Market and Trade News

• May corn opened at $4.59 today and wheat was mixed, more here.
• Millers forecast U.S. soft red winter wheat production to be up 3% from 2024, although Mid-Atlantic production is forecasted to be down 8%. More here.
• The U.S. Meat Export Federation released a study reporting the exports of pork and beef are up, accounting for $2.4 billion in market value corn, $525 million to DDGS and $1.12 billion to soybeans in 2024. More here.
• Ohio Congressman introduces the "Farm to Fly Act" aiming to boost the production of sustainable aviation fuel utilizing biofuels. More here.
• A conveyor belt system at a Brazil port collapse after being struck by a barge, leaving the terminal inaccessible. More here.
• The EU is set to impose retaliatory tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods on April 1st, more here.

Top News

Catastrophic Cuts Recommended to Agricultural Programs in Maryland



The Maryland Department of Legislative Services has recommended cuts to the budget that would completely eliminate funding for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) agricultural easement acquisition and eliminate funding for a variety of programs at the Maryland Department of Agriculture from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.

This would cut $21.6M from MALPF for this fiscal year and $120M through FY29. MALPF is consistently oversubscribed and this cut would make it impossible to meet the 40% preserved land by 2040 goal and undoubtedly result in the loss of family farms to development. The DLS recommendation also includes redirecting all funding for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund. This would result in the diversion of $21.3M from the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Resource Conservation Unit. This funding supports 52 employees in the Soil Conservation Districts who conduct conservation planning and implementation. This funding also supports cost share for Best Management Practices such as the nationally renowned Cover Crop Program, manure transport, nutrient management planning and much more.

Please consider contacting members of the Budget and Taxation Committee and Appropriations Committee to oppose these proposed budget cuts.

EPA to Host Listening Sessions to Review the Definition of WOTUS

The EPA will hold at least six listening sessions for stakeholders between late March and into April. "The agencies will move quickly to ensure that a revised definition follows the law, reduces red tape, cuts overall permitting costs, and lowers the cost of doing business in communities across the country while protecting the nation's navigable waters from pollution" said EPA administrator Lee Zeldin. Read more here.

Farmers Suing the Trump Administration for Withheld IRA Funds

Several U.S. farmers and non-profit organizations filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday, arguing it is illegally withholding Department of Agriculture grants funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The five farmers involved in the suit were awarded grants from a USDA Rural Energy for America Program to install solar panels. More here.

USDA Reinstates Probationary Employees

On March 5th, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) issued a 45-day stay on the termination of U.S. Department of Agriculture probationary employees. On March 12th the Department placed all terminated probationary employees in pay status and provide each with back pay, from the date of termination. These actions were followed by a Federal Judge ordering the Trump Administration to rehire probationary employees at six federal agencies, including the USDA. More here.

We Are Here for YOU

Lindsay Thompson, lindsay.mdag@gmail.com, Executive Director

Jennifer Gannon, jennifer.mdag@gmail.com, Programs and PR Director

Elaine Draper, thompsonagconsulting@gmail.com, Administrative Assistant

Horizon Farm Credit Grant Program Opportunities

Horizon Farm Credit is currently accepting applications for two grant programs:

• JumpStart Grant: For startup farmers and is open now through March 28th. Up to 15 grants of $10,000 each will be awarded. More information, eligibility requirements, and the application are available here.
• Community Investment Grant: A new grant program targeted at supporting nonprofit and community organizations. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects focused on ag innovation, ag education, diversity in agriculture, environmental stewardship, or strengthening communities. The grant application closes on June 15th. More information and the application are available here.

Maximizing the Benefits of Spring Burndown Applications

After the quiet months of winter, warming temperatures and longer days often mean a mad dash to get the season started. Prioritizing weed management early is critical to reducing yield loss and future risks. See how you can maximize the benefits of spring burndown applications here.

Mid-Atlantic Still Charting on Draught Monitor

While near- to above-normal precipitation (1 to 2 inches) fell on the eastern tier of the Mid-Atlantic region last week, areas from central Maryland and Delaware northward are still facing moderate to severe draught conditions according to the U.S. Draught Monitor. Approximately 27% of U.S. winter wheat is facing draught conditions.

UMD Releases New Grain Marketing Tool

The University of Maryland Extension has updated the UME Grain Marketing site with 2025 custom rates, field crop budgets, and a new online tool for grain marketing analysis. To assist farmers in making crop enterprise decisions, UMD has introduced the Maryland Grain Budget Planner, a new online tool that integrates crop budget data with grain marketing analysis. This free resource, funded by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center, helps farmers track market trends, project expenses, and benchmark financial performance.

There are just 24 days left in the Maryland General Assembly's Legislative Session. Monday, March 17th, marks Crossover Day, the deadline by which bills must be passed out of either the House or Senate to avoid being sent to the Rules Committee in the opposite chamber. As a result, this week has been incredibly busy in Annapolis, with lawmakers likely working into the evening tonight and tomorrow to ensure that bills make it out of their respective chambers. However, it's important to note that priority legislation may still pass even if it doesn't meet the Crossover Day deadline. Please consider taking action by contacting your legislators on the recommended budget cuts under Top News. 

HB386/SB345 - PFAS Chemicals - Prohibitions

Sponsored by Delegate Ruth

This bill has been significantly amended to minimize the impact on agriculture while still allowing for protections for human health and the environment. As amended, the bill will prohibit the registration and use of pesticides which meet the EPA working scope definition for PFAS from the Toxic Substances Control Act. This will decrease the number of impacted Active Ingredients to 6. The amendments also push implementation back to 2032 and allow for the Department of Agriculture, in consultation and agreement with the Department of Health, to list additional substances based on emerging public impact data and the evolving needs, uses and available alternatives in agriculture.

Passed the House as amended

MGPA opposed as originally drafted

SB 931/HB 1036 - Renewable Energy Certainty Act 

Sponsored by Senator Feldman and Delegate Wilson

Altering the factors the Public Service Commission must consider before taking final action on a certificate of public convenience and necessity; establishing certain requirements for the construction of a certain solar energy generating station or energy storage device; requiring the Commission to conduct a certain study to establish a process by which the Commission may establish partnerships between electric companies and electricity suppliers for electricity generation projects; etc.

No action by the Committees

MGPA Opposes

HB1345/SB990 - Consumer Protection - Agricultural Equipment Warranties

Sponsored by Delegate Jacobs & Senator Gallion

Requiring, to make a claim under a warranty for certain agricultural equipment, a consumer to provide written notice to certain parties to report a nonconformity, defect, or condition occurring in certain agricultural equipment; requiring certain parties to correct the nonconformity, defect, or condition in a certain manner; requiring certain parties to provide a consumer with the opportunity to replace agricultural equipment or receive a refund under certain circumstances; and applying the Act prospectively.

No action by the Committees

MGPA Supports

HB225/SB203 - Exceptional Hauling Permits for Farm Products

Sponsored by the Environment and Transportation Committee Chair

Creating an exception for vehicles carrying fluid milk products to the prohibition against driving a vehicle subject to an exceptional hauling permit on the interstate highway system; altering certain weight limits and tolerances under an exceptional hauling permit; altering the preventive maintenance documents that an individual operating under an exceptional hauling permit must possess; and altering certain record-keeping requirements and the application of certain administrative penalties under an exceptional hauling permit.

Passed the Senate & House

MGPA Supports

SB 958/HB 1024 - Agriculture - Catastrophic Damage Caused by Deer

Sponsored by Delegate Hutchinson

Authorizing the Department of Agriculture to take extraordinary measures to control local deer populations and prevent future crop loss if the Department determines that deer have caused catastrophic damage to a field; and defining "catastrophic damage" as the loss of 50% or more of crops from a single field.

No action by the Committees

MGPA Supports

SB 634/HB 741 - Hunting - Non-lead Ammunition, Fox Chasing, and Deer Management

Sponsored by Delegate Allen

Altering the definition of "hunt" to no longer exclude the sport of fox chasing; establishing the Deer Management Assistance Program in the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Department to require, through a certain phasing-out process, the use of nonlead ammunition on or before July 1, 2029; and establishing certain exemptions and requirements for any person who participates in the sport of fox chasing.

No action by the Committees

MGPA Supports with an amendment to remove the lead ammunition portion

SB 736/HB 1511 - Natural Resources - Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund - Establishment

Sponsored by Delegate Ruth

Establishing the Wildlife Damage Prevention and Reimbursement Fund to reimburse a person for damage caused by deer, geese, and other wildlife to crops and other agricultural products; authorizing the Department of Natural Resources to accept requests for grants from the Fund for projects that seek to prevent damage caused by deer, geese, or other wildlife; and authorizing the Governor to include in the annual budget an appropriation of at least $50,000 to the Fund.

No action by the Committees

MGPA Supports

HB278 - Income Tax - Subtraction Modification - Enhanced Agriculture Management Equipment

Sponsored by Delegate Bouchat

Altering a subtraction modification under the Maryland income tax for enhanced agricultural management equipment to include equipment that the Secretary of Agriculture determines by regulation to qualify as enhanced agriculture management equipment; and applying the Act to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

No action by the Committees

MGPA Supports

HB483 - Income Tax Credit - Venison Donations - Alterations

Sponsored by Delegate Ziegler

Repealing the limitation on the maximum amount of a credit against the State income tax that an individual may claim for certain expenses incurred for a donation of deer meat to certain organizations; and applying the Act to all taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

No action by the Committee

MGPA Supports

HB766 - Wildlife Advisory Commission - Membership - Alterations

Sponsored by Delegate Otto

Requiring that the Wildlife Advisory Commission member appointed to represent the farming community be selected from a list of candidates provided by the Maryland Farm Bureau.

In the House - Hearing held 2/19

MGPA Supports

HB 1036/SB 931 - Public Utilities - Generating Stations - Generation and Siting (Renewable Energy Certainty Act)

Sponsored by Delegate Wilson

Altering the factors the Public Service Commission must consider before taking final action on a certificate of public convenience and necessity; establishing certain requirements for the construction of a certain solar energy generating station or energy storage device; requiring the Commission to conduct a certain study to establish a process by which the Commission may establish partnerships between electric companies and electricity suppliers for electricity generation projects; etc.

Hearing held 2/28

MPGA Opposes

HB1175/HB898 - Nutrient Management - Tidal Buffer - Vegetative Buffers and Restriction on Fertilizer Application

Sponsored by Delegate Stein

Authorizing, in accordance with technical specifications adopted by the Department of Agriculture, that State cost-share funding be made available for installing various vegetative buffer practices on land within the 100-foot tidal buffer on an agricultural operation; prohibiting a nutrient management plan renewed after July 1, 2025, from allowing a person to apply certain fertilizer to land within the 100-foot tidal buffer; etc.

In the House - Hearing held 2/28

MGPA Opposes

Ag Integrated Pest Management Web Series

Weeds, diseases, and insects are often a major concern for growers in Maryland. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs incorporate multiple pest management strategies into their production practices. Join the University of Maryland monthly for timely topics to help manage pests on the farm. Hosted via Zoom, on the Third Thursday of every month at noon, these one-hour sessions are both informative and interactive, providing an opportunity for participants to learn and engage with specialists in the field. The next session is March 20th. Find more information here.

Nutrient Management Plan Writing Training

The University of Maryland will be providing an opportunity for producers with cropland and pastures in Maryland who meet the minimum requirements to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan. There will be trainings in Frederick on March 24th, March 26th, and April 2nd. There will be trainings held online from March 31st to May 2nd. Find more information here.

Enhancing Resilience in Agriculture Using Profitable Maryland Triticale Cultivars

Join the Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology at noon on Tuesday, March 25, for a free webinar on a University of Maryland researcher’s work on gene editing in triticale cultivars. Dr. Vijay Tiwari is currently working on research that focuses on developing resilient cereal crops for the Mid-Atlantic region. This presentation will focus on why triticale may be a good fit for Maryland farmers in the face of increased stresses on crops. You can find more information and register here.

American Coalition for Ethanol Fly-In

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is hosting their 14th annual DC Fly-In & Government Affairs Summit March 27th-28th, at The Royal Sonesta in Washington, DC. The event is free, and ACE arranges all meetings on your behalf, from large group visits with members of the Administration, to small group meetings with members of Congress and their staff. Register here.

Online Private Pesticide Recertification Training

The University of Maryland will be offering an online pesticide recertification training on April 1st from 6-8 PM. The session will focus on pesticide use and related topics for all field crops, fruits and vegetables. Find more information here.

Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification

The University of Maryland Extension will be offering an online nutrient applicator voucher recertification training on April 8th. This session will focus on fertility and production related topics for all field crops, fruits and vegetables. This Zoom recertification session will be live via the internet directly from the University of Maryland. Registration by April 7th is required in order to receive Zoom login instructions. Find more information here.

Women and Mentors Program

The National Corn Growers Association is accepting applications for the 2025 Women and Mentors retreat. The event will take place on June 25th and 26th in Chicago, IL. The program focuses on creating a diverse network of individuals who wish to empower women in agriculture. Read more and apply online here.

Maryland Farm Bureau Scholarship

The Maryland Farm Bureau is awarding five $2,000 scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. Three scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing academic degrees in food, agriculture and/or natural resources disciplines, and two scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing degrees in other academic disciplines or who are pursuing minors in food, agriculture and/or natural resources disciplines. Applications are due March 21st and can be found here.

University of Maryland Workforce Development Internship

The University of Maryland Workforce Development Internship is a ten-week full-time Summer experiential learning and professional development opportunity for undergraduate students currently enrolled in a in a two-year, four-year degree or certificate program and who are interested in a career in agriculture and natural resources. Applications are due March 23rd and can be found here.

Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation Scholarship

MAEF Academic Scholarships are open to rising junior or senior undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in majors leading to careers in agricultural education or Extension education. Qualified candidates should complete and submit their online application by March 25th. More information can be found here.

Delmarva Chicken Association Scholarship

Undergraduate scholarships of $2,000 are available to residents of the Delmarva Peninsula who are undergraduate students at any accredited, degree-granting institution, with an academic major in a subject relevant to Delmarva's chicken community and who are pursuing a career path leading to employment in any segment of Delmarva's chicken community. Graduate level scholarships of $3,000 will be available to graduate students at United States universities who are engaged in research that directly benefits Delmarva's chicken community. Applications for both are due March 28th and can be found here.

Maryland State Fair Scholarships

The Maryland State Fair is sponsoring four $2,000 scholarships in memory of F. Grove Miller to Maryland youth who are enrolled in a four-year college, post-secondary college or trade school, and one $2,000 scholarship in memory of Marlin K. Hoff to a Maryland youth who has carried a dairy project and is enrolled in a four-year college, post-secondary college or trade school. Applications are due June 1st and can be found here.

Xtreme Ag Scholarships

Xtreme Ag is offering ten $3,000 scholarships to support and empower individuals passionate about pursuing higher education within the Agricultural Industry. Applications are due August 31st and can be found here.

Created By: Jennifer Gannon | jennifer.mdag@gmail.com

www.MarylandGrain.org

Please contact us with any questions.