MDA reminds farmers that the winter ban on spreading manure and other organic nutrient sources on cropland begins December 16th. Farmers may resume spreading on March 1, 2022, as long as fields are not saturated, snow-covered, or hard-frozen. Temporary field stockpiling of stackable poultry litter and other organic nutrient sources is allowed as long as the moisture content is 60% or less. Read the full press release here.

If you receive a survey from the University of Delaware, Maryland Grain Producers ask you to take 15 to 20 minutes to confidentially share insight on your nutrient management decisions to better the Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association. Read the full press release here.

On Friday, December 10th storms and tornados ripped through rural midsouth. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Mayfield Grain Co with 750,000-bushel storage has damaged bins and destroyed buildings. Also affected was a John Deere dealership, Pilgrim's Pride hatcheries, a University research farm, multiple chicken houses, grain systems, homes, and businesses. Read more online here. Furthermore, Kentucky Farm Bureau has created a Relief Fund to help families and communities recover from the disaster. You can make a donation online here.

Mosaic says "fertilizer prices are not determined by individual companies as several factors contribute to the rise in prices; fertilizer demand follows commodity prices, the cost of fertilizer production has increased, and trade and supply disruptions continue to reshape the market." Read more here.

One of the nation's leading fertilizer companies has erected an insurmountable tariff barrier to keep its top competitors out of the U.S. market at the expense of America's farmers, according to a letter released this week by the National Corn Growers Association. Read the full press release here.

The Chesapeake Bay's three largest rivers - the Susquehanna, Potomac, and James - are showing long-term reductions in nutrient pollution. More here.

Lindsay Thompson, lindsay.mdag@gmail.com, Executive Director

Jenell Eck McHenry, jenell.mdag@gmail.com, Programs and PR Director

Marguerite Guare, marguerite.mdag@gmail.com, Administration

Jennifer Gannon, jennifer.mdag@gmail.com, Student Intern

443-262-8491

There will be four in-person viewing sessions during Delaware Ag Week this January.

Come on out to the Georgetown Public Library to turn in your DE AIR and voluntary survey and get CEUs!

Click here to register today. Registration is required but is free!

William F. Willard Farm LLC has been recognized by the National Wheat Foundation as the winner of the 2021 Soft Red Winter Wheat Yield Contest. Mr. Willard had a dryland yield of 141.41 bushels per acre. Read the full press release here.

Corn growers showed the amazing possibilities open to agriculture with the use of modern seed varieties, advanced production techniques, and innovative growing practices this year. The highest yield in the contest was 602 bushels per acre from David Hula in Virginia. Nationally, Maryland placed first in the No-Till Non-Irrigated division and third in the Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till, Non-Irrigated division. Congratulations to all producers on a job well done! You can view national winners here and state winners here. Top Maryland Recipients:

The state agriculture industry will increasingly have to contend with and adapt to the disruptive effects of climate change. Farmers today use more than 40% fewer inputs on all farm products than they did in the past while producing two to three times more food. Read more here.

Persistence Creek Farm of Faulkner, MD has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Maryland Leopold Conservation Award. The Warring family's farm is a grain, seafood, and timber business in Charles County showcasing how farming, fishing, and forestry can benefit natural resources. Read more here.

A team of lobbyists offered insights on what proposed bills impacting agriculture are anticipated to see debate. It is believed to see legislation that builds on what is happening at the federal level (e.g. highways, public transportation, broadband internet, climate change, etc.). They are expecting to see another bill proposing to ban glyphosate and something on minimum wage. Read the full story here.

U.S. corn and ethanol received a shout-out on a recent episode of Good Morning america. According to the report, United Airlines has conducted a test flight using fuel made of sugar water and corn.

Bob Tibbs from Harford County farms grain, hay, and high-quality Charolais cattle on 225 acres. Bob and his wife Judy, have donated a great deal of their time and resources mentoring the next generation. Congratulations to Bob and his family. Read more about the award here.

Farm Credit created a new program, called Farmers on the Rise, to recognize young, beginning, or small farmers. The six recipients for 2021 are:

Montana Wheat & Barley worked with the Montana Pulse Crop Committee to create this 24-minute documentary on the 2021 growing season.

The annual convention will be held in person from January 7th to 12th in Atlanta, GA with a virtual option for portions of the event. Learn more about the 103rd consecutive convention online here.

The University of Maryland will be holding the majority of its winter crop production meetings in person. There will be a few virtual options available as well. These meetings will take place until March 30th. Learn more online here.

Upcoming Meetings:

Maryland Farm Bureau and Howard County Economic Development Authority are having a new Agribusiness Forum on January 13th at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Learn more and register today here.

Committed to continuing the tradition of delivering timely, valuable information, and research updates, organizers of Delaware Ag Week is offering virtual sessions this upcoming January. More information can be found here.

The annual event will take place on Thursday, February 3rd. New this year, the Taste of Maryland will be held at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Arundel Mills. Save $25 by registering before January 5th. More information and tickets can be purchased online here.

In Salisbury, Maryland the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit will be held on February 7th and 8th. Registration is currently open for in-person or virtual. There are a limited number of scholarships to help defray the cost of attendance. Learn more and apply online here.

The National Farm Machinery Show has announced attendee registration is open for the show starting February 16th. Read more online here.

The 2022 National Commodity Classic is taking place March 8th-March 12th in New Orleans. The Commodity Classic will host a series of educational sessions and updates from various commodity associations. Learn more and see the schedule here.

Registration and housing is now open! Early discounts on registration end January 21st. Read more here.

For students pursuing a degree in agriculture, the National Wheat Foundation is offering two scholarships in the amount of $2,500. Applications are due December 31st. More information can be found online here.

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is kicking off its 2021-2022 scholarship program. High school seniors and students enrolled in two/four year higher education programs with plans to pursue a career in the agriculture industry are eligible to apply by January 7th. Applications and more information can be found online here.

Maryland Grain Producers Association has partnered with the National Corn Growers Association to offer a single application for both scholarships! NCGA has three scholarship applications open for students in the following categories:

The MGPA scholarship is open to students enrolled in two-year vocational schools or four-year universities seeking agricultural-related degrees. Applicants families must be involved in grain production and members of MGPA. For the 2022 to 2023 school year, MGPA will be offering up to 5 scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each.

Scholarship applications are due by January 31st and can be found here.

The Mid Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers will award up to two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for students enrolled in an agronomy or related field. Applications are due Friday, February 18th, and can be found online here.

Created By: Jenell Eck McHenry | jenell.mdag@gmail.com

Please contact us with any questions.