Market and Trade News

• Alexis Taylor has been confirmed as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs, more here.
• Doug McKalip has been confirmed as USTR Ag Negotiator, more here.
• Check out the latest grain bids online here.

Final Funding Bill Allocates Millions of Dollars to Key Ag Initiatives

Congress passed legislation that will fund the government through September 2023 and allocate millions of dollars to support key agriculture initiatives. The bill funds several of NCGA's top priorities, including research to address aflatoxin, a mycotoxin that has been costly to US corn growers, disaster mitigation efforts, and climate change initiatives. Learn more here.

One Month to Apply for One of Maryland Grain Producer's Scholarship

We are offering two new scholarships this year! Applications are to be submitted online by January 31st. Check them out and apply 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

Marguerite Guare, marguerite.mdag@gmail.com, Administration

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

Ag College Pursues Campus Farm Facelift

The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is embarking on a major renovation of its campus farm in College Park. The project will create a more functional teaching space and The Campus Farm Teaching. Read more online here.

Topdressing Corn 11 Times?

In the seven years Middletown, MD grower Drew Haines has entered plots in the National Corn Yield Contest, he has gotten either first at the state or national level every year - without fail. "It's all about good soil balance, health, and structure, and good weather and good management," he says. Read the full article here.

Driving Forces Behind 2023 Crop Input Decisions

The Purdue University Barometer showed that 22% of U.S. growers surveyed intended on planting more winter wheat acres in 2023. Read more about 2023 driving decisions here.

SMADC Announces Funding for the Southern MD Farmer Mini-Grant

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission is pleased to announce the 10th round of the Southern Maryland Farmer Mini-Grant Program. The grant closes on February 15th and aligns with their mission to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland. More here.

Mark Your Calendar - UM Winter Crop Production Meetings

Save the date for the following agronomy meetings this winter. More information and registration can be found by contacting your local extension office.

• Delaware Ag Week - Jan 9th - 12th - more here.
• Carroll County Mid-Winter Meeting - Jan 12th - call 410-386-2760.
• Lower Shore Agronomy Day - Jan 24th - more here.
• Cecil County Winter Agronomy Meeting - Jan 26th - more here.
• Harford County Mid-Winter Meeting - Feb 14th - call 410-638-3255.
• Mid-Shore Agronomy Meeting - Feb 15th - call 410-479-4030
• Central MD Agronomy Update MEeting - Feb 22nd - more here.
• Queen Anne's Agronomy Meeting - Mar 3rd - more here.

Grain Marketing Update

Join the University of Maryland for a virtual grain marketing update on January 6th starting at 9:00 AM. View the agenda and register here.

Ag Law Workshops

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) will host two one-day workshops on January 26th in Boonesboro and January 31st at Chesapeake College. The So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland workshops will be from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. More information can be found here.

Commodity Classic

The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held March 9-11, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Registration is currently open. Find the schedule of events and more information here.

Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement

Horizon Farm Credit is offering $10,000 scholarships to students pursuing a career in agriculture. Applications are due January 6, 2023. Learn more online here.

Future Ag Leader Scholarship

Bayer Fund is excited to once again partner with National FFA to offer ag students the opportunity to receive a $1,500 Grow Ag Leaders scholarship. Applications are now open and being accepted until January 12th. More information can be found here.

Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship 

The Maryland Grain Producers has three different scholarships this year. Applications are due January 31st. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here.

• Three $3,000 scholarships to MGPA members studying for a 2 or 4-year degree. 
• Two $2,000 scholarships to MGPA members studying for a 2 or 4-year degree. 
• Two $1,000 scholarships for non-GMPA members studying agriculture in a 2 or 4-year program. 

National Corn Growers Association Scholarship

NCGA is proud to support three scholarship programs for three distinct audiences. Technical School/Community College, Academic Excellence, and Graduate Students. Applications are currently open and due January 31st. Learn more online here.

Mid-Atlantic CCA Scholarship

The 2023 scholarship application is currently open! Applications are due February 24th. This year, the Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers are offering two scholarships up to $1,000 each and financial assistance to take the CCA Exam free of cost, following graduation. Learn more and apply online here.

Summer 2023 Russell Brinsfield Agro-Ecology Internship

Seeking law and undergraduate student applicants interested in careers in agriculture, environmental conservation, forestry, and/or policy for the 2023 Russell Brinsfield Agro-Ecology Summer Internship Program. Multiple students will be selected for their eight-week internship, which includes a competitive salary and the opportunity to interact with leaders from the agricultural and environmental communities as well as state agencies. Learn more here.

Mountaire Farm to Table Scholarship

Mountaire is offering a new "Farm to Table" scholarship for high school seniors with a passion for agriculture, the culinary arts, or related fields which support food production and feeding the world. Each month two students will be awarded and featured, nominations are ongoing and can be found online here.