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Egyptian Grain-Buyers Head to Maryland to See Grain Farms First Hand
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Last Friday, a team of Egyptian grain-buyers visited Maryland to learn about the area’s grain farms and elevators as part of the U.S. Grain’s Council (USGC) Export Exchange 2016 Program. The international team was one of 19 who participated in the nationwide program. The team met with USGC Chair, Chip Councell, who took them to see corn harvest at Hutchinson Brothers Grain and Nagel Grain Elevator.
The buyers were excited to see Maryland grain production and handling systems first-hand, and to have the opportunity to make business connections while on the tour. They were also appreciated the amount of vast farmland and our large poultry industry. Councell educated the team on the high-quality supply of Maryland corn, as well as the stewardship and technology used to produce it. The team was highly impressed by Maryland corn production and seemed eager to develop trade relationships. They even enjoyed taking a ride on the combine!
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Greater Washington Regional Clean Cities Coalition Awards
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Congratulations to Lynne Hoot and Jill Hamilton, who both received awards from the Greater Washington Regional Clean Cities Coalition last week for their promotion of ethanol. Lynne received the Innovator of the Year Award for her work securing a $7M USDA Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership grant to add 43 ethanol blend stations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District. “Lynne’s support of ethanol and direction to her farmers is the reason the Mid-Atlantic has any public E85/ethanol station… It wouldn’t have happened without the Maryland farmers and especially the endorsement of Lynne Hoot,” said Jill, who nominated Lynne for the award. Jill went on to receive this year’s Most Visionary Professional (MVP) for her work with the BIP grant as well.
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National Corn Yield Contest
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As corn harvest wraps up here on the shore, the National Corn Growers Association gives the following reminder:
“The National Corn Growers Association reminds 2016 National Corn Yield Contest entrants to complete the online harvest forms. Entry for this year’s contest. The online harvest form is available to both farmers and seed representatives using the same login process as the initial entry form. Login does require submission of the entrant’s NCGA membership number. NCGA moved to a solely online entry platform last year. This year, harvest entry documentation must also be submitted online. To complete the form, entrants will upload weight tickets and a form documenting row lengths. Prior to upload, both documents must be signed by the contest supervisor.”
Entries should be reported within seven business days of final yield check, or by November 21, 2016, whichever comes first. We encourage all Maryland grain farmers to enter in this contest.
Harvest Form Submission
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Northeast SARE Grant Applications Due November 29
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Farmer Grants are for commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique. A technical advisor--often an extension agent, crop consultant, or other service professional--must also be involved. Projects should seek results other farmers can use, and all projects must have the potential to add to our knowledge about effective sustainable practices. Proposal deadlines are in early winter with awards announced in March.
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Remember to Vote Next Tuesday!
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If you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to get out and vote next Tuesday! It is important that before you head to the polls, you understand where the candidates stand on agriculture. This election year is critical for many issues, including biotechnology, clean water, energy, farm bill, food safety, immigration, and trade. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has created a great resource to learn about the candidates, and has up-to-date information with where they stand on these important issues. Early voting may be available now in your area, check with your county for more details on polling information.
AFBF State Details - Maryland
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Have You Contacted Your Local Official Yet?
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Maryland’s farmers need Congress to step up and pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) now! The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that TPP will increase cash receipts and net exports from Maryland by $43.7 million and $19.3 million per year respectively. This growth in the economy would add nearly 150 jobs to the state and increase trade range of Maryland’s agricultural products including poultry, vegetables, soybeans, and processed food products.
Right now is a crucial time to reach out to your Congressional members to not only vote yes if TPP is brought to a vote, but to encourage your members to push leadership to take up a vote in the lame duck. Visit the link below to reach out to your local official, if you have not done so already.
Contact Now!
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Did you know that conventional ethanol reduces greenhouse emissions by an average of 34%? In response to a recent documentary aired by PBS, Growth Energy has created a website called The Ethanol Effect. It contains real facts on ethanol, and how it benefits Americans across the country. The website is an excellent resource for the biofuel that is in 97% of America’s motor fuel.
Visit Website
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