MARYLAND GRAIN PRODUCERS
Grain News & Updates
Sandy Davis Honored with Dr. James R. Miller Award
The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) awarded its prestigious Dr. James R. Miller award to Sandy Davis of Salisbury at the 2018 Maryland Commodity Classic. Established in 1988, this award recognizes a professional, non-grower for his or her contributions to the grain industry.

From 2010 to her retirement, Davis served as Executive Director of the Maryland Soybean Board and Financial/Compliance Coordinator for Delaware Soybean Board. Sandy always took pride in financial compliance with the books always “clean as a whistle.” Sandy helped to bring millions of dollars in checkoff back to the region through grant programs from United Soybean Board to fund projects like promoting biodiesel.

“Sandy supported initiatives such as the Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program and the Delmarva Poultry industry environmental buffers program,” commented Evan Miles, MGPA President. “Her service to Maryland farmers over 40 years is well worth recognizing.”

Maryland Grain Producers Award $10,000 in Scholarships
Every year, there is an 11% shortage of agriculture graduates to fill professional positions in the field of agriculture. The Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship program is a long-term investment with big dividends for the future of farming and seeks to give back to the families who have paid in to the Maryland grain checkoff. Four students were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship at the 2018 Maryland Commodity Classic. Recipients are Grace Brinsfield, Jenell Eck, Ethan Miller, and Cody Morris.

“We are proud to see these young people join the other 50 students who have been recipients of MGPUB scholarships to follow a career path in agriculture,” concludes Schmidt. “This program is a strong investment in our future to see farming successfully continue in our area.”

USDA Assistance Available for Repairing Conservation Practices Damaged by Flooding
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing technical and financial assistance to help farmers in Maryland repair failed conservation practices following recent severe storms and flash flooding. Producers in disaster declared counties including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Dorchester, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester must sign up for assistance by August 25, 2018.
 
The funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to address water quality concerns due to failure of ag waste systems, stream crossings, and other in-field conservation practices. NRCS accepts EQIP applications year-round in a continuous signup. But landowners must submit their applications by August 25 to be considered for this disaster repair funding. Farmers should visit with their local USDA service center to apply.
Stand Up for Grain Markets!
NOW is the time to make your voice heard and submit comments on important issues including restoring the RFS, strengthening markets for farmers and maintaining a strong Farm Bill.

DPI Offers Electric Buying Group Discount
The Delmarva Poultry Industry (DPI) is now marketing their electric buying group to members and potential members, before the enrollment deadline for the next multi-year electric buying group we offer is August 31. This is a significant benefit for many of their members who are Delmarva Power customers; in the current buying group drawing to close, the average enrolled member saved $1,700 a year on utility costs, which offsets the typical DPI dues payment and then some.

Annual Crop Insurance Workshop set for Sept. 13
The Maryland Crop Insurance Workshop provides an opportunity to hear from experts on current issues related to the federal crop insurance program and federal farm policy.  The plans for this year's Maryland Crop Insurance Workshop are being finalized with expert speakers to discuss insights into current issues impacting risk management issues in the Mid-Atlantic. This event is free to attend. Stay tuned for more details as they finalize speakers.