Market and Trade News

• A deal allowing Ukraine to export grain via the Black Sea expires on July 17th, more here.
• Brazil is positioned to surpass the U.S. in corn exports this year, more here.
• June USDA reports on Acreage and Stocks made a significant splash, here.
• NCGA released a corn balance sheet resent here and the third episode of Mazine Market Minute 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 91% fair or in better condition.
• Wheat is 97% fair or in better condition and 69% harvested for grain.
• Barley is 74% harvested for grain.
• The webpage can be found here.

Monday

This Monday is the deadline to report your 2023 - 2024 cover crop plans. Visit your local Soil Conservation District to sign-up.

Also, remember to report your crops to the FSA office.

MDA & Nutrient Management

Thank you to all those who have shared your thoughts with us and at listening sessions. Monday at 9:30 AM, MDA will be having its Nutrient Management Summit at Anne Arundel Community College. You are welcome to attend but be sure to register here. The Star Democrat put together a good story with statistics on the Nutrient Management change here.

Ask Congress to Pass A Comprehensive Farm Bill

Farm bills only come around every five years. We need a comprehensive bipartisan bill that will protect and bolster America's corn crop. Act now here.

View July Agronomy News here.

Maryland Buy Local Week is from July 21st to 31st!

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

National Wheat Foundation Hosts Wheat Farm Tour

On Tuesday, June 27th, the National Wheat Foundation and Maryland wheat grower Eric Spates, hosted a wheat farm tour for congressional staff and USDA employees. The attendees had the opportunity to explore the farm, witness the wheat harvesting process, and listen to speakers who specialize in the agriculture industry. Read the full story here.

MD Gets More than $650,000 Wildlife Disease Prevention

Maryland delegation members announced more than $650,000 in federal funding to combat wildlife diseases, including avian flu. MD Department of Natural Resources will receive federal funding to control the spread of wildlife diseases. Learn more here.

MD FFA Holds 95th Convention

Congratulations to Maryland FFA on their 95th FFA Convention. Members competed in career development events, received their American FFA Degrees, and current state officers retired while a new team was elected. Learn more about the convention here.

Bonus Cover Crop Program

The University of Maryland Extension is seeking farmers from select counties on the Eastern Shore for their bonus cover crop program. Participants will receive $30/acre in addition to MDA's payment. Learn more online here.

Financial Assistance Application Opens for USDA Borrows

The USDA has announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. The program website is now open and closes on October 31, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in November and December, with payments reaching recipients soon thereafter. Learn more here.

MDA to Provide Hay and Straw Directory

MDA is encouraging farmers looking for markets for their hay and straw to provide their contact information for a new state Hay and Straw Directory. View it here. Learn more 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 going on right now! View the guide 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.

Cover Crop Program

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. More information on the basic cover crop program can be found here. Returning for the second year, more information on the cover crop plus program can be found 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.

Penn State's Ag Progress Days

Join others August 8th - 10th for Penn State's Ag Progress Days at the Russel E Larson Ag Research Center. Learn more 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.

Farm Progress Show

The 2023 Farm Progress Show is celebrating its 70th anniversary in Decatur, IL on August 29th -31st. Learn more online here.

USFRA's Honor the Harvest

USFRA is having its annual event from September 13th through 14th. More information is forthcoming and will be available online here.

National Sorghum Yield Contest

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

Graduate Students - Research Ambassador

National Corn Growers Association encourages qualified graduate students to apply for the Research Ambassador program. Graduate students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States and are involved in research broadly related to corn production are eligible to apply. Applications are due July 15th, learn more here.

Dairy Scholarship

A $5,000 scholarship will be offered to Maryland youth who have/had a dairy project and are enrolled in a 4-year college of agriculture program. Applications can be found online here and are due no later than July 15th.