Page 3 of 10

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).

You and Your Team’s Safety Is Our Priority

April 12, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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.

###

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.

On-Farm Research, Real-Time Results

March 22, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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/.

###

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.

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.

Maryland Check-Off Funds, Long-Term Impacts

January 11, 2023 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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.

New Scholarship Opportunities

October 17, 2022 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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.

Grain Proposals Now Being Accepted

October 12, 2022 / jenell_eck / 0 Comments

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.

Maryland Grain Producers