Market and Trade News

• Wheat stocks among major exporters are historically tight, and any disruption to the flow of Russian exports through the Black Sea could trigger a sharp price run-up, more here.
• U.S. Wheat's most recent harvest report can be found here.

Washington DC Updates

• USDA Agencies have developed a procedures and contingency plans for use in the event of a lapse in funding. View their plans here.
• Congressional Research Service put together a document explaining what would happen if the farm bill expired. The full 23-page report can be accessed here, a one-page can be found here.
• USDA is extending the deadline for its Request for Information to October 12th to solicit public comments on possible changes to prevented crop insurance coverage, more here.
• USDA plans to spend $1.4 billion to pay for a new export promotion program, read more online here.
• USW and NAWG thank Senators for introduction of the American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023, learn more here.
• CEO of the NCGA pushed back against the commentary made by a science advisory board to the US EPA that questioned the effectiveness of ethanol in lowering greenhouse gas emissions, read more here.

Maryland Crop Progress

• Corn is 80% fair or in better condition.
• Corn is 95% in the dough stage, 88% in the dented stage, and 53% in the mature stage.
• Harvest has begun, we are hoping for a bountiful harvest for all.
• The webpage can be found here.

Farmer Mental Health

Approximately one in four farmers struggle with mental health. This video was released during Mental Health Awareness Month to amplify NCGA's outreach to farmers on this critical topic. NCGA urges all industry partners to help lookout for signs. Saying something could mean everything. More here.

Let NHTSA Here Your Voice

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken one-way towards an electric vehicle future. Its new proposal would require an industry fleet-wide average of approximately 58 miles per gallon for cars and light duty trucks by model year 2032. The rule would also require a 10 percent increase in fuel efficiency for heavy-duty trucks and vans year over year.

Farmer Grant Program 2024 Calls for Proposals

Farmer Rancher Grants provide opportunities for farmers to solve problems on the farm using innovative sustainable agriculture practices. Projects can focus on research or education and demonstration. A TA is required and should be enlisted at the early stages of the proposal development. The proposal deadline is November 14th. Learn more online 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

Nationwide Study on 30 U.S. Farms Show Positive Economic Impact of Soil Health Management Systems

The multi-year and data-driven collaboration assessed the economics of soil health management systems (SHMS) for a range of crops. Key findings included a net farm income increased by an average of $65 per acre. Read more online here.

NCI Market Update with Allison Thompson

On Wednesday, September 20th, Allison Thompson, Commodity Broker/Market Analyst at The Money Farm shared some market insights. You can watch the recorded report here.

Ethanol Industry Associations Ask Treasury Secretary to Use GREET

U.S. ethanol organizations including the USGC Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledging global actions to decarbonize the aviation transportation sector using sustainable aviation fuel and encouraging the use of updated scoring in the US Department of Energy's GREET model instead of carbon intensity scoring used in the CORSIA model for corn-based ethanol sustainable aviation fuel. Read more online here.

Farm Credit Announces Recipient of JumpStart Grant Funding

Farm Credit recently announced a $150,000 disbursement of grant funds to beginning farmers through JumpStart, the Association's competitive grant program for farmers in the start-up phase of business. Congratulations to the 15 applicants across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Read more here.

Food and Ag Leader Kevin Burkum named CEO of USFRA

USFRA's Board of Directors is pleased to announced that Kevin Burkum, a senior leader in food and agriculture, has been selected as the next CEO of USFRA. Burkum grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, has worked in food and agriculture for most of his life. He has held leadership positions at organizations throughout the food supply chain, from farm to fork. Read more online here.

New Cover Crop Survey Data Challenges

A new national survey report has found that the vast majority of farmers who use cover crops don't need incentive payments to continue with the practice because of how much they appreciate its value to their land and business. Read more here.

Ag Outlook Forum

The 9th annual Ag Outlook Forum will feature top economic, policy, business and government officials presenting their current outlooks and helping you identify the challenges and opportunities you face in these volatile times. You can join in-person in Kansas City or virtually on September 25th. Learn more and register here.

Citizen Advocate Webinar

In partnership with the National Corn Growers Association, Congressional Management Foundation is offering a webinar on September 26th at 3:00 PM. The webinar covers keeping in touch with constituents from a virtual platform. Register here.

Farmers on the Rise Awards

Farm Credit is hosting the third annual Farmers on the Rise award competition this fall. This year's program will award up to ten $10,000 awards. The application is open and closes October 6th. Apply online here.

Delmarva Chicken Festival

A beloved public event is returning this year to celebrate 100 years of growing chicken on the Delmarva. The free festival will take place October 7, 2023, from 1:00 - 7:00 PM at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, MD. More here.

Mid-Atlantic Grain Conference

This all-day conference will welcome grain practitioners and enthusiasts from across the Mid-Atlantic grain value chain. Join us for a day of presentations, discussions, and networking as we seek to improve the Mid-Atlantic grain value chain for all stakeholders. The conference will take place on Monday, October 23rd in Washington D.C. Learn more here.

Conservation Innovation Grants

NRCS announced $65 million is funding available nationwide for CIGs. Applications are being accepted until October 30th. More information here.

National Sorghum Yield Contest

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

2023 Annual Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference

The annual Law Conference is a unique gathering of agricultural professionals, attorneys, educators, environmentalists, farmers, policymakers, and students to discuss the complex intersection of environmental regulation and agriculture in Maryland. Join the team on November 16th at the Crowne Plaza in Annapolis, here.

Purina Animal Nutrition Launches Scholarship Program

Purina Animal Nutrition if offering scholarship to assist students involved in agriculture and livestock production in pursuing their passions and further their education. Applications are now open and close on October 12th. Learn more here.