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Market and Trade News

  • Agricultural trade was a major focus during the 100th annual Ag Outlook Forum in DC, more here.
  • How the USDA economists expect the 2024 growing season to play out, can be found here.
  • NCGA breaks down the Grain and Oilseeds outlook for corn here.
  • U.S. Wheat shares more here.
  • The amount of grain inspected at all major U.S. ports was down 9% in the fourth quarter, more here.
  • Farmers can expect the largest recorded year-to-year dollar drop in net farm income in 2024, more here.
Top News Stories

Preliminary Testing Confirming HPAI in a Charles County Backyard Flock

State laboratory testing has detected a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in a Charles County backyard flock, read more here.

Soybean Growers Grateful with Recent Dicamba Ruling

The EPA's existing stocks order permits farmers to accept previously registered pesticide products that were packaged, labeled, and released for shipment before Feb 6, the effective date of the court's ruling. Read the full press release here.


Farmer Training and Certification In-Person

MDA is offering a three-day certification to write your own Nutrient Management Plan. For eligibility requirements, click here. The training will take place March 14th, 15th, and 22nd. The cost of the course is a $20 exam fee. Registration will close on 3/8 or when capacity is reached, register online here.


USDA 2022 Census of Ag Data

The NASS reported that from 2017 to 2022, Maryland lost over 12,000 acres of farmland. On a positive note, Maryland gained 121 farms during the same timeframe, a testament to the strength of small and first generation farms in Maryland. Read more online here.

Maryland On-Farms Trials Webinar

Tune in on March 5th at 9:00 AM for our one-hour webinar showcasing the 2023 check-off funded on farm trial results and a farmer panel. Register online here!


Annual Implementation Reports due March 1

The MDA is reminding farmers that the deadline to submit Annual Implementation Reports outlining nutrient applications made in calendar year 2023 in March 1, 2024. Our team has noticed a delay in mailing the AIR this year, if you have not received it at this time, please contact your local office. More 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

Farmers Protesting


As the chorus of tractor engines resounded last week through the streets of Prague, joining the ranks of European farmers protesting perceived injustices in agriculture policies over the last month. The demonstrations have expanded from Paris to Czechia. Read more online here.

Year-Round E15


EPA will grant the request by eight Midwestern governors to allow the year-round sale of fuel with a 15% ethanol blend, or E15 in their stages beginning in the summer of 2025, more here.

High Soil Salinity Fields


During Maryland Farm and Harvest, Cambridge-based grain farmer takes viewers on a site survey of his fields exposing the damage caused to his crops by high soil salinity resulting from sinking land, more here.

Ammonia Case Study


The Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative saw the need for an unbiased, factual summary of ammonia emissions related to poultry production on Delmarva and committed themselves to a shared learning process. This case study identifies key strategies used to reach consensus and the group process for writing the white paper and releasing it to the public. Read more about it here.

AI in Agriculture Statistics: Transforming Farming Practices


According to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture Statistics, is quickly transforming agriculture. AI-driven precision farming efficiently manages resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to higher yields with less environmental impact. In 2023, the global AI in Ag market revenue reached USD 1.5 billion. Read more about AI 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. Your membership dollar's count.


An update on legislation will be shared on Monday.

Crop Production Meetings


Queen Anne's Agronomy Day - March 1st - More 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's 2024 Conservation Buffer Initiative


Three types of buffers are eligible for funding and free technical assistance from local soil conservation districts under this program. Applications are now being accepted until March 8th. Contact your local soil conservation district to apply. For qualifying land, payments, eligibility, and more click here.

How to Research a Lawmaker and Create a Representative Profile


This presentation will explain how the best citizen advocates research their Members of Congress; use their Member's profiles to map personal or professional connections to their lawmakers; adjust their communications with those Members; and connect the dots between issues advocates care about to those that their Members care about. The presentation will take place March 19th at 3:00 PM, 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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