Farm Bill Fails to Pass House
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Despite some very positive outcomes on the key contentious amendments earlier in the week, H.R. the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 failed to secure passage by a vote of 198 (yeas) to 213 (nays) with 17 members not voting. Following the vote, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan offered a motion for reconsideration giving the House Leadership the opportunity for another vote on the bill during the next two legislative days (Monday and Tuesday). With all Democrats voting against the bill due primarily to objections against Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program reforms and opposition from Republicans of the Freedom Caucus demanding a vote on an immigration bill, H.R. 2 was doomed to fail.
Looking forward, the political risks of allowing a vote on an immigration bill that will fall short of passing may be too high for the Republican Leadership to make a concession to the Freedom Caucus to facilitate passage of H.R. 2 anytime soon. Absent support from these conservative Republicans, H.R. 2 will have to include significant changes to the Nutrition Title to pick up support from Democrats who have traditionally supported the farm bill. How all this plays out over the next few weeks or months depends on negotiations between the Leadership and the Freedom Caucus and of course, reactions from agriculture groups frustrated by the lack of progress in reauthorizing a new farm bill.
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USDA sees Smaller Corn, Soybean Crops, but Bigger Wheat Harvest
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting production declines this year for corn and soybeans, the nation’s two most valuable crops, while the all-wheat h
arvest is expected to jump by 5 percent. The forecasts were contained in the May edition of USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, known simply as the WASDE, wh
ich was released Tuesday at the department’s headquarters in Washington. USDA said the report presents its initial assessment of U.S. and world crop supply and demand prospects and U.S. prices for 2018/19.
USDA included a caution in its report that its projections are “highly tentative” due to spring planting being still underway in the Northern Hemisphere and being several months away in the Southern Hemisphere.
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MGPUB Scholarship Applications Due June 1
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The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board will be awarding up to four $2,500 scholarships again this year, funded by the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program, which supports promotion, education, and research projects beneficial to the grain industry. The purpose of the scholarship program is to provide financial support to students interested in pursuing an agriculturally related career. Given the dynamic changes in agriculture today, the advances in biotechnology, global positioning systems, environmental protection, drone technology, and crop and livestock production, Maryland's grain farmers believe it is very important to encourage students to consider careers in agriculture by supporting their educational needs through the use of scholarships.
Interested students should return a completed application. The Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship Committee may request additional information prior to the selection.
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Risk of FHB Increasing in Mid-Atlantic Region
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The following update is provided by Nidhi Rawat, Small grains Pathologist, University of Maryland:
Wheat is anywhere from beginning to heading to past-flowering in Maryland. With the current wet weather, the risk of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is increasing in the region. Farmers who currently have their wheat flowering are advised to spray for FHB. Those who will have flowering in the coming week or so are advised to be prepared to spray, keeping a close watch on the risk forecast. If the wheat is already past flowering, you don’t need to spray. The fungicides recommended for FHB are Prosaro, Caramba, or Proline. Do not apply a strobilurin-containing fungicide.
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2018 National Corn Yield Contest Now Open for Entry
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With planting underway in much of the country, the National Corn Growers Association invites farmers to register early for NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest and save big on entry fees. Until June 29, fees will be reduced to $75. NCGA reminds growers that a small time investment now saves money later this summer. Entry will remain open at the full rate of $110 through July 31. All harvest forms will be due by November 16. Contest winners will be announced on December 17.
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Maryland Farm Bureau Outlook Poll
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Maryland Farm Bureau is working with Maryland Department of Environment to gather information about agricultural tires on farms to develop a strategy for a Tire Amnesty program that best addresses their members’ needs. Please take part in this quick and anonymous poll about the quantity and variety of tires on your property. Please complete the poll by Monday, May 21st.
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Grow and Fortify Seeking Communications Manager
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Grow & Fortify’s mission is to cultivate an environment where value-added agricultural producers, operators and growers innovate and thrive. Clients include the Maryland Wineries Association, Brewers Association of Maryland, Maryland Distillers Guild, in addition to new agricultural and food-related clients. The position is responsible for developing, executing and maintaining successful marketing and promotional programs to support Grow & Fortify and the missions of our clients, and often serves as the face of the organization. The position will report to the CEO. The hire will work in Grow & Fortify’s Baltimore office.
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