MARYLAND GRAIN PRODUCERS
Grain News & Updates
Maryland Farmers Discuss Trade Aid Impacts
“It's a small bandaid for a large wound,” remarked Maryland Grain Producers Board member John Bruning in a recent article by the Salisbury Daily Times discussing the impact of trade aid programs on Delmarva farmers. “You don’t want to rely on any payment from the government to stay in business,” he added. Maryland Soybean Board President Travis Hutchison also weighed in on the issue, saying that any money he receives will be beneficial, but isn’t his first choice. "We prefer to get the trade agreements straightened out so we don’t have to have the bailouts or the help," he concluded.

photo credit: Jenna Miller,
Salisbury Daily Times
President Trump Announces Year-Round Sales of E15
Earlier this month, corn growers across the nation rejoiced after an announcement was made by President Trump that his administration was working to allow for year-round sales of E15, a gasoline blend of 15% ethanol. President Trump directed EPA to begin the rule-making process to update a regulation that requires retailers in many areas of the country to relabel the fuel, which creates consumer confusion and skepticism, during the summer months. E15 is approved for use in all vehicles manufactured since 2001.

The National Corn Growers Association praised President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for this announcement. “With nine out of ten vehicles on the road today approved to use E15, consumers should have this lower-cost option year-round,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp. “NCGA will be taking an active role in the regulatory process, urging EPA to move forward with making the President’s commitment a reality by next summer.”

Moving Farm Machinery: Safety and Liability Laws
As harvest season is underway, Maryland Grain Producers Association would like to remind farmers to travel safely while moving farm equipment on the road this harvest season. The following tips are provided by the University of Maryland Agriculture Law Education Initiative:

  • Maryland law requires farm equipment driven at a speed of 25 mph or less to have a slow moving vehicle emblem mounted on the rear of the vehicle, which meets the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers’ standards. The emblem must be on the rear of the vehicle not less than 3 or more than 5 feet from the ground to the base.
  • Farm equipment must have two single-beam or multiple-beam headlamps and at least two red lamps visible when lighted from a distance of 1,000 feet or more to the rear, and at least two reflectors visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps.
  • Towed farm equipment must have two red lamps on the rear visible from a distance of at least 1,000 feet and positioned to show from the rear the width of the vehicles (as close as possible). The combination of a tractor and towed farm equipment must have a lamp with a white or amber light, visible from at least 1,000 feet and placed as close as practical to show the extreme left projection of the tractor/ equipment combination.
  • Slow moving farm vehicles may include yellow or amber lights or signal devices, which can be flashed to indicate that the vehicle is a slow moving vehicle.
4th Annual Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference
Registration is open now through November 1 for the 2018 Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference. The conference will be held  on Thursday, November 8, 2018 , at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland. This annual event features a range of experts who will share ideas and information on current legal issues impacting the Delmarva’s environmental and farming communities. Featured Panels Include: Chlorpyrifos and the Legal Landscape of Pesticide Regulation, The Legalization of Industrial Hemp, Phase III of the Watershed Implementation Plan for Bay Restoration and What It Means for Farmers, and more. Two Maryland Pesticide Applicator Credits in Category 1(A) available to attendees. Beginning farmers are eligible to receive 50% of the cost of registration, email  sdill@umd.edu  to determine see if you qualify.

The National Wheat Foundation Begins Accepting Applications for Scholarship Honoring Ag Students 
The National Wheat Foundation is now accepting applications for the Jerry Minore Scholarship, honoring a student pursuing a career in agriculture. The scholarship is available to both high school and college students for the 2019-2020 academic year with an application deadline of December 1, 2018.

 “The purpose of the Jerry Minore Scholarship is to help students who are passionate about agriculture at school and at home,” said Wayne Hurst, Chairman of the National Wheat Foundation. “Our students are the future. They will go on to educate the next generation about wheat, agriculture, and their role in society.” 

This Fall, Enjoy the Outdoors Affordably with NCGA's Cabela's Discount
As farmers prepare for an exciting season of outdoor activities, N CGA re minds it members that they can save when purchasing the supplies that make their fall activities, from camping to hiking to hunting, possible. By using the benefits NCGA offers, members can purchase Cabela's gift cards at a 15 percent discount.
 
Stand Up for Grain Markets!
NOW is the time to make your voice heard and submit comments to strengthen markets for farmers and maintain a strong Farm Bill.