Congressman Andy Harris met with agricultural leaders at Triple Creek Winery in Cordova, MD on April 18, 2017. Representatives from Maryland Grain Producers we present including Executive Director Lindsay Thompson and Jason Scott, Dorchester County Farmer and Chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates. The conversation centered on issues important to agriculture in Maryland’s first Congressional district including trade, conservation programs, crop insurance, strengthening markets for grain and poultry, and access to credit. Congressman Harris was attentive and receptive to the issues discussed. 

President Trump and Chinese President Xi Zinping met in Florida on April 7th. The two leaders appeared to build a solid rapport and trade was one of the main topics of discussion, as was North Korea. The two countries agreed to a “100 day plan” on trade, which appears to be a framework for negotiations on trade.  

Some media outlets have reported that China promised the U.S. market access for beef but this rumor has not been confirmed by government officials. China lifted the 13-year ban on U.S. beef in September 2016 but Chinese government officials have delayed the remaining technical process that must be completed before U.S. industry can begin shipping beef to China. Should the Chinese market open to U.S. beef, it is expected that our industry would rapidly capture market share, which would result in an opportunity for corn demand as well, in the form of feed. 

Courtesy of the National Corn Growers Association

The latest crop progress report was released on April 17, 2017, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The report showed the corn planting across the nation at 6% completed by April 16, slightly below the five-year average. Last week’s report showed that corn plantings were in-line with the five-year average, but wet conditions across many of the 18 states that account for 92 percent of the corn acres planted slowed the pace. 

Full Report

 Sign-up for the 2017 National Wheat Yield contest is now open!  This yield contest was launched last year for the first time, and was received very well by wheat growers across the United States. The Contest features two primary competition categories: winter wheat and spring wheat. The top five winners from each category will be recognized nationally, including at the 2018 Commodity Classic to be held Feb. 27 - March 1, 2018 in Anaheim, California. Sign- up deadline is May 1, 2017. 
 
Eddie Mercer Agri-Services, Inc and Sygenta AgriPro will be offering an extra incentive to their customers who participate in the contest. The two will pay the state winner $1000 if the entry is Mercer Brand or Syngenta seed. In addition, Eddie Mercer will pay all county winners $200.00 if they win with a Mercer Brand MBX Wheat.

Reebok has announced that they will begin making sneaker soles from corn as a part of the brand’s Corn + Cotton initiative. While the cotton used will be sourced to ensure that it is grown organically, it is believed at this time that the corn used will be grown using conventional production practices.

Corny Kicks

The Mid-Atlantic Crop Advisers are offering two $2,500 to college students pursuing a degree in plant sciences, soil sciences, or agronomy in 2017. Applicants must be a resident of or attending a four year university or two year program in the Mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, or West Virginia). Applicants must be pursuing a career in plant or soil sciences, agronomy, agriculture or a related field. Interested students should return a completed application to be received by June 15th.

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