The Maryland Grain Producers wishes you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Thank you for #stillfarming this past year, we are proud to serve you. Please contact us if there is anything we can assist with.
Lindsay, Jenell & Marguerite
Market and Trade Update
Top Five U.S. 2020/2021 Corn Markets
  • China - 11,590,200 MT
  • Mexico - 9,721,300 MT
  • Japan - 5,350,400 MT
  • Colombia - 2,003,200 MT
  • South Korea - 1,060,100 MT
  • Unknown Destination - 7,584,872 MT

433 million bushels of corn was processed for ethanol in October.
President-Elect Joe Biden
  • Nominated Michael Regan - EPA Administrator
  • Nominated Katharine Tai - U.S. Trade Representative
  • Mentioned that addressing China's unfair trade practices will be a top priority.
Top News Stories

Maryland COVID Relief
Maryland has provided more than $9 million for farmers, watermen, and producers through the emergency economic relief package. Full story here.

Stimulus Package Currently In Senate
A second stimulus package is in the works at the federal level. The House has approved the amended package that is currently waiting on a Senate vote. A few items this package currently includes are;
  • RAMP-UP Act (Requiring Assistance to Meat Processors for Upgrading Plants): designed to support facility upgrades and planning grants to help move the federal inspection and sell their products across state lines.
  • Contract Chicken Growers: USDA will be authorized to provide up to $1 billion in assistance to contract chicken growers for revenue losses sustained from the pandemic. Read more here.
We Are Here for YOU
Lindsay Thompson, [email protected], Executive Director
Jenell Eck, [email protected], Programs and Public Relations Director
Marguerite Guare, [email protected], Administration
443-262-8491
CLASSIC SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology

The Hughes Center is a 501(c)(3) corporation affiliated with the University of Maryland College Park and the University System of Maryland. Founded in 1999, the Center brings together diverse interests for the purpose of retaining Maryland's working landscapes while protecting and improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Thank you for being a 2020 classic sponsor!
NEWS/FARMER RESOURCES
Protect Your PPP Data

In response to a federal lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act, the Small Business Administration released the personally identifiable information of PPP loan recipients on December 1st. Contact your lender if you have any questions. Read more here.
Farm Credit Donated $85,000 to Local Food Banks

MidAtlantic Farm Credit donated a total of $85,000 in December to local food banks in their five-state territory. The Maryland Food Banks received $25,000. Read more here.
Strategies to Boost Corn Yields

Practical Research Farm has tested a number of products over the past three years and they have found a positive return on investment. Check out the suggested strategies to help boost yields here.
Bacteria Working Together and Protecting Crops

A group of scientists is interested in finding plant-associated bacteria that could help plant-growth-promoting bacteria. Read more here.
Corn vs. Soybeans

There are many factors that influence a grower's corn-versus-soybeans decision. This article discusses factors in grain markets, acknowledges the agronomic risk and, contemplates changing up one's crop rotation while sticking to a profit-based decision. Read the full article here.
Perdue to Hold Virtual Program

Next-generation farmers and business partners are encouraged to join Perdue Extension for the eight-session virtual series "Grow Your Farm Operation." Designed for young, new, or beginning farmers, the series will help farmers develop key skills to manage their farm. The registration fee is $100 per farm operation and can be found here.
National Commodity Classic Update

Registration will open Tuesday, January 26th. The first 5,000 farmers to register, will have their fees waived thanks to the generous corporate sponsors. Those registered afterward will be charged $20! Learn more about this national event being held March 2nd to 5th here.
Youth Opportunity

Sign-up is now available for the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program. This platform allows companies to schedule one-on-one video interviews with qualifying students. Learn more here.
EVENTS/DATES
Maryland Farm Bureau - Winter Webinar Series

MFB has put together a series to address hot topics for Maryland farmers and provide more benefit for their members. These webinars are free for members. If you would like to tune in, a $70 fee will provide access to all webinars. All webinars begin at 7 PM. Register here.
  • 1/5 Aquaculture
  • 1/7 Hemp
  • 1/14 Agriculture Education
  • 1/19 On-Farm Alcohol Production
Learn more and register here.
Extension - Weekly Ag Program

The University of Maryland Extension educators have developed a new virtual morning program for farmers and agriculture industry personnel called "Good Morning Farmer!" You are encouraged to join every week for an hour here.
Delaware AG Week - Now Month

This year, Delaware Ag Week will be held for an entire month. Session for Agronomy, Risk Management and more. CEU's will be available and more information is to come, learn more here.
Grain Marketing Update

Various speakers will discuss grain marketing on January 8th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Topics will include local and national grain outlook, tax considerations, crop insurance, and agricultural law. Register here.
How To Calculate the PMT Using NuManPro Software

Earn 1 MD Nutrient Management CEU on January 8th by completing a webinar on the Phosphorus Management Tool. Register here.
CRP Sign-Up

USDA's CRP will be open January 4th to February 12th. More information here.
New Pilot Buffer Program

MDA will launch a new pilot program starting January 11th and closes February 5th. The program offers an attractive incentive payment, easy sign-up, and more management options for farmers who want to plant streamside buffers on their farm to improve water quality. Learn more here.
National Commodity Classic

The in-person annual event will be transitioned to a digital experience. We hope to see you online this March! Learn more here.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Farm Credit Foundation Scholarship

The Farm Credit Foundation is offering 10 scholarships worth $10,000 each to students planning to pursue a career in agriculture. Applications are due January 8th. More information can be found here.

Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship

Grow Ag Leaders awards more than $500,000 in scholarships to students studying ag-related fields. Grow Ag Leaders asks farmers to endorse high school seniors or college students for a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship. Applications are due January 14th and can be found here.

MACCA Scholarship

The 2021 Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers Scholarship is now open and accepting applications until February 19th. Learn more here.
Created By: Jenell Eck
Programs and Public Relations Director

Please contact with any questions.