MARYLAND GRAIN PRODUCERS
Grain News & Updates
MGPUB Holds Successful 2019 Funding Meeting
The Maryland Grain Producers Association congratulates the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board on holding a successful 2019 Funding Meeting last week in Grasonville. The process puts Maryland grain checkoff dollars to work, giving grants that promote research, education, and market development of the grain industry in the state of Maryland. The funding committee heard presentations from 40 applicants on a variety of topics, including national commodity organization support, ethanol, crop damage solutions, youth activities, and more. Keep an eye out for The Grain Store funding report, coming to your mailbox early this spring.  
2018 Annual Implementation Reports
Check your mailbox this week for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s 2018 Annual Implementation Reporting Forms. Reporting forms are due to the department by March 1 to document nutrient applications made during the previous calendar year. The 2018 reporting forms are also available for  download  on the department’s website.

Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) operating under a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment should submit one combined reporting form along with a manure analysis to the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program.

Farmers should follow these guidelines when completing their AIR Forms:
  • Use the pre-filled reporting form that arrives in the mail.
  • Do not leave spaces blank. If nutrients were not applied, place a zero in the box.
  • If the information requested does not apply, write N/A in the box.  
  • Use the pre-printed envelope to mail the report. Affix appropriate postage.
  • Failure to submit a reporting form may result in fines and/or loss of eligibility to receive cost-share funds.

Maryland Grain Producers encourages all our growers to fill out all sections of the form, including the Innovative Practices section. These 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices will get us a long way toward our goals!

Market Facilitation Program (MFP) Application Deadline Extended
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week that the deadline has been extended for agricultural producers to apply for payments under the Market Facilitation Program as provided by the trade mitigation program. The original deadline had been January 15, 2019, but some farmers have been unable to apply for the program since the lapse in federal funding caused the closure of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices at the end of business on December 28, 2018.

The application deadline will be extended for a period of time equal to the number of business days FSA offices were closed, once the government shutdown ends. Farmers who have already applied for the program and certified their 2018 production have continued to receive payments.  

Maryland Legislative Session Begins this Week
The state legislature went back to work this week with the start of the 2019 General Assembly on Wednesday, January 9. Following the 2018 election, there 18 new senators and 42 new delegates elected. It is important to build relationships with your new and existing legislators to help them understand modern agriculture. There will likely be legislation introduced impacting your operation this session, so watch your inbox for action alerts from the Maryland Grain Producers Association. The legislative session will run for 90 days and will conclude on April 8, 2019. 

Farm Vehicle Accident Survey
The Maryland Soybean Board is working to improve road safety for farm vehicles traveling Delmarva roads. Currently there are no official records in Maryland on accidents involving passenger and farm vehicles. We want to begin collecting this data to show transportation officials the importance of this issue. If someone involved with your farm operation has had an accident, please fill out this brief survey. Feel free to share the survey with anyone you know who may have had similar experiences.

Survey responses will remain confidential. All data will be presented in aggregate without any identifiers. We would like to be able to follow up with you should any further data be requested, however, you will not be contacted unless you choose to provide an email address.

Annual Ag Outlook and Policy Conference
The 2019 Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference, sponsored by the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland will be held on January 18, 2019 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis. The event will feature expert speakers scheduled to share their thoughts about the current state of economic affairs and provide insights on where we may be going from here. Current topics include 2019 commodity outlook, Maryland legislative update, 2018 farm bill overview, cover crop program and impact on nutrient trading, and international trade discussion.