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Market and Trade News
- Navigation locks on the Columbia and Snake rivers will be closed beginning Jan 14, 2024 for an 11-week outage, more here.
- Current U.S. wheat exports records and patterns, can be found here.
- How the EU exports its crop protection policies to the developing world, webinar on January 25th, here.
- The U.S. dollar has been strong the past couple of years, and experts say it is one factor hampering commodity exports, more here.
- Grain prices have continued lower, South America weather has improved, and crude oil prices has decline, more here.
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Farm Bill Reauthorization
The 2023 farm bill reauthorization has turned into a 2024 reauthorization, and we can't afford to wait longer. The stakes are high. Act now HERE and ask your elected officials to pass a comprehensive farm bill that supports the interests of corn growers!
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Governor Moore to Induct Willard Family into Ag Hall of Fame
The Willard Family of Montgomery County will be inducted into the Governor's Agriculture Hall of Fame at the 54th Taste of Maryland Agriculture event on February 1st. The Willard Family is a member of good standing with the Maryland Grain Producers and has been actively involved in National Yield Contests. Congratulations to the Family! Learn more about them here.
Lepanto Fire Department Credits Grain Bin Rescue Training for Saving Lives
The Lepanto Fire Department in Arkansas breathes relief after successfully rescuing two men from a grain bin. The chief credits the grain bin rescue training he and his crew underdo regularly. The fire department received a Nationwide grant, allowing them to get equipment, making the rescue much easier. More here.
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National Commodity Classic
Rates go up TODAY! If you are interested in going to Houston next month, be sure to get the discounted price today. We can't wait to see you there! Find the schedule and registration link online here.
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The Weather Matters for Predicting Tar Spot in Corn
As the threat to corn crops looms large, the scientific community remains focused on unraveling the complexities of tar spot to pave the way for effective and sustainable solutions. Environmental factors, particularly temperature and humidity, have been identified as crucial influencers in the disease cycle of the fungus, highlighting the need for a targeted management strategy. Learn more about a new study that aims to bridge knowledge gaps in tar spot development to create predictive models to inform precise management decisions here.
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Maryland Counties Consolidate Ag Offices
Howard and Frederick counties have joined a trend in Maryland of bringing local agriculture agencies under the same roof to better assist farmers. Howard County launched its Office of Agriculture in December with the goal of boosting collaboration between agricultural agencies in the country, and a Frederick County official said last week that the county is planning to do the same. More here.
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USDA Invests $230 M to Expand Export Markets
This week USDA officials announced the agency's Foreign Agricultural Service will award more than $230 million in funding to nearly 70 agricultural organizations. The money will be used to support market expansion efforts. It will be distributed through the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program. Read more online here.
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Soybean Invertebrate Loss Estimates from the United States
A new CPM publication details estimated yield losses and costs of managing pests in 18 soybean-producing states, covering 56.9% of total 2022 soybean production. The report compiles data from state specialists, showing the impact on soybean production, including root, stem, leaf, and pod damage. Read more here.
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Funding Aims to Increase Access to Clean, Affordable Domestic Biofuels
USDA Secretary Vilsack announced that USDA is awarding $19 million in grants to U.S. business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels in 22 states and give Americans cleaner, more affordable fuel options at gas station pumps as President Biden's Bidenomics agenda to lower costs and invest in America. Read more online here.
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Francis Moats Scholarship
Maryland Farm Bureau is awarding two recipients with a $1,250 scholarship to attend the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Omaha, NE in March. The scholarship honors Francis Moats, a member of MDFB's Young Farmers Committee from 2014 to 2018, for his desire for learning, meeting new people, and his enthusiasm for Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers program. More here.
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Feeding the World, Caring for the Lan: U.S. Wheat Associates Launches "Stories of Stewardship" Video Series
The time and effort U.S. farmers put into caring for the land makes for a story that is not shared often enough. A new video series produced by U.S. Wheat Associates aims to change stewards of soil, water, and the environment. Five wheat farmers in five different states appear on camera, from their farms, to talk about their work to assure economic security for the next generation of farmers by leaving their land in better shape than it was when they started farming it. More can be found here.
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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! | |
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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.
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UMD to Host Ag Law Program on Jan 16th
The Department of Agricultural and Resources Economics (AREC) will host the SO You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland workshop on January 16th in Cockeysville from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The program will be at the Baltimore County Ag Center, 114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030. To register for the free event, click here.
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PFAS: What do we know and where are we headed next?
The North Central Region Water Network is having a free webinar on January 17th at 3:00 PM. The webinar shares the latest research on PFAS. Register online here.
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Future Harvest's 25th Annual Conference
Registration is now open with the theme "Nourish & Flourish: From the Ground Up," Join Future Harvest on January 18th to 20th at College Park. More here.
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Bonus Congressional Management Foundation Webinar
We've heard this a million times: the pandemic changed everything. Yet, how did remote work, virtual meetings, and the pandemic change advocacy with Congress? The Congressional Management Foundation will reveal the latest congressional staff survey at the bonus webinar. The webinar will take place on January 22nd at 2:00 PM. Learn more and register online here.
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Soil Health Meeting & Breakfast
ShoreRivers and the Maryland Department of Agriculture is having a Soil Health Meeting and Breakfast to learn about building healthy soils in Maryland. The event will take place on January 23rd at the Ruthsburg Community Center. RSVP by January 12th to lbuckless@shorerivers.org or 443-385-0511 extension 210.
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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 23rd in Boonsboro, MD and on January 30th in Georgetown DE. Both workshops will be from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Please contact us with any questions.
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