Queenstown, Maryland (June 17, 2020) – The 2020 Maryland Commodity Classic, held annually on the fourth Thursday of July, will be streamed online via zoom. We invite members, agribusinesses, researchers, farmers, stakeholders, and others to join our annual event on July 23rd.
We plan to have pesticide research presentations, updates from our national partners, and a question and answer session with Drew Haines. From Middletown, Maryland Drew has been recognized nationally for the Corn Yield Contest, particularly in the no-till, non-irrigated division. We will be featuring our 2020 Scholarship Recipients and Dr. Miller Awardee. Information on the finalized schedule with registration will be available soon. If you do not currently receive email automated messages from the Maryland Grain Producers, please email jenell.mdag@gmail.com, to be added and updated on our virtual event.
Evan Miles, President of Maryland Grain Producers Association said, “keeping the farmers who produce the food, fuel, and fiber for the country safe and healthy during this time is critical.”
We look forward to having you join our event from the comfort of your home, tractor, or office.
Queenstown, Maryland (June 9, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addresses a key order to provide farmers clarify following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ June 3rd vacatur of three dicamba registrations. This order address sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three products (XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, Engenia, and FeXapan).
Distribution or sale by any person is generally prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant.
Growers and commercial applicators may use existing stocks that were in their possession on June 3, 2020. Such use must be consistent with the product’s previously-approved label, and may not continue after July 31, 2020.
Background Information
On June 3rd, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order vacating EPA’s pesticide registrations containing the active ingredient dicamba.
Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology (EPA Reg. No. 524-617)
Engenia (EPA Reg. No. 7969-345)
FeXapan (EPA Reg. No. 352-913)
Information gathered from EPA’s most recent press release, can be found here. To stay up-to-date with this ongoing order, click here. Read EPA’ order here.
Queenstown, Maryland (May 20, 2020) – The Maryland Grain Producers is inviting visitors to explore their new website. The updated website allows consumers and farmers to learn more about Maryland’s grain industry and stay up-to-date on current issues.
The website is compatible with all devices including your computer, tablet, and smartphone, and can be accessed here. Spotlighted features include:
Strong Menu Bar to find specific resources and topics.
Topic Information important to Maryland Grain Farmers.
Farmer Resources including grain bids and membership benefits.
Updated News from our latest newsletter and press releases.
Policy Updates to keep members and visitors informed during legislative session.
Grower Investments showcasing grants for market development, research, and education.
“The goal of the association is to educate legislators and consumers and keep our farmers up-to-date. With this new website, we can do just that,” said Maryland Grain Producers Association President, Evan Miles.
Queenstown, Maryland (May 8, 2020) – Yesterday, Governor Hogan vetoed Senate Bill 300 which would have legislatively banned the use of Chlorpyrifos in Maryland. This would have been the first agricultural pesticide banned by the Maryland General Assembly. The Maryland Department of Agriculture filed regulations in February to phase out the use of Chlorpyrifos. This was a request from agricultural organizations including DE-MD Agribusiness Association, Delmarva Poultry Industry, Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland Grain Producers, in order to avoid setting a precedent of the Maryland legislature banning pesticides.
Maryland’s agricultural coalition joined together requesting that Governor Hogan veto this legislation in order to maintain the statutory, science based, framework in place for pesticide regulation. In his veto letter, Hogan states, “Following discussions earlier this year with agricultural leaders, farmers, and legislators, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) crafted reasonable and responsible regulations to phase out all use of Chlorpyrifos by 2021. This regulatory action is in the best interest of the agriculture industry and the environment…Because of this regulatory action which has already occurred, Senate Bill 300 has been rendered moot.”
Governor Hogan joins other Governors across the country in vetoing legislative bans on Chlorpyrifos. Most recently, Washington state’s Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Governor Cuomo (D-NY) of New York also vetoed pesticide ban legislation. Governor Cuomo (D-NY) summed up the reasoning well in his veto letter stating, “legislatively banning pesticides substitutes the legislature’s judgment for the expertise of chemists, health experts, and other subject matter experts in this field.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviews hundreds, if not thousands, of scientific studies when considering approval of pesticide products. This is not a process that is feasible in a 90-day legislative session. While advocates of Senate Bill 300 argue that the regulatory route puts MDA in charge of banning chlorpyrifos and they’re not equipped to do so; the fact is that MDA would be responsible for promulgating regulations to implement and enforce Senate Bill 300 and are more than equipped to do so through delegated regulatory authority from EPA.
Maryland agriculture would like thank Governor Hogan for vetoing this legislation in order to maintain the robust regulatory process in place to safely and effectively govern pesticides.
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.
Spreading Poultry Litter
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.
Queenstown, Maryland (March 18, 2020) – Maryland Farm and Harvest aired 13 episodes during their seventh season. The first episode premiered on November 12th 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.
Queentown, Maryland (February 21, 2020) – The Maryland Grain Producers supports regulating pesticides, including Chlorpyrifos, at the federal level by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which approves pesticides through a rigorous, scientific process. Unfortunately, Senate Bill 300 and House Bill 229, would legislatively ban the use of Chlorpyrifos in Maryland and set a dangerous precedent for banning a pesticides through legislation in the future. The Maryland Grain Producers Association supports the regulatory phase-out of Chlorpyrifos proposed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and appreciates the Administration’s support of the agricultural community and regulatory process.
On February 19th, MDA announced that it will develop regulations to immediately phase-out the regular use of Chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide that is used in agricultural production and turf management. According to the last available survey in 2014, Maryland has used less than 4,000 pounds across all sectors on an annual basis. Overall usage has steadily declined, resulting in Corteva Agriscience to cease production by the end of 2020.
Lindsay Thompson, Executive Director of Maryland Grain Producers Association, said “Banning pesticides in the legislature sets a dangerous precedent that circumvents the robust, scientific, regulatory framework in place. We must pursue a regulatory solution.” During MDA’s phase-out, a workgroup with convene to help farmers transition and find an alternative. Alternative products are currently available, the issue with these products is effectiveness. AS Chlorpyrifos works well, other products may need to be used several times for equal control.
The Grain Producers opposes Senate Bill 300 and House Bill 299 in favor of the regulatory solution proposed by MDA and urges legislators to vote unfavorable on these bills.
After reviewing over forty grant proposals earlier this month, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) has funded 33 projects for 2020. The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board is funded through the Maryland Grain Check-Off Program; when grain that is produced in Maryland is sold by a farmer, the Utilization Board receives one-half of a percent of its net value. The Check-Off and universities are encouraged to submit grant proposals in November for consideration by MGPUB. The Utilization Board gathers to hear presentations on each proposal and reports from the previously funded projects. Projects must improve the viability and profitability of grain production through research, education, or market development.
For 2020, the Grain Producers will award $802,207 for 33 projects across the state. Congratulations to each recipient. The full list of awardees is below or can be downloaded here.
Bobby Guy, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board President says, “I enjoy hearing new ideas and proposals each year that impact the grain industry in Maryland. Being able to assist researchers, youth organizations, encourage agriculture education, and build market opportunities from our check-off program is humbling and rewarding.”
The 2020 awarded proposals will be featured bi-weekly through a newsletter. If you would like to receive updates, please email Jenell Eck to be included in the mailing list.
From Middletown Maryland, Drew Haines took advantage of the ideal weather this year to grow Maryland’s new state corn yield record. Coming in with a yield of 422.352 bushels of corn to the acre, Drew alongside his brother and son, took first place in the National Corn Yield Contest for no-till, non-irrigated corn.
As first generation farmers, the Haines family practices no-till on 600 acres in Middletown, Maryland. Ten years ago Drew began to pay close attention to balancing his soil nutrition and biology which has allowed him to see continual improvement in his corn yield. In 2018, Drew and his family achieved Maryland’s highest corn yield and won the corn yield contest with 366 bushels to the acre. This year, Drew topped his yield above and beyond! The Haines family harvested corn on non-irrigated and no-till land with a yield of 422 using DEKALB variety DKC68-69RIB. Drew works closely with his advisors at DEKALB; Susan, Brian, and puts a lot of trust in their advice and expertise.
Drew splits his nitrogen application several times which “allows him to feed his corn when it’s hungry.” From his experience over the years and time in the field weekly, Drew understands when a crop needs nutrients. To build organic matter the Haine’s apply animal bedding from his cows to keep the soil undisturbed. “When our corn is harvested, the grain does not take all the nutrients. By allowing stalks to decompose, we are putting nutrients back into our soil for next years crop.”
Drew said that while he did not attend college to get his strong background in soil biology and agronomy, he as many farmers do, has a strong connection to his land and crops and tests products and practices like science experiments on the farm. Learning from these experiments, allows farmers like the Haines family to see what works best on their land.
Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board congratulates Drew Haines and his family on this amazing achievement.
Maryland State Winners
Conventional Non-Irrigated: Brenda Walsh from Hampstead with 308 bu/acre.
No-Till Non-Irrigated: Drew Haines from Middletown with 422 bu/acre.
Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till, Non-Irrigated: David Hill from Kennedyville with 232 bu/acre.
No-Till, Irrigated: Marion Wilson from Centreville with 289 bu/acre.
Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till, Irrigated: Bruce Bartz from Denton with 232 bu/acre.
Conventional Irrigated: Jason Larry Sheubrooks from Sudlersville with 296 bu/acre.
The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 55th year and brings together farmers to create and innovate for the good of the industry. The contest allows farmers to learn from their peers and puts a national spotlight on the 27 winners. Top winners receive cash trips and other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical, and crop protection companies. Winners will be honored during the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., the Maryland Farm Bureau, and the Maryland Grain Producers Association voted not to request a delay in implementing the next phase of the Maryland Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT). All three groups are represented on the advisory committee studying how the state should move forward with this regulation. The committee voted not to recommend a delay when it met December 13, and our votes made us part of the majority vote. Our recommendation goes to the desk of Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture for his consideration in making a final decision by December 31, 2019.
Our three groups do share some of the real concerns about resources and infrastructure available to move forward with implementation of the PMT. These concerns were highlighted in a study by Salisbury University’s BEACON which indicated that it could take up to $10 million in resources to implement the PMT. Even so, we believe requesting a delay was not the best decision we could make for our members. We have known the PMT was coming for several years now but the infrastructure to handle the storage, transport and application of manure and replacement with synthetic fertilizer have not ramped up because there has not been the demand. Unless the next phase of the PMT is implemented, we will not know what our members need to move forward.
We believe an action plan to help farmers adapt to implementation of the PMT is the most important next step. There is no doubt there will be additional fields throughout the state, especially on the lower Eastern Shore, that will not be able to apply animal manure, and that manure will have to move to other areas that can properly use it as the valuable organic nutrient source it is. Farmers, chicken companies, agribusiness, manure brokers, and the state government must work together to meet the challenges PMT implementation presents. When we succeed, we can make a case for freedom to operate in a business climate where phosphorus runoff is being properly addressed and managed to benefit the environment and protect water quality.
As one of our members said the other day, “farmers will figure it our.” She is right – that is what farmers have always done. But we will do all we can to make sure farmers aren’t alone in figuring it out. We are committed to ensuring the resources are available to keep our farmers successful throughout implementation of the PMT. This is a team effort.
Holly Porter, Director, Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.
Wayne Stafford, President, Maryland Farm Bureau
Lenny “Evan” Miles, Jr, President, Maryland Grain Producers Association
