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GRANT SPOTLIGHT

Washington County Kids Growing with Grains

University of Maryland Extension 4-H

The Washington County 4-H Youth Development Program, a part of the University of Maryland Extension (UME), presents Kids Growing with Grains, an agricultural education and literacy program that is offered as a field trip and in-school program, and made available to all schools in Washington County (both public and private). This program targets primarily 4th grade students. The field trip is held at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center. Since 2012, 2,582 students have taken part in this field trip! The program consists of five sessions that are designed to educate youth about the importance of agriculture, the utilization of grains in the diets of people and livestock, the nutritional value of whole grains, and how to identify food products made from grains. This educational experience helps to increase the connection and understanding between agricultural areas and urban/suburban areas, as well as enlighten youth the health benefits and importance of wise food decisions.


2021 Results


The program is traditionally presented as a single day field trip to the Western Maryland Research and Education Center, however, the field trip was not able to occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 year was utilized to convert the entire field trip program into a virtual, bitmoji classroom platform, using videos, interactive worksheets, and take home bags of supplies so that hands-on lessons could still be completed. 


The Maryland Grain Producers are happy to fund this project with $1,000 for 2022! 

Learn More Here!

Continued Survey of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in

Mid-Atlantic Cornfields and Evaluation of

Nematode Control Methods

University of Delaware

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause yield loss across numerous field crops, including corn. In recent years nematodes consistently ranked in the top-10 most destructive diseases of corn in the southern United States. While many people feel that nematodes are present and reduce corn yield potential, very little is known about the actual distribution or population densities of nematodes that are pathogenic to corn in the Mid-Atlantic.


2021 Results


This project sought to address preliminary questions to improve understanding of nematode distribution and to begin an assessment of potential management products. Objectives included: (1) Determine which nematode genera are present in corn acreage across the Mid-Atlantic (2) Survey farmers regarding field history and perceived yield loss from nematodes (3) Screen products for efficacy to reduce corn yield losses from nematodes and assess seed treatment effects on field nematode populations (4) Disseminate research results to Mid-Atlantic farmers.


In the survey sites, ten nematode genera were recovered. Lance nematode was one of the most notable findings, being present in 73% of fields and above medium thresholds in 45% of fields. No differences in nematode populations or yield were observed in the on-farm strip trial with Propulse applied in-furrow.


The Maryland Grain Producers are excited to see future results from this research. For 2022 this project was funded with $9,053!

Maryland Grain Producers Check-Off Program
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board is funded through the Maryland Grain Check-Off Program; when grain that is produced in Maryland is sold by a farmer, the Utilization Board receives one-half of a percent of its net value. The Check-Off program is voted on by referendum every five years and has always received a greater than 90% affirmation vote. Each year organizations and universities are encouraged to submit grant proposals in November for consideration by MGPUB. The Utilization Board gathers to hear presentations on each proposal and reports from the previously funded projects. Projects must improve the viability and profitability of grain production through research, education, or market development.
 
For 2022, the Grain Producers will award $978,650 for 37 projects across the state. Congratulations to each recipient.
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