NEWS

2020 Scholarship The Maryland Grain Producers Association is utilizing checkoff dollars from the Grain Producers Utilization Board to support our 2020 scholarship program. Students residing in Maryland and studying in agriculturally related fields are eligible to receive one of the four $2,500 scholarships being offered. Students or their immediate family must Evan Miles, President of Maryland Grain Producers Association, feels it is important to support students working on furthering their education in agriculture. "As a graduate from the University of Delaware, I know that expanding your knowledge to benefit your family farm or to become an important professional in an agribusiness, is crucial in today's ever changing industry." Applications are due May 1st . For more information and to apply, click here .

Trump Signs USMCA This past Wednesday, President Trump signed the United States Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. This compromise is expected to increase agricultural exports from the US by $2 billion and result in an overall increase of $65 billion in gross domestic product. Canada will treat wheat imports the same as domestic wheat for grading purposes. Mexico has agreed that all grading standards for agriculture products will be non-discriminatory. Read more here . New Cost Share Practices Now Available The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced five new conservation drainage practices that are not eligible for cost-share funding, of up to 87.5% through the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program. The new practices are designed to enhance the water quality benefits of water before it enters a stream or drainage ditch. The five new practices are; saturated buffers, subsurface denitrifying bioreactors, wetland creations, subsurface drain, and underground outlets. Learn more here .

New WOTUS Rule Under the Clean Water Act, the final rule provides a clear definition of Waters of the United States. The new Navigable Waters Protection Rule covers four categories of water that are federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. These categories are; the territorial seas and traditional navigable water, perennial and intermittent tributaries, certain lakes, ponds, and impoundments, and wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. Read more here .

Governor Hogan Honors 2020 Century Farm Families

Six Maryland farm families were honored on January 27th at the 2020 Century Farm ceremony at the State House. These families have been owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years. Since the program has begun, 193 farmers have received the Century Farm designation. While 27 families have earned the Bicentennial Farm title and four families have been named Tricentennial Farms.

The six farm families are: Chaffey Farm; Marion Station, Somerset County; est. 1919 Evergreen Heritage Center; Mount Savage, Allegany County; 1869 Jeptha Hayman Farm; Westover, Somerset County; est. 1834 Poplar Springs Farm; La Plata, Charles County; est. 1914 White Hall Farm; Dunkirk, Calvert County; est. 1801 (bicentennial farm) The Wil-Low-S at Lowe Point; Pylesville, Harford County; est. 1902 Read more here.

US Wheat 40th Anniversary Campaign

In 1980, wheat farmer leader with Great Plains Wheat and Western Wheat Associates officially merged to one organization, US Wheat Associates, to focus on building overseas demand for US Wheat.

To mark it's 40th anniversary, USW launched an outreach effort to recognize and celebrate the people who produce the wheat and their enduring partnerships with the USDA, wheat buyers, and wheat food processors around the world. The campaign features a new page and a video that defines the value created by farmers. Read the full story here.

EPA Reasserts Glyphosate Safe to Use

The EPA has reaffirmed that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide RoundUp, is safe to use and unlikely to cause cancer. EPA has thoroughly evaluated potential human health risk associated with exposure to glyphosate and determined that there are no risks to human health from the current registered uses of glyphosate and that glyphosate in not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. Read the full story here .

Refinery Exemptions

The US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit struck down three exemptions that were improperly issued by the EPA. One finding is that EPA cannot "extend" exemptions to any small refineries whose earlier, temporary exemptions had lapsed. National Corn Growers Association President, Kevin Ross said, "Ethanol is an incredibly important value-added market for corn farmers, and EPA's waivers have reduced RFS volume requirements by more than 4 billion gallons over the past three years, impacting corn demand." Read the full story here .

CBF to sue EPA

On Monday, January 27th, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said it is preparing a lawsuit against the EPA, following Maryland in seeking to force a federal crackdown in Pennsylvania for the pollution is sends downstream to the estuary. Read the full story here .

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Deadline

Are you interested in the Conservation Reserve Program? For general signup, enroll by February 28th. Those who enroll in CRP receive yearly rental payments for voluntarily establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, which control soil erosion, improve water quality, and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands. FSA plans to open the Soil Health and Income Protection Program, a CRP pilot program, in early 2020. The 2020 CRP Grasslands signup runs from March 16th to May 15th. Read the full story here .

Farmer Builds a DIY Solution to Stop Grain Bin Deaths

Guy Mills, a farmer in Nebraska, has created his own solution to stop grain bin deaths. After corn gets wet in your bin and clumping occurs, Guy has a safe trick for you to try. He simply uses an air compressors with some extra supplies. Find out how Guy works his magic, here .

ShoreRivers - Implements Conservation Projects

Starting this January, ShoreRivers began implementing conservation practices through Maryland's Eastern Shore. Through a number of partners, conservation projects will be implemented include stormwater action plans, modernizing outdated systems, and reducing pollution on the Eastern Shore. This work is made possible through eight grants with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Trust. Read more here .

Field-of-Corn Photo Contest

The National Corn Growers Association has a Fields-of-Corn Photo Contest each year. Two grand prizes were awarded. In total, 23 prizes were awarded across seven categories. Learn more here .

NCGA - New Podcast

A new podcast launched last week hosted by the National Corn Growers Association, covering the corn industry and issues. New episodes will be released every month of "Wherever Jon May Roam." Learn more and subscribe here .

LEGISLATION UPDATE

Maryland State Budget

The 2020 Maryland Legislative Session is underway. The Governor's Budget was released yesterday and agriculture fared very well! The MDA Office of Resource Conservation was allocated 53 employee positions in order to retain approximately 30 planners and technicians in the soil conservation districts that are annually grant funded and increase the technical assistance capacity for agriculture to meet the Watershed Implementation Plan for Bay Clean-up. The Maryland Agricultural Cost-Share program was funded at $8M and the Cover Crop Program was fully funded. The Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation received record funding as well.

Legislation of Interest

HB 100 - Maryland Agricultural Commission - Hemp Industry Member Delegate Fraser-Hidalgo - This bill adds a member to the Maryland Agricultural Commission for the Hemp industry. HB156 - Agriculture - Cost-Sharing Program - Sale of Harvested Cover Crops Delegate Kerr - This bill requires the Maryland Cover Crop Program to pay a commodity cover crop incentive for grain grown over the winter harvested specifically for the purpose of brewing and distilling alcohol in Maryland. HB173 - Natural Resources - Sunday Hunting Chair - EHEA - This bill consolidates the authority to DNR to allow for Sunday hunting under specified circumstances. HB229/SB300 - Pesticides - Used of Chlorpyrifos - Prohibition Delegate Stein & Senator Lam - This bill prohibits the use of Chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) and seeds treated with Chlorpyrifos stating October 2020. HB510 - Agriculture - Hemp Research and Production - Prohibitions Delegate Hettleman - This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from issuing a permit to grow Hemp within 2 miles of a residential area with 10 or more homes. HB517 - Constitutional Amendment - Environmental Rights Delegate Stewart - This bill proposes a constitutional amendments stating that every Marylander has a constitutional right to a clean environment including clean air; pure water; ecosystems that sustain the states air, flora, fauna, climate, and lands; and preservation of the natural, healthful, scenic and historic values of the environment. The proposed amendment makes all Marylander's "stewards" of the environment and give them standing to file suite for degradation. HB574 - Agriculture - License to Produce Hemp - Limitations Delegate Cardin - This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from issuing a permit to grow hemp on a property that is within 25 feet of another property with three or more residences unless the grower agree to grow the hemp indoors with a filtration system to remove all smell. HB614/SB460 - State Government - Office of the Environmental and Natural Resources Ombudsman - Establishment (Environmental Accountability and Transparency Act) Delegate Leirman & Senator Elfreth Establishing the Office of the Environmental and Natural Resources Ombudsman; requiring the Ombudsman to have the ability to analyze environmental and natural resource-related data and communicate effectively with State agencies and the public. HB687/SB597 - Agriculture - Cost-Sharing Program - Fixed Natural Filter Practices Delegate Stein & Senator Young This bill defines "fixed natural filters" and associated practices as riparian or herbaceous buffers, tree plantings, wetland restoration, and pasture management such as fencing and watering facilities; and makes these practices eligible for cost share funding out of the Bay Restoration Funding that goes to cover crops. The bill disallows MACS funding for practices where a resource concern does not exist according to NRCS standards, requires funding rates be based on NRCS rates, and disallows multiple species cover crops from receiving less funding than single species. SB92 - Secretary of Agriculture - Weed Control Law Chair - EHEA - This bill authorizes Soil Conservation Districts to be qualified to enter in to agreements with the Department of Agriculture to implement the Noxious Weed Law. SB491 - Regulation of Invasive Plants - Bamboo - Prohibitions Senator Kramer - Prohibiting a person from allowing bamboo to grow without proper upkeep or spread onto adjoining property or public rights-of-way. Check back for updates!

EVENTS

Taste of Maryland Dinner

The 50th Annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Celebration will be held Thursday, February 6th at Michael's 8th Avenue in Glen Burnie. For more information, click here.

Women In Ag Conference

On February 12th and 13th at Dover Downes Hotel and Casino the annual Women In Ag Conference will take place. Register here.

Annie's Project - Farm Management

2020 topics will cover the five areas of Risk Management - Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal Risk, and Human Resources. Classes will be held in Southern MD, Frederick County, Lower Shore, Baltimore County, and the Mid Shore. These classes have already begun in some regions. Learn more and register here.

MFB Trucking Forums

The Maryland Farm Bureau will have three trucking forums this winter. There will be one in January, February, and March. Learn more here.

Cover Crop Workshop

Mr. Steve Groff will be at Catoctin and Frederick Soil Conservation District on February 5th. Come on out to learn about the innovations of advanced cover cropping. Register here for free.

Farm Bill Workshops

One-day workshops geared towards educating Maryland producers on changes associated with the 2018 Farm Bureau will be hosted across the state in February. Learn more and find a workshop closest to you, here.

Nutrient Management Plan Assistance

The University of Maryland Extension will have their nutrient management specialists available to assist you at six workshops this winter. The first event is February 3rd. For more information and to register, click here.

National Commodity Classic

Commodity Classic is quickly approaching. We hope to see you there in San Antonio. Register here.

Delmarva Soil Summit

On February 26th and 27th in Georgetown Delaware the Delmarva Soil Summit will kick-off. This two day event has breakout sessions for all types of producers. Learn more here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Maryland Farm Bureau

For the 2020 to 2021 academic year, Maryland Farm Bureau is offering five $2,000 scholarships. The applicant of their guardians must be members of Maryland Farm Bureau. Scholarships are available to those enrolled in college working towards a degree. Applications must be received by February 10th! Apply here.

Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers

Are you or someone you know enrolled in an agronomy related program? Be sure to apply for one of the two $1,000 scholarships from Mid-Atlantic CCA! Recipients will also get to take the CCA Exam after graduation, free of cost. Applications are due March 6th. Apply here.

Delmarva Poultry Industry

The Delmarva Poultry Industry is offering scholarships in the amount of $1,500 for undergraduate and graduate students. One must be a resident of the Delmarva and have an academic major in a subject area relevant to the chicken industry. Applications must be received before April 3rd. Apply here.

Created By: Jenell Eck Programs and Public Relations Director jenell.mdag@gmail.com www.marylandgrain.org Please contact with any questions.

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