernst. “With check-off dollars, we are honored to fund four tubes and trainings for the safety of our farmers, their families, and their co-workers.”

If you are aware of any other grain bin safety tubes, please contact our team at jenell.mdag@gmail.com. We will keep an updated list on our website. You are welcome to print the list and keep it with you. It has come to our attention that not all dispatchers are aware of the closest safety tube, and we are working on providing that awareness.

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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 (March 22, 2023) – The Maryland Grain Producers encourages you to sign-up for one of the three new on-farm research trials for the 2023 growing season! Maryland grain check-off dollars are funding technical assistance through the University of Maryland and compensation to you, for this year’s on-farm research. Conducting this applied research on farms will lead to meaningful agronomic production data across the state at the field scale.

The three different trials are listed below. Full protocols can be found online at https://go.umd.edu/3n39mzm.

• Nitrogen Rate – the study is evaluating corn yield response to a range of nitrogen application rates.
• Biological Product Evaluation – the study is going to determine the impact of biological fertilizer enhancement products on corn yield.
• Potassium Rate – the study will evaluate corn yield response to potassium fertilizer to determine the agronomic critical level and adjust land-grant fertilizer recommendations.

The University of Maryland has been funded by check-off dollars to benefit the future of Maryland grain production, by doing on-farm research. Dr. Nicole Fiorellino and Gene Hahn, the On-Farms Trials Coordinator, will be working directly with you to provide hands-on assistance throughout the entirety of the trial. Compensation is available to participating growers who complete the protocols on their farms.

Findings will be aggregated with no identifying information or location and shared for other farmers to see and learn from. Contact Dr. Nicole Fiorellino directly at 443-446-4275 or at nfiorell@umd.edu to enroll today!

To learn more about what check-off dollars are funding, visit our website at marylandgrain.org/checkoff-grant/.

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Gene Hahn is a Maryland native with over a decade of experiments performing applied agronomic research. He recently coordinated on-farm agronomic research at the University of Kentucky, including study design and layout, creating prescription maps and managing data in RTK-GIS systems, in-season treatment applications, and equipment troubleshooting. Gene’s research background and familiarity with Maryland ensures he will be able to hit the ground running for the 2023 field season.

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 (January 11, 2023) – The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board Funding Committee met earlier this month to hear a number of proposal presentations and voted to fund 46 grants. Check-off funded grants fulfill the Grain Producers’ mission to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production and to improve public understanding of agriculture through promotion, education, and research.

The Utilization Board is made up of grain farmers from across the state, representing our six regions. These farmers are dedicating their time and knowledge to the future of Maryland Grain Production by keeping their neighbors profitability in mind while considering each proposal. There was great discussion around triticale, plant timing of wheat, the image of Maryland farmers, road safety, and biologicals!

Newly elected President, Steve Ernst said, “this year the board was very dedicated to educating our youth, keeping our farmers safe, staying involved nationally, and investigating new crop management strategies. It was great to see the Queen Anne’s County FFA Chapter in person, standing strong in their blue jackets, showcasing a positive image for the future of agriculture.”

Funding is provided by Maryland grain farmers through the state check-off program voted on every five years. Grain elevators collect check-off on each bushel of corn, wheat, barley, oats, sorghum, canola, and rye produced and sold in Maryland.

Summaries on every grant will be spotlighted on our website and bi-weekly to our listserv. For 2022 summaries and findings, be sure to keep an eye out for our annual Grain Store! If you would be interested in receiving email updates, please contact our team.

Queenstown, Maryland (October 17, 2022) – The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) is providing three different opportunities with seven scholarships, totaling $15,000. The three different opportunities are now open and broken down below:

• Three $3,000 scholarships to MGPA members studying for a 2 or 4-year degree.
• Two $2,000 scholarships to MGPA members studying for a 2 or 4-year degree.
• Two $1,000 scholarships for non-MGPA members studying agriculture in a 2 or 4-year program.

Scholarships are funded by the Maryland Grain Checkoff program and approved by the Utilization Board each year. “We value our grain members and adding the Grain Member Scholarship offers another member benefit for our producer families.” Says MGPA President, Melvin Baile Jr. “The board also recognizes and accepts those interested in agriculture but didn’t have the opportunity to be raised on a grain farm, with the Grain Production Scholarship.”

Applications for the three different scholarships are available online and are due January 31st. Those who apply for the Maryland Grain Honoree Scholarship are also eligible for the National Corn Growers Scholarship. For more information, visit marylandgrain.org. Please contact our office with any questions.

Queenstown, Maryland (October 12, 2022) – The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board is seeking proposals from universities, organizations, and individuals to help fulfill its mission to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production and to improve the public understanding of agriculture.

Each year, third parties are eligible to submit grant proposals for the upcoming year covering education, market development, or research from checkoff collected grains – corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rapeseed/canola. The utilization board, made up of industry representatives, university staff, and grain farmers from across the state, reviews proposals and hear from applicants before selecting 2023 recipients.

“Our board values the grant number of proposals each year. Seeing the new ideas being brought to the table showcases how forward-thinking our industry is” says President, John Bruning. “We are excited to see what is to come this next calendar year.”

Proposals will be accepted until November 18, 2022, and funded grants will be announced in February 2023. To view 2022 recipients, check out our website here. For more information and to apply, please email Maryland Grain Producers Administrator, Marguerite Guare at marguerite.mdag@gmail.com.

Centreville, Maryland (July 29, 2022) – The twenty-forth annual Maryland Commodity Classic was held in person on Thursday, July 28th at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park. Over 280 farmers, sponsors, and allied agribusiness representatives enjoyed the event and the networking opportunities it provided. The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA), Maryland Soybean Board (MSB), Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB), and the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association (MASA) co-sponsor and host the annual event.

The day began at 9:00 AM with a research presentation by Dr. Vijay Tiwari’s research assistant, Adam Schoen on the wheat and barley research and variety trials at the University of Maryland funded by the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board. Participants also enjoyed presentations by Andy Kness (University of Maryland) and Jarrod Miller (University of Delaware). To end the morning session, Ryan Krabill from Medius Ag educated farmers on how to access the variety trial research that is being funded through MGPUB. Throughout the park, event sponsors, MGPUB and MSB funded grantees, and farmers networked and enjoyed catching up. A local 4-H club served lunch while the Queen Anne’s County FFA Chapter sold snow cones!

At 1:30 PM the business meeting began with updates from MGPUB President John Bruning, MSB Chair Josh Appenzeller, and MGPA President Melvin Baile. Baile emphasized the importance of farmers having relationships with their legislators and being able to reach out to them when legislation impacting their farms is being considered. Anne Thompson with the National Corn Growers Association gave a policy update on E-15, 2023 farm bill reauthorization, and current bills regarding glyphosate. Steve Mercer of U.S. Wheat Associates provided a trade update. Mercer stated that last year the United States exports were up 1 billion tons, although over the past 5 years the world has produced less wheat. The meeting ended with Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, who discussed the efforts that are being made to expand broadband access in rural areas. She ended by thanking Maryland farmers for their hard work and dedication and stating “American farmers are the best in the world.” To finish the annual event, all enjoyed chicken and pork BBQ prepared by Sisters by Chance catering and a Crab Feast by Harris’ Seafood.

We would like to thank all of the sponsors for the support and attendees for making this a great event.

During the annual event, the Maryland Grain Producers Association awarded the Dr. James R. Miller award to a deserving individual. This year’s honoree is Mark Fuchs. Read more about our annual award and Mark here.

To support the next generation in agriculture, the Maryland Grain Producers awarded five scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to association members. This year’s recipients were Alexis Langenfelder of Worton, Parker Miller of Kennedyville, Caroline Wilson of East New Market, Chad Patterson of Chestertown, and Makenzie Hereth of Woodbine. Read more about our annual scholarship program and our 2022 recipients here.

Queenstown, Maryland (July 6, 2022) – Starting in fall of 2022, the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) is having its first opportunity for students in agronomy to explore careers and build relationships with mentors. Professor Dr. Bill Pillips has worked closely with a number of agriculture organizations to find a diverse group of mentors to work closely with students in the UMCP agronomy program.

Six career mentors in the agronomy field will speak during normal lecture hours on their daily duties and be given the opportunity for discussion. Each student will then be paired with one mentor in their desired career area. The mentors will assist students by passing along knowledge gained through years in agronomy. This will allow students to gain experience in this field and build relationships across the industry.

“Agronomy covers a broad spectrum of careers,” says John Bruning, President of Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board. “Working closely with students to showcase career opportunities will build their profile and better prepare them for the career field.”

The Maryland Grain Producers and Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers are working closely with Dr. Bill Phillips to find mentors willing to work with students. Mentors that are being considered include a grain farmer, a broiler farmer, an equipment dealership manager, a certified crop adviser, a communications director, and an agribusiness professional.

If you would be interested in speaking at this course and mentoring students, please contact Jenell McHenry at jenell.mdag@gmail.com or by calling the office at 443-262-8491.

For the 24th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic, agriculture industry sponsors will be overflowing the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park on July 28th. This event has reached an all-time high in exhibiting sponsors who are ready to network with you! Registration is now open to the public.

The Maryland Commodity Classic is the grain industry’s largest networking and educational event in the state. The Maryland Grain Producers Association and Utilization Board work closely with the Maryland Soybean Board and Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association each year to hold a successful event.

Doors will open at 8:30 AM for the morning educational sessions beginning at 9:00 AM; nutrient management and continuing education credits will be available. The exhibit hall will open at 10:30 AM and lunch will be available for purchase from a local 4-H Club at 11:00 AM. The program will begin at 1:30 PM featuring policy and trade updates as well as invited speaker, Secretary Tom Vilsack. All this followed our crab and BBQ feast.

To register online by card, please visit marylandgrain.org. To save a seat and pay with cash at the gate, please call 443-262-8491. If you are a member of the Maryland Grain Producers Association, a free ticket is forthcoming. For those who grow grain in Maryland and would like a free ticket, become a member today!

Stay up-to-date on our four educational presenters, continuing education credits being offered, and our meeting agenda, keep an eye on our website!

See you on the 28th!