2021 Maryland Small Grain Variety Trials

Results from the University of Maryland Small Grain Variety Trials are in the tables below. To download a pdf copy of the report, click here or visit https://psla.umd.edu/extension/md-crops/small-grains-maryland.

For questions regarding the small grain trials, contact Dr. Vijay Tiwari (vktiwari@umd.edu) or Dr. Nidhi Rawat (nidhirwt@umd.edu).

If you’d like to learn more about how to interpret variety trial data, view our fact sheet by clicking here.

Click to Download The 2021 Small Grain Variety Trials

The Ag Census Counts

Jodi Letterman, public affairs specialist
USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

No other agricultural data series is quite like the Census of Agriculture. Every five years, American producers share information about themselves and their operations, contributing to a historical legacy that engages us whether we are looking backward or forward. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The data are used by producers as well as those who serve them and rural communities, including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and many others.

The purpose of any census is to enumerate, or count, all objects with a defined characteristic. For the Census of Agriculture, that goal is to account for any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year. Even the smallest plots – urban or rural – count, if this definition is met.

To prepare for the ag census, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducts the National Agricultural Classification Survey – going on now – to help identify all agricultural activity across the country. NASS encourages all producers who do not currently receive USDA NASS surveys and censuses to sign up to be counted today.

Everyone who receives a survey gives voice to their agricultural community, letting industry, new markets, and government know who they are and what they do. It is vital that everyone responds so that all of agriculture is represented and no one is left out.

There is a lot at stake. Quality data impacts decisions about commitment of resources, growing communities and the best ways to leverage billions of dollars. Ag census data are used to grow markets, fund research, determine disaster assistance and much more. For the 2022 Census of Agriculture, data collection begins in November 2022.

When data collection is complete, the rest of 2023 will be dedicated to data review and analysis, which includes a comprehensive disclosure review to ensure the protection of every respondent’s identity. The information provided by producers in any NASS survey or census is used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with federal law, survey responses are kept confidential and will not be disclosed in identifiable form.

When the data are finalized, an expert cadre of statisticians combines the data to provide information on the characteristics of farm operations and producers at the national, state and county levels. With data coming directly from the American agricultural producer, no other data series informs us and our descendants more completely and reliably about living and growing in this place in time. Look for the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture early in 2024.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture tagline, Your Voice, Your Future, Your Opportunity, though oft skimmed, beats a heart of meaning for our communities, our children’s children and our possibilities.

For more information about the 2022 Census of Agriculture or how to help promote it, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus or contact Jodi.Letterman@usda.gov.

Jodi Letterman is a public affairs specialist at USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Soybean Checkoff Research Field Day

Local farmers and industry professionals are invited to join the Maryland Soybean Board on August 11 at the Wye Research and Education Center (124 Wye Narrows Dr, Queenstown, MD 21658) to learn about checkoff-funded research out in the field and enjoy a snakehead fish fry and barbeque dinner. Research to be featured includes a spray drone demonstration, use of forage soybeans to control deer damage, evaluation of growth-promoting projects, variety trials, cover crops, and weed management. CEUs are available. Although this is a free event, pre-registration is encouraged:

https://msbfieldday2021.eventbrite.com

July 2021 Grain Market Report

Dale Johnson, Farm Management Specialist
University of Maryland

Information from USDA WASDE report

Attached is the summary for the July 2021 WASDE.

Corn

2021/22 harvest acres projection was increased by 1 million acres. The beginning supply estimate was adjusted down 25 million bushel. The net effect of these two adjustments on estimated supply was an increase of 150 million bushel. On the demand side, feed & residual estimate was increased by 25 million bushel and export estimate was increased by 50 million bushel. The result of these supply and demand estimates was an increase in ending stocks of 75 million bushels and an increase in the stocks to use ratio from 9.2% to 9.6%. December futures prices on June 10 closed at $6.16 per bushel. Prices through June declined with a spike in late June but have since declined to $5.32 on July 12.

Soybeans

There were no changes in the 2021/22 soybean estimates in the July WASDE report. November futures prices on June 10 closed at $14.59. Prices through June declined with a spike in late June but have since declined to $13.51 on July 12.

Wheat

There were small adjustments in most supply and demand categories resulting in a net effect of a 105 million bushel decrease in ending stocks decreasing the ending stocks-to-use ratio from 36.6% in June to 32.1% in July. Since these estimates are for a crop a year away they have little effect on prices. Nearby (July) prices on June 10 closed at $6.84. Prices through June declined $6.34 on July 12.

Maryland Grain Checkoff Referendum

A referendum to continue the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program (MGCP) will be held on July 22, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the annual Commodity Classic at the Queen Anne’s County (QAC) 4-H Park. The Checkoff Program works to improve Maryland grain farm profitability by funding market development, research and education projects focused on the needs of our farmers. Funding decisions are made by a board of grain producers from six regions throughout the state.

“The Maryland Grain Checkoff Program is made possible by farmers to benefit farmers,” said Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) President John Bruning. “I have seen firsthand how the projects funded with checkoff dollars have benefitted my own farming operation and Maryland grain farmers across the state.”

If passed by a majority, the 30-year-old Checkoff Program will continue from October 1, 2021 for an additional five years. One half of one percent (.5%) will be collected on the net value of each bushel of grain sold. The checkoff will be deducted at the first point of sale on all grain, with the exception of sorghum and soybeans. MGPUB does not administer the soybean checkoff program and grain refunds are available by written request to MGPUB.

“We encourage grain producers to support the referendum and become members of the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA),” says Bruning. “Membership dues to the MGPA may be deducted directly from your checkoff assessment. Checkoff dollars cannot be used for lobbying, so membership is essential to ensure our farmers have a voice in Annapolis.”

To be eligible to vote, a person must be financially engaged in the growing of grain as an owner, tenant, or sharecropper. Contact Lindsay Thompson for information or for an absentee ballots at 443-262-8491, lindsay.mdag@gmail.com, or write to MGPA, 123 Clay Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658.

More information about the Maryland Grain Producers and the Checkoff Program can be found online www.marylandgrain.org.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: July 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up to July 1, 2021

Western Maryland

The barley harvest is complete and the yield reports are very favorable. The combines moved t the wheat fields and that harvest is now underway with the balers following close behind. Early reports of wheat yields are also favorable. Corn and early beans looking good after a little battle with Mr. Slug and his friends. The recent heat has been good for the crops and allows for a favorable harvest, rains and cooler temperatures are forecast to be on the horizon. —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Northern Maryland

Crops look very good across Northern Maryland, and we just received some timely rains that the corn and soybeans will appreciate and should make for good double-crop planting/germination conditions. Wheat harvest is progressing with reports of average to very good yields and heavy test weights. Most all corn has been top dressed with the second shot of N. Earliest planted corn will be tasseling in a couple of weeks and early planted group III soybeans are very close to R1. There has been spots of some severe slug damage on early planted soybean fields. A lot of hay was put up over the past few weeks with the good drying weather.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

The heavier soils on the upper part of the shore are holding up well. However the mid shore is getting dry and hoping for July 4th rains! Wheat harvest is almost complete with yields being average and above. The dry/cool/long grain fill period proved good for wheat yields again. Scab was low to nonexistent. Corn is beginning to tassel/silk and looks good. Early planted Group 3 soybeans are blooming and look good. So far, there has been plenty of moisture for germination of double crop beans. There have been many acres of 2,4-D and Dicamba beans sprayed with minimal off site movement issues.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn growth has taken off in the last couple of weeks. On average it’s about 4-5 feet tall. Sidedress N has been applied or is currently being applied to late planted corn. Full-season soybean has been planted and on average is at the V4 stage, and 7-10” tall. For the most part crops are looking good, although corn is showing some signs of water stress in sandier areas. Wheat harvest began around June 20th and is ongoing. Wheat yields are reported as average.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

As I write this, temperatures across the region are reaching into the upper 90’s and rain has been hard to come by. Crops are moisture stressed, with earlier corn just beginning to tassel. Critical rains are expected today and tomorrow, so hopefully by the time this is read, all crops will have received some much needed moisture. Barley harvest is mostly complete and wheat harvest is well on the way. Yields have been good to very good given the wet fall. Some wheat is taking its time drying down. Soybeans are in good condition. Very early planted beans have made good strides. Beans planted the first or second week of May are a bit behind compared to most years. Spider mites are plentiful in vegetable crops, and will begin to show up in bean fields soon, especially if the hot, dry weather continues. Second cutting of hay is being made now. We need more rain so keep cutting.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

List of University of Maryland Agronomy Faculty

2021 Maryland Commodity Classic

The annual Maryland Commodity Classic is taking place on July 22nd starting at 9:00 AM.

Come by the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park to hear the latest research, interact with friends, discover the most recent Dr. Miller Awardee and scholarship recipients, and enjoy Bob Farmer, a comedian!

Please register online prior to our event, here!

Tickets are $10 before 2:30 PM or $20 after 2:30 PM. There will be no entry after 3:30 PM. Please pre-purchase tickets if possible.

Be sure to bring cash for lunch and snow cones!

CCA credits are pending.

Be On Lookout for Tar Spot: A New Disease of Corn

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

Before anyone panics, this disease has not been confirmed in Maryland; however, it is close by and could potentially spread to our state. As you’re scouting fields this summer, keep this one in the back of your mind.

Tar spot is a fungal disease of corn caused by Phyllachora maydis. It was first discovered in the United States in 2015. In Latin America where tar spot is more common, another fungal species, Monographella maydis, is known to occur in complex with P. maydis; however, only P. maydis has been found in the United States.

The initial occurrence of tar spot in 2015 was limited to a couple of counties in Indiana, but by 2018 it had spread across much of the US corn belt and caused serious economic damage. In 2020, tar spot was confirmed in corn fields in Lancaster County Pennsylvania (Fig 1). We believe this large geographic jump was due to seed that had infected corn residue that was planted into variety trial plots.

Map of US showing distribution of Tar Spot — Figure 1. Map of tar spot in the United States after the 2020 growing season. Map generated from: https://corn.ipmpipe.org/tarspot/.

Symptoms of tar spot are primarily the presence of glossy black, raised lesions on the leaves (Fig 2). These lesions look like someone splattered paint or tar on the leaves, hence the name. These symptoms have been observed to occur from VT to maturity. Lesions are also visible on dried plant parts.

Black tar spot lesions on corn leaf — Figure 2. Tar spot symptoms on a corn leaf.

The fungus that causes tar spot overwinters in infected corn residue; however, it is unknown how well, or if, this pathogen will overwinter here in Maryland or if this disease will be of any economic importance in this region.

Currently there are no management recommendations for this disease for our area, because as stated, it is yet to be confirmed in Maryland and unknown if it will be a problem. For the 2021 corn crop, be on the lookout for this disease in your corn fields, especially if your have any corn hybrid trials planted in your field. If you suspect you found this disease, please contact Andrew Kness (410-638-3255, akness@umd.edu) and we will work with you to confirm identification.

July IPM Insect Scouting Tips

Emily Zobel, Senior Agriculture Agent Associate | ezobel@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester County

Be sure to check all labels carefully before applying and combining insecticides and herbicides.

Soybean: Scout for the usual defoliators, including bean leaf beetle, Japanese beetle, and caterpillars. The treatment threshold is 15-20% defoliation for bloom to pod fill. Note that defoliation percentages should be based on the entire soybean plant or canopy, not just the top leaves or worst leaves. University of Nebraska Extension has a nice guide for defoliating insects in soybeans (https://croptechcafe.org/defoliating-insects-in-soybeans-thresholds-training-and-tools/).

Adult Dectes Stem Borer will be emerging over the next several weeks. Chemical control is not recommended since it would require multiple applications to reduce larval infestations, which is not economical. However, if a high number of adults are found, harvesting that field as soon as it matures will reduce losses associated with lodged plants.

Field Corn: At the start of silking, scout for Japanese beetles and stink bugs. For Japanese beetles, the treatment threshold is when there is less than ½ inch of silk and less than 50% pollination, and an average of 2 or more beetles per ear. For stink bugs, the threshold is 1 bug per 10 plants (V1 to V6), 1 bug per 8 plants (V14 to VT), and 1 bug per 4 plants (R1 to R2). Stink bugs and Japanese beetles are ‘edge’ pests, so treatment may only be needed around field edges and pivot tracks.

Alfalfa: Continue scouting for potato leafhoppers (PLH). Cutting will destroy many of the nymphs, and adults will often move elsewhere, but be sure to scout the regrowth. A rough threshold estimate is 20 PLH per 100 sweeps on alfalfa 3 inches or less in height, 50 PLH per 100 sweeps in 4-6 inch tall alfalfa, and 100 PLH per 100 sweeps in 7-11 inch tall alfalfa. A more precise threshold chart can be found on the Penn State Extension website https://extension.psu.edu/potato-leafhopper-on-alfalfa.

Herbicide Field Day

WHEN: Monday, July 12th 8:30-10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Powell Farm, 5499 Scotty Rd. Snow Hill, MD

WHAT: Discuss identification and management of herbicide-resistant weeds. Tour research plots.

WHO: Speakers include University of Maryland Extension Weed Specialist, Dr. Kurt Vollmer and Lower Shore Ag Agents, Drs. Haley Sater and Sarah Hirsh

BONUS: Free Program with Light Breakfast! Approved Pesticide Credits available!

Registration: Call the Somerset Extension office or Email Dr. Sarah Hirsh. Phone: (410) 651-1350, Email: shirsh@umd.edu

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