Dear Maryland Grain Producers,
The past few weeks have been stressful and uncertain for all. We are thankful for the hard work and dedication each of you continue to demonstrate during these trying times. Without each of you, we would not be able to provide the food, fuel, and fiber to keep this world moving forward.
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The United States Prospective Planting Report was released on
March 31st. Corn and soybean acreage increased while wheat is down 1%. Prices for these commodities are very uncertain at the time. Please keep in mind, that exports are currently still flowing, according to the
US Grains Council. Domestically, alcohol consumption has increased while ethanol, livestock, and dairy prices and demand have decreased. It is important to note, the virus does not infect pigs, ducks, or chickens and it is assumed the same for other livestock according to a
vet.
As you all are working hard in the fields this spring,
agribusinesses are taking steps to ensure that farmers have access to the necessary crop inputs for planting. Currently, fertilizer and products are moving normally throughout the supply chain.
Resources For You
If you and your operation are facing challenges, there are a handful of programs available. The
Farm Service Agency ensures that staff are available to serve you while relaxing the loan making process and adding flexibility for serving direct and guaranteed loans.
USDA is removing some of the crop insurance responsibilities to keep employees safe during these times.
According to the
National Corn Growers Association, if corn prices stay at their current lows for the rest of the marketing year, then PLC will generate a corn payment for the 2019 crop. While the ARC program is unlikely to pay out for the 2019 crop year, producers in this program will be protected against revenue losses for their 2020 crop.
MARBIDCO launched a new program with low-cost loans and flexible terms for working capital or equipment purchases. Applications must be submitted by May 31st.
On Your Operation
Making a plan can not only provide peace of mind but also helps reduce stress. The plan does not need to be pretty or formal. The
National Corn Growers Association shares what your plan should include, for example, seed plan, field maps, seed treatments, fertilizer plan, row width, and fieldwork. You can find field planning documents
here. Once your plan is complete, be sure to share it with your family and employees where it can be found.
For COVID-19, be sure to communicate with your employees about the importance of sanitation and sick leave. Make plans and keep supplies available to keep tractors and other gathering locations clean. Remember to practice social distancing with everyone, including visitors and those delivering products for planting. Lastly, have letters of employment available to your employees to carry while traveling to and from work.
Stay safe and healthy this spring, if there is anything we can do for you, we want to hear from you. It is best to contact our cell phones or emails. We will continue to have one person in the office during normal business hours.
443-262-8491
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The University of Maryland shared their April Agronomy News and can be found
here. The newsletter covers COVID-19 resources, cover crop survey, drone webinar, and research on ragweed, fusarium head blight and lime.
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Tenth Circuit Denies Refiners' Rehearing Request
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The US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit denied a request for a rehearing of a recent ruling that struck down certain small refinery exemptions under the RFS. Read the full article
here.
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Managing Burnout in a Seasonal Business
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The challenge with burnout is that each employee experiences the effects differently. The good news is that burnout is reversible and you can take effective steps to prevent burnout before it event starts. Learn five steps to management burnout
here
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Delayed Termination Acres for Cover Crop - Deadline 4/15
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For an additional $15 per acre incentive to terminate cover crops after May 1st, you must report fields to your local conservation district office by April 15th. Calling in your fields is the only option right now due to COVID-19, find your district office information
here
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Wheat Yield Application Closes 5/15
The National Wheat Yield Contest closes winter wheat entries on May 15th. There are 24 National Award opportunities. Learn more and enter online
here.
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MidAtlantic Farm Credit - Spring Patronage
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Farm Credit announced the distribution of $17 million in cash to its members this month. This is in addition to the more than $10 million that the Association distributed this February. Read the full article
here.
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Coastal Farmers - Salty Soils
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Saltwater intrusion is the unique phenomenon comprised of high salinity levels and long period of saturation. Farmers who wish to continue farming have started replacing crops with salt-tolerant species. Research is being performed by the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America to determine the correct rotations of these new crops for farmers and can be found
here.
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Syngenta Accepting Entries for #RootedinAg
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Syngenta will award three contest finalists with mini touch-screen tablets and one grant prizewinner with a $500 gift card, plus the opportunity to tell his or her story in
Thrive magazine. The #RootedinAg contest gives people the opportunity to tell their story with a deadline of June 30th. Learn more
here.
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Looking for something new to listen to while you work in the tractor or sprayer this spring? NCGA has a new podcast entitled, "Wherever Jon May Roam." There are currently give great podcasts that you can tune to now,
here.
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Earlier this year, Nori paid Trey Hill of Rock Hall, Maryland $115,000 for just over 8,000 tons of carbon stored in his soil. Soil sequestration has the potential to remove 250 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year in the US alone. Read the full story
here.
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In Memory - Bunny Burkett
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Bunny Burkett from Virginia passed away on April 4th. The Maryland Grain Producers has funded Bunny and her Race Team from 2000 to 2015. Bunny utilized ethanol as her source of fuel when racing. Through 50 years on the track, she has accomplished a number of titles.
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Online Nutrient Management Voucher Recertification
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- From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on April 17th there will be a live on-line session available. The session will focus on fertility and production related topics for field crops, fruits and vegetables.
- Register here.
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Frederick Soil Conservation District
- The Frederick SCD is offering one or more George A. Nicholson Sr. Memorial Scholarship of up to $1,000 to qualified students who are interested in pursuing a career relating to renewable natural resource, land use, or conservation.
- Applications are due April 15th.
- Apply here.
Maryland Sheep Breeders Association
- With the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, MD Sheep Breeders are offering a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a student who has been accepted or is in the process of applying for continuing education at a college or university, technical school, or vocation school.
- Applications are due April 15th.
- Apply here.
Delmarva Poultry Industry - Extended Deadline
- The Delmarva Poultry Industry is offering scholarships in the amount of $1,500 for undergraduate and graduate students. One must be a resident of the Delmarva and have an academic major in a subject area relevant to the chicken industry.
- Applications must be received before May 1st.
- Apply here.
Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship
- Our 2019 scholarship is open now! For college students who live in Maryland working towards a degree in an agriculturally-related field is eligible to receive one of the four $2,500 scholarships. Applicants or their immediate family must be a member of the Maryland Grain Producers Association.
- Applications are due May 1st.
- Learn more about eligibility and apply here.
Maryland State Grange
- Scholarship applications are due May 1st and there are no requirements. There is also a State Grange Deaf Scholarship for students who are hearing impaired or plan to work in the hearing impaired field.
- Contact 301-829-0545 or mdstgrange@comcast.net for more information.
Dairy Management Inc. Scholarship
- The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, through Dairy Management Inc. annually awards up to eleven $2,500 scholarships to eligible undergraduate students enrolled in a secondary education that emphasize dairy.
- In addition, the board awards a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to the outstanding scholarship recipient.
- Completed applications should be submitted on-line no later than May 22nd and can be found here.
American Floral Endowment - 24 Scholarships
- This endowment has 2 scholarships awarded annually. Online applications and supporting documents are due by May 1st. Scholarships are intended for college students pursing degrees in floriculture and horticulture fields only.
- Learn more here.
Bruce W. Hotchkiss Scholarship
- Two $1,500 scholarships are to be awarded to students studying for a career in agriculture and have maintained a cumulative GPA 3.5 or higher.
- Applications are due May 15th.
- Apply here.
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Created By: Jenell Eck
Programs and Public Relations Director
Please contact with any questions.
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