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Market and Trade News
- Russia wheat production is looking to decrease, more here.
- Turkey is halting wheat imports from June 21st to mid-October to protect their farmers from price decreases and other impacts, more here.
- New European Union tariffs on grain from Russia and Belarus could create opportunities, more here.
- Kansas wheat harvest is going better than expected, more here.
- Nationwide corn planting nearly complete, more here.
- Combines are moving in Texas and Oklahoma, today's weekly harvest report here.
- Maryland and Delaware wheat tour anticipated good crops, more here.
- USDA says 98% of Maryland corn has emerged with 87% in good and excellent condition. Full report here.
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EPA Endangered Species Act Mitigation Menu
The EPA will hold a public webinar on June 18th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM to provide an overview of its mitigation menu website that will describe mitigation options for reducing pesticide exposure to nontarget species from agricultural crop uses. Register here.
Largest US Oil Trade Group to Sue to Block Biden's EV Push
Reuters Legal reports the American Petroleum Institute intends to file a federal lawsuit Thursday "seeking to block the Biden administration's efforts to reduce planet-warming emissions from cars and light trucks and encourage electric vehicle manufacturing, the group said." API Senior Vice President and General Counsel Ryan Meyers said in a statement, "Today, we are taking action to protect American consumers, U.S. manufacturing workers and our nation's hard-won energy security from this intrusive government mandate." Joining API as co-petitioners are the National Corn Growers Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation. Read more online here.
Farm Bill Update
After a long impasse, there has finally been movement to reauthorize the farm bill. The House Committee on Agriculture recently passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act by a vote of 33 to 21. NCGA is pleased to confirm that many of their recommendations are reflected in the legislation that passed the House Agriculture Committee. The bill is not expected to make it to the House floor for a vote until at least September. Read more about NCGA's efforts and what to do for the time being here.
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2024 Cover Crop Grant Sign-Up
The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced sign-up period for the 2024 Cover Crop Program. Sign up will begin on June 21st and end July 17th. Farmers who sign up for the Traditional Cover Crop Program can receive up to $105 an acre. Read the full press release here.
For Donald Maring, Small Improvement Pay Off Big
Congratulations to Donald Maring of Woodbine, MD for his recognition as one of the Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers. Donald has played a key role in the Maryland Grain Producers and today grows row crops on 1300 acres. In 1990, Donald officially took over the farm and turned his attention to grain. Over the years, Donald says he has focused more on spoon-feeding nutrients upfront to ensure his crops get what they need. Learn more about Donald and his practices here.
The Port of Baltimore is back open after an 11-week closure.
Find University of Maryland's June Agronomy Newsletter here.
Thank you, Judge Harrell, for upholding the Right-to-Farm, more here.
Complete your crop acreage reports before July 15th to your local FSA office.
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Field Day Digs into Slug Management, Planting Green, and Cover Crops
As farm owner Steve Ernst dug into specifics of what he does with cover crop mixes and other aspects to keep living root in the soil throughout the year, he peppered his points with the caveat that his is not a one-size-fits-all program. "Every farmer has a different objective. You've got to find out what works in each." Read more about the field day and Steve Ernst's operation here.
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Senate Ag Committee Hearing - Next Generation
A hearing on Pathways to Farming: Helping the Next Generation of Farmers discussed issues facing beginning farmers including the lack of base acres. Read more here.
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Outstanding Chicken Growers are Honored at Booster BBQ
Delmarva Chicken Association presented awards to three people - Mary Lou Brown, Calvin Keeler, and Gov. John Carney - whose support, work, and advocacy have been crucial to the success of Delmarva's $4.4 billion chicken community. A special shoutout to Rich Level Farm for being recognized as out of the outstanding growers. Allen Davis serves on our board of directors. Congratulations to all! Read the full press release here.
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House GOP Targets USDA, FDA Regulations in FY25 Spending Bill
House Republicans are proposing more modest cuts to spending at USDA then GOP appropriators tried last year, but they are also attempting to block USDA regulations on the meat and poultry industry and slow down new food traceability requirements. Read more online here.
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Researchers Study Herbicide Spray Application Using Drones
To bring drone spray technology to farmers' fields, Virginia Tech researchers are looking to standardize unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for herbicide spray applications. Researchers have observed that increasing spray efficiency, timely application, and site-specific operations can effectively control weeds and reduce herbicide-usage significantly. Learn more about this research here.
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Manage Micronutrients for Higher Corn Yields
Required in much smaller quantities, micronutrients are involved in nearly every critical process during the corn growing season. These include iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and chloride. Each plays a vital role in corn plant development, disease resistance, and overall productivity. Read the full article here.
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Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training
This two-day training, offered June 17-18 in Annapolis, provides an overview of knowledge areas covered by the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam. Topics include state Nutrient Management Regulations, Nutrient Management Principles, Basic Soil Science, and Soil Fertilizer Recommendations. Register by mail for this training by June 3rd. More here.
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MD Farm Bureau Young Farmers Summer Picnic and Farm Tours
Join Maryland Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers for a day of farm tours, networking, food, dancing, and more on June 22nd. The tours include Patapsco Distiller Company, Cold Spring Farm Dairy, Baugher's Orchard and Farm Market, Lippy Brother Farm, and Bortner Valley Wedding Venue. Register online here.
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Drones in Agriculture
University of Maryland Extension and industry experts will be hosting multiple "drone schools" across the state in the coming months. Seminars will have a small fee of $10 for attendees. Be sure to register online here.
- Street, MD - June 25th
- Queenstown, MD - August 1st
- Upper Marlboro, MD - August 2nd
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Maryland Weed Management Field Day
The University of Maryland and University of Delaware will hold their field days on Wednesday, June 26th for farmers, ag industry, and others interested in seeing the latest results from university weed management trials. These events are free and open to the public. Pesticide credits will be available, register is encouraged here.
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Women and Mentors Program
The National Corn Growers Association is accepting applications for the 2024 Women and Mentors retreat. The event will take place on June 27th and 28th in St. Louis, MO. The program focuses on creating a diverse network or individuals who wish to empower women in agriculture. Read more and apply online here.
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Opportunities in Agriculture for a Thriving Chesapeake Bay Watershed Beyond 2025
A workshop with the Watershed leading agricultural scientists, experts, and stakeholders. Join Harry R. Hughes Center for Agroecology on July 23rd and 24th in Annapolis, MD. The workshop is sponsored by the Thriving Ag Project and a more detailed agenda and registration link is coming soon.
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Maryland Commodity Classic
The 26th Annual Commodity Classic will be here before you know it! We hope to see you at the Queen Anne's County 4-H Park on July 25th. A fully detailed agenda and more information is forthcoming. But you can get your ticket today here.
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2024 Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination will be offered on August 2nd. The certification fee is $50 and the deadline to submit a completed application is July 26th. Learn more here.
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University of Maryland Eastern Shore's Ag Showcase
The free event is sponsored by UMES Extension in partnership with Atlantic Tractor LLC and Simplot Grower Solutions. Join them on August 7th from 9 AM to 3 PM for this year's event highlighting corn hybrids and strip-till fertilizer. Registration for general admission is required by August 2nd. Learn more here.
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Field Day with Farm Credit
Join Farm Credit and other grain industry professionals at our Field Day on Monday, August 19th. Twenty varieties of corn in our dry land test plots in Centreville, MD. The test plot will begin at 4:00 PM with dinner at 6:45 PM. More here.
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Please contact us with any questions.
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