Market and Trade News

• China is canceling purchases of U.S. corn, learn more here.
• Canada could have the largest wheat acreage since 2001, more here.
• An update on the new CPKS railroad merger and its impact on U.S. wheat here.
• Check out the latest grain bids online here.

Maryland Crop Progress

• 50% of Maryland corn is planted with 25% emerged
• 28% of winter wheat is in head
• Barley is 99% fair or in better condition
• Wheat is 98% fair or in better condition
• The webpage can be found here.

FHB Update for Maryland 5/2/2023

Barley is heading across the region and scab risk is on its way up! New research has found that the best spraying time for protecting winter barley from scab is six days after 100% heading. For more information and fungicide recommendations, click here.

Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP)

PARP is here to assist eligible producers of agricultural commodities who experienced revenue decreases in the calendar year 2020 compared to 2018 or 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA's Farm Service Agency will accept applications through June 2nd. Call your local office for more information. The USDA website link can be found here.

EPA Moves to Maintain Consumer Access to Low-Cost, Low-Emission E15

The EPA announced that it will use existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88. Haag said, "Corn growers are proud to contribute to an energy and environmental solution that saves consumers money at the pump." Read more here.

U.S. Begins Testing Bird Flu Vaccines for Poultry After Record Outbreak

The U.S. government is testing four potential bird flu vaccines for poultry after more than 58 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have died in the nation's worst outbreak. If the trials are successful and USDA decided to continue development, it would take at least 18-to-24 months for a vaccine that matches the current virus to be commercially available. Read 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

Creating A Legacy, 2023 National Corn Yield Contest

59 years young and still growing! The 2023 National Corn Yield Contest opens today and together, entrants will contribute their expertise and innovation to create a pool of agronomic knowledge that has been almost six decades in the making. The entry period closes on August 16th with harvest forms due by November 30th. Learn more here.

EPA Proposed to Register New Uses of Pesticide Chlormequat Chloride

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released for public comment its proposed decision to register the first food uses of the pesticide chlormequat chloride to provide farmers with an additional tool to help increase crop yield. Before registering these uses, EPA will need to establish tolerances in or on barley, oat, triticale, and wheat. Read more here.

Farm Bill

Corn farmers are optimistic that Congress can make key farm bill programs more effective and responsive to the needs of farmers, read the full article here.

The National Association of Wheat Growers believes the Farm Bill could be completed by early 2024, more here.

The National Corn Growers highlight the importance of crop insurance at farm bill hearing. Read more online here.

Farm Credit Announces New Program to Assist the Next Generation

Horizon Farm Credit announced the launch of its Grow Ahead program, which features new financing options to help the next generation of farmers access the capital they need. Loans through the program features discounted pricing, reduced fees, customized loan terms, and relaxed underwriting requirements. More here.

USDA is Providing $130 Million in Assistance to Help Farmers

FSA has begun accepting and reviewing individual distressed borrow assistance requests from direct loan borrowers who missed a recent installment or are unable to make their next scheduled installment. Learn more here.

EPA Lawsuit on Chesapeake Bay Tentatively Settled

The three-year lawsuit filed against EPA by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and others has finally reached a proposed settlement. The public will have 30 days to comment on the proposed settlement before it can be finalized. Read the full story here.

Split Nitrogen Cost-Share

For the third and final year, the Delaware Maryland 4R Alliance is offering $15 an acre to add an additional split of nitrogen to their 2023 corn crop. Learn more here, if interested contact Jenell Eck McHenry at 443-262-6969.

CDL Grant

The Maryland Grain Producers is now offering two grants in the amount of $1,500 to members working on obtaining their Class A Commercial Drivers License. Applications are due TODAY and can be found here.

U.S. Grains Council Certification Series

Join online on May 8th at 11:00 AM to learn more about the international Sustainability and Carbon Certification pathway. For the full agenda and to register click here.

Maryland Small Grains Field Day

Join us on May 23rd to enjoy a showcase of the research being conducted by the University of Maryland Small Grain Production team. The event will begin at 3:00 PM and end at 5:00 PM. Register 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.

National Sorghum Yield Contest

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

Applications Open for $110,000 in Ag Scholarships

Students can apply for 1 of the 55 $2,000 scholarships from Growmark. Applications can be submitted online by May 12th. Learn more here.

Bruce W. Hotchkiss Memorial Scholarships

Two $1,500 scholarships are available to high school seniors or college students who are studying for a career in agriculture. Applications are due May 15th. Learn more or apply online here.