Category: Soybeans

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: November 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to November 16, 2023.

Western Maryland

Harvest is winding down. Nearly all of the corn and full-season beans are in the bins. Some of the double-crop beans weren’t even worth the cost of the fuel to harvest them. Cover crops are looking good as is the commodity wheat and barely. There are still a few acres that will get some rye. Manure is flying as we race to beat the December 15 deadline. Hay stocks are short but FSA has had the county designated a disaster area so there is some assistance available to make up for the shortfalls. Yields are all over the place depending on when the crop was planted and when the showers arrived. As always everyone is looking forward to 2024 being a better year.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

No Report.

Northern Maryland

2023 harvest has been about as smooth as anyone could ask for with very few weather interruptions. All but a few acres of corn and double-crop soybeans remain. Some rains here and there have been just enough to get cover crops and small grains off to a good start, especially those fields planted early, which have put on substantial growth and tillers. Corn yields have been very strong across most of the region and even record-setting on some farms. Soybeans on the other hand are average to below average in many fields and double-crop beans range from very poor to good. All things considered, yields (especially corn) were impressive considering how dry we started and finished the season; timely rains sure do make or break yields!—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Both corn and soybean harvest is finishing up. The high yields across the region have made grain delivery the last fewPreview (opens in a new tab) weeks a little frustrating. Tanks and piles are full. Granaries have been working to move grain out, but purchasing grain with reduced hours. On a positive note, that seems to be resolved now. The weather has cooperated to make harvest as easy and stress free as possible. We are finally receiving some rain to replenish ground water. Small grains are off to a good start.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn harvest is 95% complete. Most full season soybean has been harvested. It has been very dry in the region, and soybean moisture is below 13%. Soybeans are dusty and farmers are blowing off combines due to fire hazard. Soybean yields are coming in average to slightly above average depending on how much rain fields received. Double crop soybean following wheat is still a few weeks from being harvested. Wheat planting is underway and farmers are planting into dry fields. In many fields, cover crops are already seeing substantial growth and some farmers continue to drill winter cereal cover crops following soybean harvest.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Wrap-up: The last acres of soybeans and corn are making their way off fields as we wind into the last chapters of 2023 season. The season started early, with ideal planting conditions in early April. Many growers planted beans and corn during that early window. Conditions turned dry and cooler through the latter part of April and into May and June. Growers struggled with annual ryegrass burndown control. Rains returned as we turned the page into summer and crops responded well. Concerns over the wheat and barley crop, which appeared uneven through he late spring, were unfounded. The small grain crop was of great quality and yield. Growers struggled during the later harvest period as rains delayed harvest well into July. Most corn made it through the pollination window with adequate moisture. Dry conditions returned once again in August and September, resulting in drought stress to beans and corn. Corn harvest started a little earlier than normal. Overall yield reports are above average, and something to be grateful for given the dry conditions later in the season. Beans were more of a mixed bag. Early planted beans performed well for the second year in a row, with most of the crop made by the time the rain ran out. Double crops beans ranged from very poor to very good depending on rain timing and stage of beans. The fall harvest season has been good. Wheat and barley has germinated well and is growing fast with warmer than normal fall temperatures.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

2022 Soybean Fungicide Trials

Andrew Kness, Senior Agriculture Agent | akness@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Harford County

Trials were established at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, MD (WYE), Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City, MD (CMREC), and Western Maryland Research and Education Center in Keedysville, MD (WMREC) in 2022 to assess the efficacy of select fungicides for the suppression of soybean foliar diseases. Soybean ‘MAS3521E3’ were no-till planted into soybean residue at 150,000 seeds/A on 1 Jun at WMREC and 31 May at CMREC and WYE. All plots were 30 feet long and arranged in a randomized complete block design with 5 replications. Data was collected from the center 5-ft of each plot. The trial consisted of eight foliar fungicide treatments and a non-treated control. Fungicides were applied with a backpack CO2-pressurized sprayer. Fungicides were applied at the R3 growth stage on 5 Aug at CMREC and WYE and 8 Aug at WMREC. Treatments with subsequent applications were made 14 days later. Yields were collected by harvesting the center 5-ft of each plot and adjusted to 13% moisture. Plots were harvested on 8 Nov at WYE, 18 Nov at CMREC, and 22 Nov at WMREC. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, and significant differences between treatments were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD; α=0.10).

The most predominant foliar pathogen at all locations was frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina); however, growing conditions were generally very favorable and no disease was observed at a ratable level. This is likely due to the weather conditions around pod fill, as well as the resistance package in the soybean variety, which has a frogeye leafspot resistance rating of 7 on a 10-point scale (10 being the most resistant). Yields were above average, and no significant differences were observed between treatments at any location. No phytotoxicity was observed with any of the fungicide treatments. Data for 2023 is being processed and will be uploaded to the Agronomy News Blog once available. This work was funded by the Maryland Soybean Board.

Treatment, rate/A

and timing

 Grain Moisture (%)   Test Weight (lb)   Yield (bu/A)
WMREC CMREC WYE   WMREC CMREC WYE   WMREC CMREC WYE
Non-treated control 10.6 12.6 10.7   54.7 56.3 54.3   78.4 72.1 52.0
Headline 2.09 EC/SC, 6.0 fl oz at R3 10.5 12.2 10.5   54.7 56.5 54.4   91.0 74.0 59.8
Veltyma 3.34 S, 7.0 fl oz at R3 10.5 12.5 10.5   54.2 56.5 54.3   90.3 72.0 70.9
Miravis Top 1.67 SC, 13.7 fl oz at R3 10.6 12.2 10.5   55.4 54.0 54.3   86.5 63.0 59.2
Adastrio, 8.0 fl oz at R3 10.5 12.7 10.5   54.9 55.4 54.7   84.6 58.0 58.0
Revytek 3.33 LC, 8.0 fl oz at R3 10.6 12.4 10.4   54.9 55.2 54.3   82.3 76.1 62.9
Revytek 3.33 LC, 8.0 fl oz at R3 fb

Revytek 3.33 LC, 8.0 fl oz 14 days after R3

 10.6 12.7 10.5   54.8 55.4 54.2   83.6 58.9 60.9
Lucento 4.17 CS, 5.0 fl oz at R3 10.5 12.4 10.5   54.6 55.4 54.4   83.4 67.2 62.6
Lucento 4.17 CS, 5.0 fl oz at R3 fb

Lucento 4.17 CS, 5.0 fl oz 14 days after R3

 10.6 12.4 10.5   54.6 55.7 54.4   81.9 64.0 55.5
p-value 0.8716 0.3464 0.7067   0.2440 0.7375 0.9531   0.6583 0.7095 0.3133
z Means followed by the same letter are not significantly different based on Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD; α=0.10).

Can Flame Weeding be used for Early-Season Weed Control in Soybean?

Kurt Vollmer, Dwayne Joseph, and Alan Leslie
University of Maryland

Figure 1. A flame treatment is applied to control emerged weeds in soybean.

Starting clean or weed-free is the key to a good weed control program, especially when noxious weeds, such as Palmer amaranth are present. While conventional growers can use soil-active herbicides to manage these weeds, control is more complicated in organic systems. Flame weeding is a non-chemical tactic that has been shown to control several grass and broadleaf weed species. The majority of flame weeding treatments are applied to emerged weeds; however, studies have also shown flame treatments to have detrimental effects on the seeds of certain weed species post-dispersal. Furthermore, seeds from species such as horseweed (marestail) and Palmer amaranth tend to germinate from shallower depths in the soil profile, and may be more readily controlled by flaming on or near the soil surface. Cultivation/tillage is another tactic that can be used to control weeds in both conventional and organic systems. However, cultivation can lead to additional weed emergence and cannot be used when the soil is wet. Flame weeding may help to supplement weed control when cultivation is not an option.

In 2023, a study funded by the Maryland Soybean Board was conducted at sites in Caroline and Kent county Maryland to evaluate flame-weeding as an integrated tactic for early-season weed control in soybean (Table 1). All plots were flamed immediately after planting followed by 1 or 2 additional flame treatments or flame treatments integrated with a cultivation treatment when weeds reached 3” in height. In addition, different walking speeds (1 and 2 mph) were tested to determine if longer flame exposure improved weed control. All flame treatments were made using a propane-powered Inferno Flame Weeder (Neversink Farms, Figure 1), and cultivation was done using a 25cc 2-cycle gas-powered cultivator (Craftsman).

Table 1. Integrated flame-weeding treatments.

Treatment No. Treatment Speed

(mph)
1 Flame at planting 1
2 Flame at planting fb* flame 3” weeds 1
3 Flame at planting fb flame 3” weeds fb flame 3” weeds 1
4 Flame at planting fb cultivation 3” weeds fb flame 3” weeds 1
5 Flame at planting fb cultivation 3” weeds 1
6 Flame at planting 2
7 Flame at planting fb flame 3” weeds 2
8 Flame at planting fb flame 3” weeds fb flame 3” weeds 2
9 Flame at planting fb cultivation 3” weeds fb flame 3” weeds 2
10 Flame at planting fb cultivation 3” weeds 2
*fb= followed by

Results from both studies showed that flame treatments affected overall broadleaf density, but cultivation was needed to attain higher levels of control. Flame treatments alone helped to reduce weed density at the Kent County study relative to the untreated check, with three subsequent flame treatments showing a reduction in broadleaf weed density compared to one or two flame treatments (Figure 2).

Figure 2 (left). Broadleaf weed density at the Kent County site 5 weeks after planting. Figure 3 (right). Palmer amaranth density at the Caroline County site 4 weeks after planting. Values followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Student’s T-Test (α = 0.05).

While a diversity of species were present at the Kent County site, Palmer amaranth was the dominant species at the Caroline County site. At this site both treatment and walking speed had an effect on Palmer amaranth density 4 weeks after planting. While the majority of flame treatments did not differ from one another, Palmer amaranth density was lower with 3 subsequent flame treatments at 1 mph compared 3 subsequent flame treatments at 2 mph (Figure 3). Similar results were observed with the flame followed by cultivation followed by flame treatment suggesting that longer flame exposure may be needed for effective Palmer amaranth control. It should also be noted that Palmer amaranth varied in height at the time of postemergence applications, with flame treatments having a reduced effect on larger weeds (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Palmer amaranth injury following flame weeding.

While results from both sites showed that flame treatments can reduce weed density, weed control was not maintained at acceptable levels throughout the growing season. In the case of the Caroline County site, the level of the Palmer amaranth infestation was too high to produce a viable crop. These results suggest that preemergence flame treatments are not a viable option for weed management compared to postemergence flame treatments. However, additional research is needed to determine how postemergence flame treatments may be better integrated into a more comprehensive weed control program.

October 2023 Grain Market Update

Information from USDA WASDE report

Attached is the summary for the October 2023 WASDE.

Corn

This month’s 2023/24 U.S. corn outlook is for reduced supplies, lower feed and residual use and exports, and smaller ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 15.064 billion bushels, down 70 million on a cut in yield to 173.0 bushels per acre. Corn supplies are forecast at 16.451 billion bushels, a decline of 160 million bushels from last month, with lower production and beginning stocks. Exports are reduced by 25 million bushels reflecting smaller supplies and slow early-season demand. Feed and residual use is down 25 million bushels based on lower supply. With supply falling more than use, corn ending stocks for 2023/24 are lowered 110 million bushels. The season-average corn price received by producers is raised 5 cents to $4.95 per bushel.

Soybean

Soybean production is forecast at 4.1 billion bushels, down 42 million on lower yields. Harvested area is unchanged at 82.8 million acres. The soybean yield is projected at 49.6 bushels per acre, down 0.5 bushels from the September forecast. The largest production changes are for Kansas, Michigan, and Nebraska. With lower production partly offset by higher beginning stocks, supplies are reduced 24 million bushels. Soybean exports are reduced 35 million bushels to 1.76 billion with increased competition from South America. Soybean crush is projected at 2.3 billion bushels, up 10 million, driven by higher soybean meal exports and soybean oil domestic demand. Soybean oil domestic use is raised in line with an increase for 2022/23. With lower exports partly offset by increased crush, ending stocks are unchanged from last month at 220 million bushels. 

Wheat

The outlook for 2023/24 U.S. wheat this month is for higher supplies, increased domestic use, unchanged exports, and higher ending stocks. Supplies are raised 85 million bushels, primarily on higher production as reported in the NASS Small Grains Annual Summary, released September 29. Domestic use is raised 30 million bushels, all on higher feed and residual use. The NASS Grain Stocks report released September 29 indicated a higher year-to-year increase for first quarter (June-August) domestic disappearance than previously expected. Exports remain at 700 million bushels with several offsetting by-class changes. Projected ending stocks are raised by 55 million bushels to 670 million, up 15 percent from last year. The season average farm price is reduced $0.20 per bushel to $7.30 on higher projected stocks and expectations for futures and cash prices for the remainder of the marketing year.

September 2023 Grain Market Update

Dale Johnson, Farm Management Specialist
University of Maryland

Information from USDA WASDE report

Attached is the summary for the September 2023 WASDE.

Corn

This month’s 2023/24 U.S. corn outlook is for slightly larger supplies and ending stocks. Projected beginning stocks for 2023/24 are 5 million bushels lower based on mostly offsetting trade and corn used for ethanol changes for 2022/23. Corn production for 2023/24 is forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, up 23 million from last month as greater harvested area more than offsets a reduction in yield. The national average yield is forecast at 173.8 bushels per acre, down 1.3 bushels. Harvested area for grain is forecast at 87.1 million acres, up 0.8 million. Total U.S. corn use is unchanged at 14.4 billion. With supply rising slightly and use unchanged, ending stocks are up 19 million bushels to 2.2 billion. The season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $4.90 per bushel.

Soybeans

U.S. soybean supply and use changes for 2023/24 include lower beginning stocks, production, crush, exports, and ending stocks. Lower beginning stocks reflect an increase for exports in 2022/23. Soybean production is projected at 4.1 billion bushels, down 59 million with higher harvested area offset by a lower yield. Harvested area is raised 0.1 million acres from the August forecast. The soybean yield of 50.1 bushels per acre is down 0.8 bushels from last month. The soybean crush forecast is reduced 10 million bushels and the export forecast is reduced 35 million bushels on lower supplies. Ending stocks are projected at 220 million bushels, down 25 million from last month. The U.S. season-average soybean price is forecast at $12.90 per bushel, up $0.20 from last month. The soybean meal price is unchanged at $380 per short ton and the soybean oil price is raised 1.0 cent to 63.0 cents per pound. Other changes this month include higher peanut and lower cottonseed production.

Wheat

The 2023/24 U.S. all wheat outlook for supply and use is unchanged this month with offsetting by-class changes on exports. The projected 2023/24 season-average farm price is also unchanged at $7.50 per bushel.

Beneficial Stink Bugs in Crops

James Heffley, Agriculture Extension Summer Intern and Kelly Nichols, Agriculture Agent 
University of Maryland Extension, Montgomery County

Figure 1. Adult spined soldier bug. Image: Bugwood.org.

Podisus maculiventris, better known as the spined soldier bug (Figure 1), is a close relative of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB, Figure 2). However, the spined soldier bug is not only deemed nonthreatening to crops, gardens, and ornamentals, but is beneficial to their health. It is important to identify which type of stink bugs you are dealing with before you move forward with pest management.

Figure 2. Adult brown marmorated bug. Image: Bugwood.org.

Brown marmorated stink bugs pose a threat to agronomic crops especially corn and soybeans. Their quick reproduction habits and knack for hiding can be a dangerous combination for this invasive species. They feed directly on leaves and fruits and can kill small seedlings as well. Regular field scouting is the best practice for managing this pest. Control can be achieved by eliminating weed host plants that inhabit BMSB. These insects are drawn to living on mullein, mustard, and dock. They can also be accustomed to milkweed, plantain and select types of thistles.

The spined soldier bug is a beneficial insect that can be extremely helpful in consuming other unwanted pests in the field including select caterpillars and beetles. They can live on almost any field crop or in any garden setting. Females lay over 25 loose egg masses. If you come across spined soldier bugs in your fields, it is best to leave them be and let them proceed with their natural, biological control. In some cases, spined soldier bug nymphs can be purchased and released into the field for pest management.

How do we tell them apart? The brown marmorated stink bugs have a brownish grey body. Adults are approximately 17mm long and have rounded edges around their bodies and backside. Their backs are spotted and their heads are rounded as well. The spined soldier bug has distinct sharp shoulders and backs that protrude into points. Adults are about 13mm in length and have smaller heads than the BMSB. Spined soldier bugs also have a dark line on their forewings.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: August 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to August 3, 2023.

Western Maryland

Dry, dry, dry. Full season beans and corn are showing signs of drought stress. Many double crop beans are spotty and stressed. Hay yields are low so this winter could bring some hard decisions. The weatherman is giving us some hope with rain in the forecast but we have heard those predictions before only do be disappointed. The high heat has subsided and cooler overnight and morning temperatures are a welcome relief.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

Scattered thunderstorms have resulted in above, at, or below typical rainfall for the month of July, depending on what part of the county you’re located in. For the year, though, we’ve received 50-100% of normal rainfall. Corn at R2-R3, and soybeans at R1-R2. We continue to catch zero moths in the fall armyworm trap or western bean cutworm traps. Japanese beetles are clipping corn silks, but with the kernels already pollinated, that should not cause yield damage. Insect pests are present in soybeans, but in low numbers.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

The corn crop is finishing pollination and entering the early stages of kernel development. Recent scouting trips have revealed significant curling of upper leaves above the ear given the recent spell of dry weather. Interestingly, grey leaf spot is abundant in the central and lower portions of the county, though the majority of the infection appeared to be localized to the lower canopy away from the ear leaf. Full season soybeans are ending flowering and beginning pod-fill, while double crop beans are in the later stages of vegetative development and will shortly begin flowering. Japanese Beetle pressure in soybeans has been of primary concern with some fields reaching greater than 60% defoliation. Forage crop regrowth is limited at best given spotty rains, however quality is generally terrific.—Mark Townsend, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

Most of the region was fortunate to get sufficient and consistent rainfall for much of July needed for pollination in corn; although there are some areas in Carroll County that have remained excessively dry. Most of the corn crop has pollinated by now; looking at some ears, 16 rows around is quite common; I believe we lost a couple rows around due to the drought in May and June. With continued rainfall hopefully we can make up for it in kernels per row and kernel depth. Most soybeans are R3 and have very little disease or insect pressure. Double crop soybeans are out of the ground and growing rapidly. Some second cutting of hay was made but some farmers are holding off due to the slow regrowth.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Most of the region has received adequate rainfall over the past few weeks with some areas getting excessive amounts.  Corn yields will probably be pushing record yields again in most areas. Soybeans have excellent potential but still need rainfall to fill the pods. Most corn fields received a fungicide application whether needed or not. Stinkbugs are present in most fields. Troublesome weeds are outgrowing beans in some fields and being spot sprayed. Hay has been hard to make for the past month.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

It was a good year for wheat, with higher than average yields. Corn was hurt a bit by early dry weather, but has really turned around in the last three weeks after several rains. Most corn is currently in reproductive stages. Late corn will probably yield better than early planted corn. Most soybean is still in vegetative growth stage. Full season soybean was hurt a little due to dry weather, and are a little shorter than normal, but doing pretty well. Double-crop soybean is looking good. Cover crop sign-up acreage for the 2023-24 season has increased from last year.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

We have continued to receive rain just in the nick of time during the last month. As is normally the case this time of year, there are areas with too much rain and others with too little, but overall, growing conditions have been favorable. Corn is mostly all pollinated and in the grain fill stage. Full season beans are also in good condition. We had adequate moisture during the week of hot weather which limited the adverse effect on crop condition. Double crop beans were late being planted following a late wheat harvest and most fields have not yet canopied. In both corn and soybean, Palmer amaranth, Waterhemp and common ragweed are making their normal debut above the crop canopy. Vegetable crops are coming off now with a consolidated harvest season due to the cooler May and hot temperatures as of late squeezing harvest the window.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

2022 Maryland Weed Control Results

Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Figure 1. Preplant applications of Liberty (left) and Gramoxone (middle) compared to the untreated check (right) 10 days after application at Wye REC. Images: Kurt Vollmer, Univ. of Maryland.

Results from the 2022 Maryland Weed Control Trials are now available. These trials evaluate crop injury (PHYGEN) and herbicide efficacy (CONTRO) for certain weed species. This data can be used to compare herbicide options crops including corn, soybean, and wheat. Each metric is based on a visual assessment on a 0 to 100% scale with 0 being no control/injury and 100 being complete control/plant death. Products with a control rating less than 55% offer poor to no weed control. Growers should use caution when selecting an herbicide program based on one year of data as environmental conditions and weed populations can vary across locations. A copy of this report can be accessed at  https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/2023-07/2022%20Weed%20Control%20Results_FINAL.pdf or by using the QR code to the right, or by calling your local extension office for a copy. For more information on how to interpret this report, contact Dr. Kurt Vollmer (kvollmer@umd.edu).

Time is Running Out for Postemergence Applications in Soybean

Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Many may be preparing to apply certain postemergence herbicides to soybeans in the next couple of weeks. Those planning to spray Liberty (glufosinate) or Enlist One (2,4-D), should be aware that time is running out to spray these herbicides this season. The crop cutoff stage to apply Liberty in soybeans is “R1” and Enlist or Enlist Duo is “through R1.”

In addition, many may want to apply one of these products as a rescue treatment to control large weeds. At this time of year, it is likely that these weeds are beyond the label recommended growth stage. Some may have previously applied glufosinate and want to follow up with 2,4-D or vice versa. However, research has shown that tank mixing these products will provide better control of larger weeds compared to individual products alone. Both of these products can be applied over the top of E3 soybeans. Consider using the maximum-labeled rate for each herbicide. Liberty can be applied at maximum rate of 43 fl oz/A per application (87 fl oz/year) and Enlist One can be applied at a maximum rate of 2 pt/A (6 pt/year). Be sure to include 1.5 to 3 lbs of ammonium sulfate, apply at a spray volume of 15 gal/A, and follow all label instructions concerning drift.

Group 14 products such as Cobra (lactofen) can still be applied later to control smaller weeds, but control is likely to decrease, especially if weeds are taller than the soybean canopy. For more information see Control of Large Palmer Amaranth and Common Ragweed in Soybean or Corn (FS-1192) and Evaluating Late Season Burndown Options for Palmer Amaranth.

Frederick County Grain Marketing Meeting

New Extension Program: Frederick County Grain Marketing Meeting The University of Maryland Extension Frederick County will now host a bi-weeky (every-other) meeting to discuss current topics in commodity grain markets for producers looking to improve their grain marketing strategy and stay informed about current market conditions. The meeting is intended to be an open, informal discussion rather than a lecture or presentation. In this, any and all members of the agricultural community/those interested in learning more about commodity grain markets are invited to attend.

Currently, meetings will be held at the Cracker Barrel in Frederick located just off Rt. 85 at 7408 Shockley Drive, Frederick, MD 21704 on Friday mornings from 7:30 am – 8:30 am. The meetings will be held over a delicious breakfast, however attendees will be responsible for purchasing their own meals. The next meeting will be held on Friday, Jul 28, 2023. Meeting location and times may be subject to change to better suit the needs of the attending group and will be announced.

For additional clarity, the current meeting schedule for the next five meetings is as follows:

  1. July 28, 2023
  2. August 11, 2023
  3. August 25, 2023
  4. September 8, 2023
  5. September 22, 2023

Attendees or interested parties are encouraged to complete the online form at the Frederick County Extension, Agriculture and Food Systems webpage or at https://go.umd.edu/FrederickGrain. Completion of the form is not required for attendance, however those who complete the form and provide an email address will receive additional information and timely updates of grain marketing topics, news, and market conditions between meetings.

Depending on group interest, expert speakers may be invited to attend and offer additional perspectives on marketing or market conditions at future meetings. For more information, comments, or questions please contact Mark Townsend, Agriculture Agent Associate, at mtownsen@umd.edu or (301) 600-3578. The UME-Frederick Ag&FS team looks forward to your attendance!

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