MARYLAND GRAIN PRODUCERS
Grain News & Updates
Important Reminders Regarding Healthy Soil Biomass Cover Crop Pilot Program
We would like to remind members who planted cover crop for the Healthy Soil Biomass Pilot Program of a few guidelines associated with the program. The planting deadline for the program was December 1 and acres must be certified with the local soil conservation district within one week of planting. This program differs from the traditional cover crop program in that it is a performance-based program. Acres signed up for this program will be evaluated by the Maryland Department of Agriculture in the spring for growth by
May 1.  Kill-down can not occur until after the May 1 date.  Only a spring payment will be issued for this program if a sufficient amount of biomass is determined. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost Share (MACS) program, 410-841-5864. 
MGPUB Participates in Junior Achievement’s Ag Day
Last Friday, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore hosted their inaugural Agriculture Day at Easton Elementary school. Over 150 fourth grade students had the opportunity to learn about the various careers in agriculture during the event, sponsored by Mid Atlantic Farm Credit and Nagel Farm Service.
 
The Maryland Grain Producers participated in the day, allowing students to make grain jars and educating them about different products that contain corn. Maryland Soybean Board chair Travis Hutchison assisted at the booth, talking about the different professionals he works with on a daily basis to be successful. Talbot County farmer John Swaine parked a tractor out front of the school and allowed students inside to see the technology involved in farming. The students loved these interactive activities and told the farmers that they were their favorite stops of the day! 
Harford Co. Grain Farmer Featured on Maryland Farm & Harvest
This past Tuesday, Lee McDaniel of Indian Spring Farm in Pylesville was showcased on MPT’s Maryland Farm and Harvest. In addition to being a farmer, McDaniel previously served as President of the National Association of Conservation Districts and is an advocate for sustainable farming on a national level. During the episode, McDaniel explained how Maryland is leading the nation in conservation, and showcased some of the best management practices implemented on his farm.
 
Maryland Farm and Harvest, now in its sixth season, has reached over one million viewers nationwide. Major funding for the show is provided by the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board. New episodes air Tuesday nights at 7pm and previous episodes can be watched online at any time.
 
Commodity Groups Applaud Farm Bill Agreement
Yesterday, an announcement was made that farm bill negotiators – Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., have reached an agreement in principle on a new farm bill. Both the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Corn Growers Association released statements applauding this announcement.
 
“NAWG appreciates conferees diligently working together to reach an agreement to strengthen the agriculture industry. This past year our growers have dealt with the impact of the trade war between U.S. and China, extreme weather conditions, and a struggling rural economy and more. Farm Bill support programs provide them with some certainty during these volatile times,” remarked NAWG President Jimmie Musick.
 
“It’s imperative that farmers and rural communities have a new farm bill this year. NCGA is grateful for today’s announcement that sets the steps in motion to ensure that happens. Our grower members have been making phone calls and sending emails to Capitol Hill urging lawmakers to reach a deal before year’s end. We thank them for heeding this call and look forward to fully reviewing the conference agreement,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp. 
Farmers Urged to Participate in Crop Production Survey
As the 2018 growing season officially comes to an end, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact producers nationwide to gather final year-end crop production numbers and the amount of grain and oilseeds they store on their farms. At the same time, NASS will survey grain facility operators to determine year-end grain and oilseed stocks.

“NASS surveys produce the most credible agricultural data available,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “The information obtained by this current survey helps to inform everyone from farmers to lawmakers and will surely have an impact on the agriculture industry. I urge all Maryland farmers to participate in the survey so we can ensure everyone is working with the most accurate data possible.”

“Responses to the producer survey will also be included in the County Agricultural Production Survey and used in calculating county yields,” explained NASS Maryland State Statistician Dale P. Hawks. “USDA uses county yield information from the survey to evaluate and administer vital farm disaster and insurance programs. Farmers who receive this survey are not included in the County Agricultural Production Survey; therefore this is their only opportunity to be included in the calculation of Maryland county yields.”

Upcoming Events: 
Palmer Amaranth Stakeholders Meeting

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection & Weed Management section is hosting a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, December 11 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the lower level conference room at the MDA. Agenda items will include a discussion on the season end status of Palmer amaranth in Maryland and a review of the Draft Summer Study. There will also be a roundtable with speakers from the department, the University of Delaware, University of Maryland Extension, and Maryland Farm Bureau.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the department’s Plant Protection & Weed Management section at 410-841-5920 or  ppwm.mda@maryland.gov  to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Computers are an important tool for farm business management. The University of Maryland Extension will be offering a QuickBooks class for farm use. There is the option of two training days January 4 or January 7 and you can register for whichever class suits your learning level. Learn how to manage your files, operate windows software, protect your computer, develop spreadsheets and use QuickBooks. Classes will be held at Chesapeake College. Class sizes are limited. The cost of each class is $20.


MDA and the University of Maryland Extension will offer a series of farmer training and certification workshops for farmers who want to become certified by the department to write nutrient management plans for their own operations. The workshops are designed for producers with cropland and pastures who use commercial fertilizer and/or manure. They will be offered at various locations around the state beginning in January. Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll soon.

Farm Credit Foundation to Award $150,000 in Ag Scholarships
The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement’s scholarship program will award 15 scholarships in 2019, each valued at $10,000. This program is open to high school seniors or students currently enrolled in a two or four year educational program. All applicants must be planning to pursue a career in agriculture. This includes students wanting to go into production agriculture, as well as those planning to be educators, veterinarians, engineers, economists or another profession within the industry. Applicants must reside in MidAtlantic Farm Credit’s five-state territory. The deadline for all applications and supporting materials is Jan. 11, 2019.

Stand Up for Grain Markets!
NOW is the time to make your voice heard and submit comments to strengthen markets for farmers and maintain a strong Farm Bill.