Market and Trade News

• USDA's Economic Research Service indicated a record wheat crop, more here.
• U.S. Flour Miller imports cheap wheat versus buying domestic, more here.
• NCGA's 2023 corn crop update and market minute can be found here.
• The Council supports the first E7 station in Japan, learn more here.
• U.S. Wheat's most recent harvest report can be found here.
• Check out the latest grain bids online here.

Maryland Crop Progress

• Corn is 76% fair or in better condition.
• Barley is 98% fair or in better condition
• Wheat is 95% fair or in better condition
• The webpage can be found here.

Cover Crop Programs

The 2023-2024 sign-up has returned to in-person registration at your local Soil Conservation District. The program begins June 21st and ends July 17th.

Cover Crop Program has a base payment of $60 per acre, more information here.

Cover Crop Plus+ has returned for the second year, more information here.

MDA & Nutrient Management

Since the recent announcement, there have been a lot of moving parts.

1) A two-page document can be found on frequently asked questions here.

2) MD Grain Producers will be at the forefront, if you would like to make sure your voice is heard, please complete this online form.

3) SMADC is organizing a public listening session on June 30th at 5:30 PM. Learn more about this forum online here.

Tar Spot in on the Rise

First noticed in northwestern Indiana, tar spot has crept across the Corn Belt over the past eight years. Today, the disease is present from Iowa to Pennsylvania and has the potential to decimate corn yields. While the disease remains a threat each year, several factors will influence the severity of its impact. Read more online here.

June Agronomy news can be found 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

MDA invests $650,000 in Innovative Soil Health and Agroforestry

The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that 16 projects will receive grant funding totaling $650,000 through New Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. The pioneering projects funded through the fund received up to $50,000 to support three years of enhanced healthy soil practices. Learn more about the funded projects online here.

CBF Statement on the 2022 UMCES Chesapeake Bay Report Card

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has released its 2022 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Report Card, which rated the overall health of the Chesapeake watershed with a grade of B-. Read the full story online here.

Farm Credit Releases Report Providing Perspective on Ag Industry

Horizon Farm Credit recently released its 2023 Agriculture Industry Insights and Perspectives Report. The 28-page report highlights their 100-county territory. Find the full press release here and the report here.

Welch Named New Executive Director of Maryland Farm Bureau

The Maryland Farm Bureau Board of Directors named Parker Welch as the organization's new executive director. Welch has held several key positions within Maryland Farm Bureau since he was hired in November 2014. Congratulations Parker! Read the full press release here.

El Nino is Back

El Nino is officially here and while it's still weak right now, federal forecasters expect this global disrupter of worldwide weather patterns to gradually strengthen. Read more about the El Nino here.

UMD Launches Program with NASA

Large, multinational corn buyers increasingly demand that Illinois growers help them reach ambitious environmental goals. A five-year $15 million program launched in March to direct the federal government's satellite resources at some of the country's most pressing agriculture and food security challenges. More here.

Scrap Tire Drop-Off Days

Going NOW until June 30th, Maryland Farm Bureau is partnering with the Maryland Department of the Environment for its annual scrap tire event. Locations and times vary, learn more here.

Organic Transition Initiative

The Organic Transition Initiative is a $300 million multi-agency USDA effort to support this transition and build and strengthen organic markets. Maryland farmers transitioning to organic certification should apply at their local USDA Service Center by June 19th to be considered for funding this year. Learn more here.

What We Need to Know About PFAS

The University of Maryland Extension office is holding a webinar on June 21st at 12:00 PM. The webinar will provide more information/insights on PFAS. Register for free here.

2023 Weed Management Twilight

This event will be the third stop on the Delmarva Weed Tour and will include tours of corn and soybean herbicide research trials, integrated weed management projects, and a tour of demonstration plots. Join UMD on June 28th from 4;00 - 6:00 PM. For more information and to register click here.

2023 Maryland County Fair and Show Schedule

View this guide to see the 2023 fair schedule across the state. The list is up to date as of June 12th and may be subject to change. The fair season kicks off with Baltimore County 4-H Fair on July 13th. View the guide here.

LEAD Maryland Class XIII

LEAD is accepting applications for its next cohort of Fellowship Program participants. Completed applications are due by October 1st. The application materials are available here. LEAD is holding information sessions virtually throughout the summer, the next one is July 13th and you can register here.

Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program & ERP Phase Two

PARP is here to assist eligible producers who experienced a revenue decrease in the calendar year 2020. Contact your local USDA's Farm Service Agency will for questions. Applications are due by July 14th, learn more here.

Maryland Commodity Classic

The 25th Annual Maryland Commodity Classic will be here before you know it! We are excited to offer a great morning session, a full exhibit hall, and an entertaining meeting, ending with good food. We hope to see YOU on July 27th. To RSVP or to buy a ticket, click here.

National Corn Yield Contest

The 2023 corn yield contest is currently accepting farms. The entry period closes on August 16th. Learn more here.

$500 Million for Improved Regional Conservation Partnership Program

RCPP leverages a voluntary approach to conservation that expands the reach of conservation efforts and climate-smart agriculture through public-private partnerships. Increased funding is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act. Applications are now being accepted through August 18th. Learn more here. If interested in a webinar about the program, join this Wednesday at 2:00, register here.

National Sorghum Yield Contest

Registration is currently open and closes on November 15th. Learn more here.