Commodity Classic
Our 2020 Commodity Classic will be held virtually this year.

View our 2020 sponsors and agenda here.

Register for our free virtual event here.

CFAP - Grain Assistance
The USDA has paid out $4 billion, one-fourth of the $16 billion available. Producers have until August 28th to complete your applications. Non-specialty commodities, cattle, hogs, sheep, and specialty crops are included. Contact your local FSA office for questions and applications.

Paycheck Protection Program
Data shows that $7.6 billion went to the "Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting" sectors. About 1.5% of the total funds that the program released. There is still funding available for the loan program. More information here.
Planting Progress Report
Maryland barley is 65% harvested and wheat is 39% harvested. Read the latest progress report by USDA here.

Kansas Wheat Report was 70% harvested. Protein has averaged 12.9% with a test weight of 62.2 pounds per bushel. The yields are ranging from 20 to 50 bushels per acre. Read the report here. Read about Oklahoma's wheat harvest here.
Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report
The American Farm Bureau shares insight on jobs and retail. In early June, ADP suggests job losses of 2.76 million, two days later BLS reported the economy gained 2.5 million jobs. Whereas, May sales climbed 18% over April levels. But compared to May 2019, sales were off by 6%. Read the breakdown by sectors here.

Market and Trade Update
On July 1st, the USMCA officially enters into force, replacing the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. Since NAFTA, US ag exports have tripled to Canada and quintupled to Mexico. These exports have a significant economic impact, producing $5.79 billion in economic activity, supporting 36,480 jobs and 300,000 farms. Read more here.

In April, corn use for fuel ethanol fell to 245 million bushels. Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 299 million bushels, down 36% from March and 39% from April 2019. Read more here.

Trade updates from the US Grain Council showed slow sales due to harvest pressure in South America, but there was a sale of 361.1 MT. In light, year after year, corn exports to Israel are up by 167% and Vietnam has increased by 222%. Two vessels of sorghum went to China two weeks ago, this week they purchased 144.4 MT. Lastly, 1,000 MT of barley was sold.

View June 30th Maryland Grain Bids here.
We Are Here for YOU
Stay safe and healthy! 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.

Lindsay Thompson, [email protected], Executive Director
Jenell Eck, [email protected], Programs and Public Relations Director
Marguerite Guare, [email protected], Administration
443-262-8491
NEWS/FARMER RESOURCES
Farmers Make Progress on Reducing Chesapeake Bay Pollution; Fed up with Brian Griffiths Columns

Over the past 30 years, farmers' commitment to sustainable practices has resulted in reducing agriculture's nitrogen and phosphorus loads to the bay by 25%. Read the full story submitted by Holly Porter with DPI here.
Glyphosate Update

On June 22nd, a federal judge in California ruled that glyphosate cannot be labeled as "likely to cause cancer." Two days later, Bayer announced it has decided to settle thousands of lawsuits that accuse a link between glyphosate use and cancer. This settlement is not an admission that glyphosate causes cancer, it is more cost-effective for the company to settle now than to continue to fight litigation with an uncertain number of cases, plaintiffs, and settlements.

This settlement requires the creation of a Class Science Panel, approved by the court. This independent panel is tasked with determining whether glyphosate in fact has a causal relationship with cancer. Bayer will be legally bound by the outcome and the determination will be used to settle future claims.
Delmarva Poultry Industry

To bring light to the industry that consumes our grain, we have been working with DPI and Maryland Farm Bureau to share positive stories during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are two stories that we wrote as partners.

  • Feed Truck Driver Sidelines, Neighbor Pitched In - here
  • Chicken Growers Turned to Technology to Help Each Other - here
Grain Standards Act - Reauthorized

The US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry approved the US Grains Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020. The legislation sets the framework for the functioning of the US Federal Grain Inspection Service, ensuring all grains and oilseeds have been inspected and certified by an independent agency. Read the full story here.
Climate Solutions Act Reviewed

The U.S. Senate Ag Committee reviewed the Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2020 (S. 3894) which addresses the potential for agriculture to serve as a critical climate solution. This will make it easier for producers to participate in climate-smart practices, navigate carbon markets, and earn extra income through carbon sequestration. Learn more about this act here.
Nutrien Ag and Plant Nutrition

Through two interviews, Nutrien Ag explains how tissue samples are like blood samples you take for your doctor. Seeing the full breakdown allows farmers to know what nutrients they can apply to get the biggest bang for their buck. Listen to the interviews here .
Webinar - Manure and Soil Health

The University of Nebraska and Minnesota have partnered to develop an interactive experience for farmers to identify preferred manure application sites based upon soil health and other factors. Cropland can benefit from manure by improving soil health and fertility while increasing yield. Watch the webinar here and learn more.
Corteva - Identify Crop Threats

Through a new technology called "Threat ID" allows farmers can take a photo on their phone or tablet to see what disease or insect issues they are facing. The app can identify over 400 different threats in over 30 different crops. Read the full story here.
Cover Crops and Input Costs

A recent study by the Iowa Soybean Association shows that cover crops can reduce the input costs associated with growing crops. Using cover crops ahead of corn in a corn-soybean rotation, reduced the average input costs $16.93 per acre and increases yield by 5.1 bushels per acre. Read the full story here.
Created By: Jenell Eck
Programs and Public Relations Director

Please contact with any questions.