Farmers are invited to attend the Maryland Commodity Classic on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park. Amidst confusing and controversial headlines on biotechnology, keynote speaker Stephen Neidenbach will present "We Love GMOs and Vaccines… Biotech for a brighter tomorrow." Neidenbach is a science teacher and runs the Facebook page and blog We Love GMOs and Vaccines.  

Research presentations from 9:30-10:30 a.m. will update farmers on checkoff-funded projects designed to make their operations more productive and profitable. Exhibits and informational displays to present the latest innovations in technology, research and equipment will open at 10:00 a.m. The afternoon program begins at 1:00 p.m. and will include awarding college scholarships and the National Leaders Panel. The Classic will conclude with the famed Crab Feast, Pork and Chicken Barbecue. Event tickets are $10 before 2:30 p.m. and $20 after 2:30 p.m. No entry is permitted after 3:30 p.m. Maryland Grain Producers Association members received a free ticket. 

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As chairman of the U.S. Wheat Associates, Jason Scott had the pleasure of hosting their summer board meeting in his home state of Maryland this past week. The meeting was attended by over one hundred wheat farmers and other industry representatives from around the country. Maryland Grain Producers board members Chip Bowling, Allen Davis, Steve Ernst, Syd Moreland, Ron Mulford, and Eric Spates joined the group for the annual Chairman’s Dinner. Following the meeting, Scott led meeting attendees on a tour of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including J.M. Clayton Seafood Company, the Oyster Recovery Partnership, and Triple Creek Winery.

Hosting the meeting was Scott’s final role as chairman, a position which will now be held by Mike Miller of Ritzville, Washington. The Maryland Grain Producers congratulates Scott on a year of successful leadership and thanks him for his dedication to Maryland agriculture. 

The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee is poised to vote on S. 517, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, and Maryland Senator Ben Cardin is a member of this committee. This legislation is important to corn growers because it would allow fuel retailers the ability to sell E15 year-round. In "Washington-speak," this removes the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) barrier that restricts sales during certain times of the year. With this barrier removed, higher blends of corn ethanol can be sold much more readily, which saves consumers money at the pump and is better for the environment. This legislation also helps increase the demand for corn. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), our voice in Washington, has created a letter that you can email Sen. Cardin as he considers this bill. 

Send the letter to Senator Cardin

Mark your calendar for the Delaware Maryland 4R Alliance's 4R Field Day on August 23, 2017 at Lazy Day Farm / Layton's Chance Vineyard & Winery in Vienna, MD. Speakers, field demonstrations, and a farmer panel will showcase the latest technologies and opportunities to implement 4R nutrient stewardship using practices to apply nutrients from the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Learn how 4R practices are helping farm operations save resources and provide clean water.

Speakers will include: Jarrod Miller, University of Maryland; James Adkins, University of Delaware; and local farmers and agribusiness professionals. Registration is free and includes lunch. 

Register Now

Steve Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association, was nominated by President Donald Trump as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week. The nomination came following a request made by the National Corn Growers Association two weeks ago to President Trump to move quickly to fill out the entire leadership team at USDA.

“The National Corn Growers Association congratulates Steve Censky on his nomination to be Deputy Secretary at USDA,” said National Corn Growers Association President Wesley Spurlock. “Steve knows firsthand the importance of increasing global demand for U.S. agricultural products, growing the renewable fuels industry, and protecting risk management programs. His background and experience are especially welcome as we begin to shape the next farm bill.”

NCGA's Full Statement