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Market and Trade News

  • NCGA is deeply disappointed with International Trade Commission decision on fertilizer tariffs, more here.
  • U.S. Wheat Associates compiled a comprehensive "World Wheat Supply and Demand" summary, more here.
  • Vilsack hosted a meeting with his counterpart from the People's Republic of China addressing market access issues and other stakeholder concerns, more here.
  • Corn and bean prices tank after USDA report increasing 2024 yields, here.
  • Farmers planted 6% fewer acres of winter wheat, more here.
  • Maizly, one of NCGA's Consider Corn Challenge winners, has perfected a formula that replicates milk, more here.
Top News Stories

MDA NM Draft Report

The final draft report of the Maryland Department of Agriculture Nutrient Management Planning Producer Task Force is now available online. The report was developed by a group of producers charged with evaluating the Nutrient Management Program and making recommendations for improvements. More here.

Doe Harvest Challenge Claims 262 Deer

The farm bureaus of four Maryland lower Eastern Shore counties held their fourth Doe Harvest Challenge from January 5 - 7 to help control the deer population. Each doe and anterless deer harvested could be entered in a drawing for $13,000 in cash prizes. By the end of the weekend, hunters entered 262 deer, which were donated to the Maryland Food Bank. More here.


Jason Scott on Maryland Farm and Harvest

Maryland Grain Producer Board Member, Jason Scott of Dorchester County is spotlighted on Maryland Farm and Harvest's recent episode. Check it out here.


Cost-Share to Test Products Available

The Mid-Atlantic 4R Association is offering cost-share enhanced nutrient management practices. Cost-share of $20 per acre is available for testing biofertilizer products or adding an additional split of nitrogen. Agribusinesses are eligible to receive $500 per farmer for providing technical assistance to the farmer and delivering data for economic analysis. More here.

Rule Changes May Make College More Expensive

Losing a child's college financial aid may not be ask risk as a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act. This act goes into effect for the 2024-2025 school year. Learn more online here.


If you are a Maryland farmer, waterman, shell stock producer, technical service providers or Extension agent, Harry R. Hughes Center invites you to participate in this survey. Find the survey online here.


The University of Maryland released their 2024 Field Crop Budgets, find it here.

We Are Here for YOU

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

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

Jennifer Gannon, jennifer.mdag@gmail.com, Programs and PR Assistant

Elaine Draper, thompsonagconsulting@gmail.com, Administrative Assistant

Barn Owl Precision Agriculture Wins Ag Innovation Challenge


The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, now in its 10th year, provides opportunities for Farm Bureau members to showcase business innovations being developed for agriculture. Barn Owl Precision Agriculture is the winner of this year's competition. Barn Owl Precision Agriculture manufacturers a fully autonomous robot that supports farmers as they plant crops, control weeds, and collect soil samples. Learn more online here.

Enrollment Period for Maryland's 2024 Conservation Buffer Initiative


The MDA has announced that the 2024 enrollment period for its Conservation Buffer Initiative runs from January 29 - March 8. Qualifying farmers who plant forest buffers receive a one-time $1,000/acre signing onus in addition to the attractive incentive payment for this practice. Read the full press release here.

FFA Members Explore Agriculture in Australia


More than 70 current and past state FFA officers started the new year by exploring Australia and the various types of agriculture the country offers. Maryland was honored to have four state officers attend the International Trip. Learn more about the trip online here.

USDA to Reopen Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program


The USDA will begin accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program signup on January 12. FSA encourages agriculture producers and landowners interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the enrollment options available through Continuous CRP, which also includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program offered by FSA partners. Check it out here.

Study Shows Food From Urban Ag Has Carbon Footprint 6 Times Larger


A new University of Michigan-led internationally study finds that fruits and vegetables grown in urban farms and gardens have a carbon footprint that is, on average, six times greater than conventionally grown producer. For each site, the researchers calculated the climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions associated with on-farm materials and activities over the lifetime of the farm. More here.

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $207 M in Clean Energy


U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers. Read more online here.

The 2024 Legislative Session has kicked off. Maryland Grain Producers Association has been hard at work preparing for session and will represent grain farmers best interest. If you are not a member of the Association, it's not too late to join. Funds will be used effectively in Annapolis this year. At this time, there are over 20 bills released that may affect you. Your membership dollar's count. In addition to being a member, stay up to date on legislative activities through our newsletter and contact your representative!

Crop Production Meetings


Manure Meeting - January 24th - More here.

Lower Shore Agronomy Meeting - January 26th - More here.

Cecil County Winter Agronomy Meeting - February 8th - More here.

Harford County Mid-Winter Agronomy Meeting - February 20th - More here.

Central MD Agronomy Meeting - February 21st - More here

Mid-Shore Agronomy Meeting - February 22nd - More here.

Queen Anne's Agronomy Day - March 1st - More here.

Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees


The University of Maryland and the University of Delaware will host the Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees - What you Need to Know and Do workshop on January 30th in Georgetown DE. Both workshops will be from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Learn more and register here.

2024 Taste of MD Ag


The 54th Taste of Maryland Agriculture is set for Thursday, February 1st at the Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland! Get your tickets early, prices increase on January 12th. Buy tickets here.

Mid-Atlantic Women in Ag


The conference goals are to provide women involved in agriculture an opportunity to come together to learn about current issues and topics so they can make informed decisions concerning their agribusinesses and family lives. Starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM with a light breakfast and lunch. Register for the February 15th event in Stevensville, here.

2024 Annie's Project Course


This course is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing and the legal field. The class started February 21st, and will be held in-person for six consecutive Wednesdays. There is an online version available. More information can be found online here.

Commodity Classic


America's largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience will be held February 28th to March 2nd at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. Register online here. The annual CornPac auction will be held at the convention. Find tickets online here.

Class A CDL Grant


To assist farmers with the financial burden now associated with the classes required to obtain a CDL for themselves and or their employees, a $1,500 grant will be awarded to two applicants. Apply online by March 1st, learn more here.

Maryland Grain Producers Scholarships


The Maryland Grain Producers are offering seven scholarships totaling $15,000 for the 2024 - 2025 school year. Applications are due January 31, 2024. Learn more about the different scholarship opportunities and apply online here.

National Corn Growers Association Scholarships


Grower-members who make up the National Corn Growers Association are eligible to apply for one of the four national scholarships. Applications are due online by January 31, 2024. Learn more online here.

Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers Scholarship


The 2024 scholarship is available for undergraduate students studying agronomy, plant science, soil science, or an agriculture-related degree. Two scholarships are available for $1,000 each. Applications are due online by February 16, 2024. More here.

1890 National Scholars Program


USDA is accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue food and agriculture career paths. The application deadline is March 1, 2024. The program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as rising college sophomores and juniors. More here.

MD Farm Bureau Announces $10,000 in Scholarships


Maryland Farm Bureau is delighted to announce the availability of five $2,000 scholarships for the upcoming academic year. These scholarships aim to support the educational pursuits of our dedicated young members committed to making a difference in agricultural related disciplines. Applications are due March 22nd, more information can be found online here.

MAEF Opens 2024 Academic & Seibel Scholarships


The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF) is now accepting applications for the 2024 Academic and Seibel Scholarships. The recipients of the MAEF Academic Scholarship will receive $1,500 in support of their academic achievements and pursuit of a career in agricultural or Extension education. Qualified candidates should complete and submit their online application by March 25, 2024. More online here.

Delmarva Chicken Association Scholarship


DCA is offering undergraduate scholarships of $2,000 and graduate scholarships of $3,000. Applications must be submitted by March 29, 2024. Learn more here.

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

Please contact us with any questions.
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