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:
July 28, 2023
August 11, 2023
August 25, 2023
September 8, 2023
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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This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 17, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) held a much anticipated Nutrient Management plan writing summit on Monday, July 17 at Anne Arundel Community College to present the overview of the re-imagined and improved nutrient management program. Following a June 1st announcement by MDA of changes to the way plans are written as well as listening sessions held throughout the State in the weeks following, MDA and the University of Maryland (UMD) have made the joint decision to reevaluate and reframe how the program is managed. Farmer and industry input contributed greatly to this decision.
During the July 17 Summit, MDA shared goals and objectives including:
Evolving the nutrient management plan model through industry input to adapt to modern farming practices and operations;
Improving the plan writing process through cost-free plans available to farmers;
Grow and support plan writers by increasing the emphasis on Farmer Training Certification (FTC) Program;
Incentivize individuals and organizations to offer plan writing services throughout the state;
UME will remain engaged in this program by continuing to offer free nutrient management plan support as in the past.
“Throughout this process tough decisions and conversations had to occur to get us to this point of creating a solid plan going forward,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “I thank our industry and their representatives for providing critical input throughout the listening sessions. In addition, I want to thank the University for stepping up and addressing our concerns. We look forward to further partnership as this process moves forward with renewed and enhanced engagement through University of Maryland Extension.”
Maryland law requires all farmers grossing $2,500 a year or more or livestock producers with 8,000 pounds or more of live animal weight to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. Nutrient management plans specify how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be safely applied to crops to achieve yields and prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways.
Because of their complexity, these plans must be prepared by a certified University of Maryland specialist, certified private consultant, or farmer who is trained and certified by the department to prepare his or her own plan.
“I want to thank the Maryland Department of Agriculture for working with us on priority changes to the statewide nutrient management program,” said University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean Craig Beyrouty. “We are very encouraged by the progress that has been made to re-introduce University of Maryland plan writers so that we may continue to offer the support our agricultural community has come to trust and rely upon. I’m thrilled that the University of Maryland Extension (UME) will administer this new program. They provide research-based education with a deep understanding of farmers’ operations and environmental needs and will be excellent stewards for this important work.”
Lastly, the Department announced a new 30-member Farmer Taskforce, convening in August to provide guidance to MDA and UMD regarding ways to improve the nutrient management plan to be more practical for farmers to implement. The Task Force’s recommendations will be considered by the Nutrient Management Advisory Committee.
For more information and full details about the changes, please visit www.mda.maryland.gov and click on Nutrient Management Plan Writing updates.
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The following details were also presented at the Summit:
Framework of Tentative New Agreement:
MDA and UMD will enter into a 3 year MOU to continue funding UMD Nutrient Management plan writers to be renewed annually, contingent upon funding;
The new program will be administered day-to-day by UMD Extension.
Funding & Staffing:
Both MDA and UMD will seek more permanent funding to sustain the program. Currently the program is funded primarily by the EPA;
The UMD will seek ways to increase salaries and offer benefits for plan writers. Currently, UMD plan writers are hired on a contractual basis because of the uncertainty of continued annual funding by EPA.
Nutrient Management (NuMan) Software improvement:
Build a more modern software program that helps our industry meet its environmental stewardship roles by ensuring better inclusion of today’s modern agricultural production systems, incorporation of the latest research and incorporating web-based accessibility on a variety of devices.
New Nutrient Management Oversight Committee:
MDA and UMD, chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Dean of UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will be created to:
Oversee the plan writers
Draft annual reports on the program that includes data such as number of engaged farms/farmers, number of plans developed, acres represented by plans, and reduction of pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus entering waterways as a result of the plans;
Set goals for increasing the percentage of plans written through UMD.
Expanded Training Opportunities:
MDA will hire a NM Training Coordinator;
More training opportunities will be available for both Farmer Training Certification (FTC) and developing and delivering classes for consultants;
Develop online training modules.
Education:
UMD will work with MDA to develop educational programs directed to producers to encourage greater participation in the nutrient management program.
This month’s 2023/24 U.S. corn outlook is for fractionally higher supplies and ending stocks. Corn beginning stocks are lowered 50 million bushels, as greater feed and residual use for 2022/23 more than offsets reductions in corn used for ethanol and exports. Corn production for 2023/24 is forecast up 55 million bushels as greater planted and harvested area from the June 30 Acreage report is partially offset by a 4.0-bushel reduction in yield to 177.5 bushels per acre. According to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, harvested-area-weighted June precipitation data for the major Corn Belt states represented an extreme downward deviation from average. However, timely rainfall and cooler than normal temperatures for some of the driest parts of the Corn Belt during early July is expected to moderate the impact of June weather. For much of the crop the critical pollination period will be in the coming weeks. With supply rising fractionally and use unchanged, ending stocks are up 5 million bushels. The season-average farm price received by producers is unchanged at $4.80 per bushel.
Soybean
Soybean production is projected at 4.3 billion bushels, down 210 million on lower harvested area. Harvested area, forecast at 83.5 million acres in the June 30 Acreage report, is down 4.0 million from last month. The soybean yield forecast is unchanged at 52.0 bushels per acre. With lower production partly offset by higher beginning stocks, 2023/24 soybean supplies are reduced 185 million bushels. Soybean crush is reduced 10 million bushels reflecting a lower soybean meal domestic disappearance forecast. Soybean exports are reduced 125 million bushels to 1.85 billion on lower U.S. supplies and lower global imports. With lower supplies only partly offset by reduced use, ending stocks for 2023/24 are projected at 300 million bushels, down 50 million from last month. The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2023/24 is forecast at $12.40 per bushel, up $0.30 from last month.
Wheat
Changes this month to the 2023/24 U.S. wheat outlook increase supplies and domestic use, leave exports unchanged, and increase ending stocks. Supplies are raised on larger production, which is up 74 million bushels to 1,739 million, on higher harvested area and yields. The first 2023/24 survey-based production forecast for other spring and Durum indicates a decrease from last year. Conversely, winter wheat production is forecast higher on larger harvested area and higher yields. Gains for all wheat production are partly offset by smaller beginning stocks, which are lowered 18 million bushels to 580 million as indicated in the Grain Stocks report, issued June 30. The 2023/24 ending stocks are forecast at 592 million bushels, 30 million higher than last month. The projected season-average farm price is forecast at $7.50 per bushel, down $0.20 from last month.
July 25, 1:00-3:00 | 5998 Bellevue Rd, Royal Oak MD
Hear farmers perspectives about their cover crop experiences; Strategies and tools for cover crop planning; In-field soil quality test demos.
Field-day focused on how to get more benefits out of a cover crop. The host farmer will discuss his experiences and strategies with cover cropping. We will discuss cover crop planning, species selection and management, and practical considerations. We will also have demonstrations of in-field soil quality tests.
The field-day is sponsored by University of Maryland Extension, Million Acre Challenge, Future Harvest, and Sustainable Chesapeake, with funding support from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Field-day Location: Tuesday July 25, 1:00-3:00 PM at Swaine Farm, 5998 Bellevue Rd, Royal Oak, MD
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Sarah Hirsh at least two weeks prior to the event at shirsh@umd.edu.
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
Reports are for crop conditions up to July 6, 2023.
Western Maryland
Rain has been hit or miss here but crops are still looking good considering the erratic precipitation patterns of late. Barley harvest is complete and wheat harvest is in full swing. Disease was low but test weights and yields are still being accessed. Hay yields continue to suffer but hopefully El Nino will kick in and we will get more much needed precipitation.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
Frederick County has received notable rainfall in the last few weeks that has prevented potentially drastic crop condition reductions following the spell of hot and dry weather in May and June. Early corn is approaching the later stages of vegetative development, while most of the crop remains in the V8-9 stages. Soybeans are generally in notable shape, even with the early season drought. Scouted fields remain generally low in typical pests though Japanese Beetles have emerged and are maintaining a watchful eye. Soybean aphids were observed in two fields, however with more recent rains and populations well below IPM threshold values, they may remain an afterthought. Wheat harvest has progressed well with field average yields reported in the 80-110 bu/ac range. Crop moisture however has remained a touch higher than desirable. Additionally, maintain a watchful eye over earlier fields that have dried recently and have received rains–reports of low falling-numbers from local mills indicate the presence of sprouted wheat. Barley yields were outstanding as some growers noted personal bests in the 150-170 bu/ac range.—Mark Townsend, Frederick Co.
Northern Maryland
For the better part of 6 weeks, most of the region received very, very little rainfall; however, that has changed in the past two weeks where we have had multiple storms, bringing anywhere from an half inch to several inches of rain per storm. This rain was much-needed for the corn and soybean crop, as well as hay and pasture. Barley harvest wrapped up prior to the rains with very strong yields. Since wheat has matured it has been difficult to find enough dry weather to cut it. So far, wheat yields are very good with no DON but unfortunately test weights and falling numbers are declining in some areas. Earliest planted corn is in tassel, although most of it is only about 5-6’ tall. The dry April, May, and the bulk of June, coupled with relatively mild temperatures and low light intensity from the Canada wildfires, has resulted in some of the shortest corn in memory. Moisture is present as we go into tassel and silking, so hopefully we get decent pollination. Soybeans are also growing slowly but are rebounding; some early maturities are starting to flower. Regrowth on hay is very slow.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper and Mid Shore
Barley harvest finished during drought conditions with record yields. Wheat harvest has been underway for 2 weeks in between storms/ humidity/wildfire smoke. Test weight was above 60 lbs per bushel to start with, but as expected, has lowered after the stretch of rainy weather. Like barley, yields have been record breaking. While wheat harvest has been underway for 2 weeks, it’s only half complete. Even with 2 weeks of rainy weather, there are areas in the region that is still relatively dry. The storms have been spotty. Some areas have had 6 rain events with a grand total of less than an inch while other areas are over 5”. Corn and full season beans look much better, but will need significant additional rain for decent yields. With beans blooming and corn tasseling, farmers are concerned about poor light quality resulting from the smoke filled atmosphere from wildfires up north. This is a new phenomenon for our region with very little research data available. Let’s hope for west winds with blue sky!—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.
Lower Shore
Wheat harvest is underway. Corn maturity is varied. Early planted corn is tasseling. Corn that was planted late is still in early vegetative stages. Double-crop soybean is being planted. Full season soybean is 6-12” tall on average, in vegetative stage. There were scattered rain storms over the past couple of weeks, with some areas receiving significantly more rain than others. Non-irrigated crops in areas that had limited rain are showing signs of water stress, particularly in sandier soils. Herbicide-resistant ragweed and marestail are apparent in fields across the region.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Southern Maryland
We have seen dry and we’ve seen wet this month. Most areas of the region received decent rains in the last two weeks. Crops responded well. Corn is now tasseling with moisture just in time for pollination. Our corn crop is much shorter in stature than normal, but the crop overall looks good. Soybeans follow much of the same story. Early planted beans have canopied. The barley crop is now off. The wheat harvest season has been challenging, with limited harvest windows. Good news is the wheat crop has been excellent in terms of both yield and quality. Double crop beans are going in as soon as the wheat comes off. Vegetable crops are just beginning to come off. Heavy rains have hampered quality of some vegetable crops.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.
Nathaniel Bruce, Farm Business Specialist, University of Delaware and Mark Townsend, Agriculture Agent Associate, University of Maryland Extension, Frederick County
June proved volatile for grain markets. To recap, the December 2023 contract rallied off its $4.90 lows from late-May, peaking at $6.29 on June 21st and has precipitously fallen back below $5.00 at the time of writing this article. As it does, the soft red winter wheat market followed suit in the September contract with a big swing from the $5.87 lows on June 1st to a high on June 26th at $7.70 only to plummet back to earth reaching $6.51 currently. No less, the November soybean market followed a similar pattern rising from $11.30 on June 1st to peaking at $13.77 on June 21st, and then tumbling back some in the last week of June only to find levity on the last day of the month.
It’s not difficult to convey the gravity of these swings: In one singular month, we saw a $1.39 gain and decline in the corn market, a $1.87 upswing and $1.19 downfall in the wheat market, and a $2.07 upswing with a $1.13 retracement followed by an $0.76 movement higher on the last trading day of the month in the soybean market.
The summary begs the questions: how can we explain the volatility of these markets and what can we do as producers to limit our risk to any further price loss?
Firstly, the phenomena we have encountered this last month can be described as the result of a “weather market”—a period of time in which traders make decisions based on current and prospective weather conditions that affect the production (supply) of a particular commodity in hopes of capturing a premium related to production risk. Put another way, this is a “supply-side” market driver as there is a risk to the volume of production.
The weather in question is that of the central United States as the region is under varying degrees of drought. The most recent USDA Drought Monitor (6/29/2023) report indicates that 53% of the contiguous United States is experiencing some level of drought. On a per crop basis the monitor indicates that 70% of corn growing regions and 63% of soybean growing regions are in some degree of drought. Reports in June indicated progressively higher levels of moisture stress in large swaths of the corn belt. As we well know, corn demands roughly an inch of rain each week when in the rapid growth stages and entering pollination. With this, traders bet on a reduction in yield for this year’s corn crop, thus raising the price through market actions.
Traders not only looked at retrospective reports like the drought monitor, but also analyzed weather forecasts for these regions. For much of the month, neither the GFS (U.S. based) nor the ECMWF (European based) weather models predicted any significant rainfall for these regions. In some instances, the models added further uncertainty as the GFS forecasted sporadic precipitation events while the ECMWF left the radar screen blank. On the ground, drought regions experienced high winds and high temperatures further drying out soils and inducing greater rates of transpiration from an already moisture-stressed crop.
With these factors at play, market participants found reason to purchase grain futures contracts or options in hopes of realizing some future increases in commodity prices. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) reports the commitment of traders market positions in which the non-commercial speculative entities (aka “the funds”–referring to money managers like hedge funds or mutual funds) with significant market power were in a net short position by about 60-70k contracts of corn entering the month of June. As the month progressed, the most recent report indicates that these market participants held a 100-115k net long position (As of 6/27/2023). Effectively, this means that these market participants were betting on a decline in the corn futures market at the end of May, only to quickly reverse course and bet a far larger position on an increase in the corn futures market price. There is a significant delay in the release of these reports, so it is difficult to ascertain where the funds stand after the last week in June ending in a Friday sell-off in corn and wheat. Though current estimates place fund positions back to near neutral (equal quantity of long and short positions) in corn. Traders in the wheat futures market followed a similar path to corn, while traders in the soybean futures market are currently estimated to be in a significantly long position.
The weather trading continued later into the month; price action in the last week of June saw falling prices as regions of the Midwest realized modest precipitation accumulations. No less, the GFS and ECMWF weather models agreed on additional future precipitation events thus indicating a potential for salvage of the current crop.
To cap off an already topsy-turvy last week in June and generally volatile month, the USDA released Quarterly Grain Stocks and Planted Acreage reports on Friday, June 30th. The grain stocks report followed analysts estimates, however the planted acreage report unexpectedly and significantly deviated from the market sentiments. Reported planted corn acreage rose roughly 2 million acres from a previous prediction report, and an increase of about 5% from last year. Soybean acreage fell by about 5% compared to last year, which is about 4.2 million acres lower than the average trade estimate. Markets traded this supply-side news as corn fell back to prices not seen since December of 2020. On the other hand, the soybean market is trading back to levels from mid-June.
The volatility of these markets is unmistakably high. Not only is the current implied volatility of these markets (based on options prices) higher than 60-80% of all trading days in the previous year, but trading strategies involving options require larger investments.
Figure 1. Corn 2012 vs 2023.
Marketing a crop in these conditions is undoubtedly challenging. We may look to previous years for guidance, though even this is uncertain. Analysts have likened the run-up in the grain markets to those in 2012 when a similar drought induced crop failures across the Midwest. Currently, there exists a 0.56 correlation coefficient between the 2012 December contract and the 2023 December contract (Figure 1). In truth, this exact discussion is nothing new; many marketing professionals and memorious farmers recall the drought of 2012 that spurred a dramatic run-up in the corn price reaching a peak of $8.49 on August 10th, 2012 and will refer to this observation whenever a drought emerges in the Midwest. Although, there is a correlation in prices between Dec’12 Corn and Dec’23 corn, the fundamental supply and demand picture is vastly different between 2012 and 2023 as there is nearly 4% larger Stocks-to-Use ratio in 2023 than 2012 given the current lack-luster export, feed, and ethanol demand we have experienced for the current marketing year.
Figure 2. USDA WASDE June 2012 vs. June 2023.
Other more bearish investors have noted that the current price trend is more similar to 1992 in which an early season drought induced volatility and rising prices. Contrary to 2012, the 1992 corn market saw a dramatic price decline after timely and significant rains busted the drought and produced a near trend-line crop yield.
So how does one effectively market a crop this year? The first step as always is to know the cost of production taking into actual input price figures to uncover an operation’s breakeven price and yield. Yield does play a critical role in determining these figures, though as we know yield is not the sole driver of profitability. Please refer to the University of Maryland Extension website for enterprise budget templates here: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/agriculture-food-systems/program-areas/farm-and-agribusiness-management/grain-marketing.
Certainly a next step would be to look for ways to offset future price risk. Depending on the level of familiarity, options strategies could offer additional downside protection. However, this is most commonly accomplished by forward contracting some of the new crop. At the time of writing, the soybean market continues to rise modestly above estimated cost of production figures for Central Maryland. Producers may find these prices profitable and would be well advised to limit potential downside risk.
Marketing professionals offer that producers may find shelter in short-run run-ups to sell new crop corn and stored wheat. Some analysts predict that the USDA may have to revise yield estimates lower given the potential damage done to the corn crop of the Midwest. The market may react to this revision lower, whereby the watchful marketer could capitalize on a small upward price movement. Yes it is tempting to wait for the next larger rally in the market, but waiting to find the top of the curve may prove far more risky than taking smaller profits. A wise farmer once said that he stayed in business for many years because, “I always took my profits too early.”
Nicole Fiorellino, Extension Agronomist | nfiorell@umd.edu University of Maryland, College Park
Figure 1. Extreme example of pre-harvest sprout in wheat. Image: Ohio State University.
2023 was shaping up to be a decent wheat season, with mild winter and minimal disease impacts this spring. Although some areas of the state were dry, there were some timely rains at the end of April to get the crop through the rest of the season. We sometimes forget that wheat thrives in much drier climates than the Northeast, and what seems dry to us was probably ideal for wheat.
As wheat harvest is currently underway in some areas of the state, the hopes of high yields and disease-free grain may now be riddled with an unseen quality blemish – falling falling numbers. Growers producing wheat for use in milling or baking are paying attention to quality measures such as falling numbers, or the activity of the alpha amylase enzyme in the grain stemming from pre-harvest sprouting. As grain begins sprouting within the head, prior to harvest, alpha amylase builds up and degrades starch, which decreases flour quality. To measure falling numbers, a slurry of grain meal and water is mixed and a plunger is dropped into the slurry, with the time measured for the plunger to drop through the slurry. High alpha amylase results in low starch, which thins the slurry and the plunger falls quicker, resulting in lower falling number measures. In short, low falling numbers equals bad quality wheat that is not suitable for milling or baking.
Causes of low falling numbers, similar to disease pressure, are somewhat out of a grower’s control and not very well understood. Some areas of the state received a respite from the dry conditions, in the form of a few days with a small amount of precipitation towards the end of June. While our corn crop happily received the moisture, this was enough rain in some areas to not only delay the beginning of wheat harvest but signal the wheat grain to break dormancy and begin to sprout. Low falling numbers may also be observed in grain that did not sprout due to a defect known as late maturity alpha amylase (LMA). This is the buildup of alpha amylase in the wheat grain triggered by cold stress during maturation. It is still unclear how to specifically define “cold stress” that causes LMA but it is yet another process that increases alpha amylase in the wheat grain, decreasing flour quality. In any given season, low falling numbers can be a result of either pre-harvest sprouting or LMA or even both conditions. Susceptibility to pre-harvest sprouting and LMA are genetically linked, but even with genetic resistance, the interaction between genetics and environmental conditions can still result in decreased falling numbers.
For the 2023 wheat crop, it is important to get wheat harvested as soon as possible. There is no way to correct for falling numbers now, but growers can make every effort to get wheat out of the field as quickly as possible to avoid exposure to additional precipitation events. While all hope is not lost and wheat with low quality can still be sold for feed, any potential premiums for producing high quality wheat will be lost. For future seasons, Maryland growers can make an effort to select early maturing wheat varieties, to hopefully expedite harvest in the spring. We know the down-season benefits of early wheat harvest, such as earlier planting and higher yields of double crop soybeans, and we are also aware of the potential risk of frost damage to early maturing wheat. However, early maturing wheat varieties may be a the best option to mitigate quality issues. While your premium for 2023 may be lost, you should begin discussing your 2024 wheat crop with your crop insurance agent now, especially if you are planning to grow high quality wheat for milling or baking. There may be coverage options available to protect you from lost premiums due to poor falling numbers, for example, so now is the time to plan accordingly for 2024.
Ray Weil, Professor of Soil Science | rweil@umd.edu University of Maryland, College Park
Planting Green refers to no-till planting a primary crop into an actively growing cover crop before killing it mechanically or with an herbicide. This advanced soil health practice allows cover crops to grow longer, offering improved soil health and long-term agronomic outcomes. But for many farmers, the idea of planting through shoulder-high cover crops seems risky. All that cover crop biomass might result in poor crop stands and more slugs. Fortunately, a few farmers have been planting green now for many years, and their experience and research data show that great stands and yields can be achieved with proper planning and equipment adjustments. Research also suggests that planting green may increase soil water available to the crop during the heat of summer, and even reduce slug damage instead of exacerbating it.
That’s why we (a group of University of Maryland Researchers and Extension Educators) have partnered with pioneering farmers who have long-term experience and success in planting green on their own operations across a variety of farm enterprises and soil types. The team is planning to conduct field research, on-farm trials, and demonstration days to better support Maryland farmers interested in adopting this enhanced cover-crop management practice.
We are looking to collaborate with farmers who might host replicated on-farm trials comparing several treatments, or simple side-by-side strip demonstrations (farmers would choose specific cover crops and termination strategies) – all supported by the research team and a panel of experienced farmers. Data would be collected and aggregated to evaluate soil health, agronomic, and farm management outcomes. Farmers could choose to enroll in our farmer-to-farmer mentoring program to receive additional technical assistance from researchers and farmer-mentors experienced in planting green.
It’s definitely time to plan your next cover crop moves for the coming fall and spring. If you are interested in participating (especially if you have slug problems!) or just want to learn more about cover crops and planting green, please contact one of us as soon as possible!
Sarah Hirsh, UMD Extension Educator, Somerset County: (410) 651-1350 shirsh@umd.edu
Dwayne Joseph, UMD Extension Educator, Kent County: (443) 480-8369, dwaynej@umd.edu
Mark Townsend, UMD Extension Educator, Frederick County: (301) 600-3578, mtownsen@umd.edu
Ray Weil, Professor of Soil Science, UMD, Dept. of Env. Sci. &Tech: (301) 405-1314, rweil@umd.edu
Erika Crowl, Senior Agriculture Agent Associate | ecrowl@umd.edu University of Maryland Extension, Baltimore County
On June 1, MD Secretary of Agriculture, Kevin Atticks, announced the decision to cut the funding to the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Nutrient Management Program. UMD gets pass-through dollars from EPA in the form of an annual grant administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) for UMD to hire nutrient management advisors to write nutrient management plans for farmers at no cost.
As of August 31, 2023 all UMD nutrient management planners will be let go, but the University will retain four Nutrient Management Specialists on campus. MDA has indicated they plan to redirect funding to offer cost-share assistance to farmers to help offset the cost of having plans written by the private sector. Details on the structure of this cost-share program have yet to be released by MDA.
What does this mean for you? Producers will either need to find a private plan writer or attend one of the upcoming farmer training certification (FTC) programs to become certified write their own plan. FTC programs will be offered by University of Maryland Extension in conjunction with MDA; more details for FTC program dates to come in the near future. You can contact a private plan writer in your area by referencing this list, or ask your Extension office for a hard copy.
Farmers who are interested in developing state approved nutrient management plans for their own farm or individuals who are interested in writing plans for the private sector can take The Nutrient Management Certification Exam on August 4, 2023 in Annapolis, Easton, and Keedysville, Maryland. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions selected from nine knowledge areas. These include general nutrient management; basic soil science; agricultural and environmental management; sampling testing, and analysis for nutrient assessment; basic soil fertility; fertilizer management; manure management; biosolids management; incentives and regulations. You can sign up by visiting MDA’s Nutrient Management Training website.
MDA is offering listening sessions (see below) and encourages all interested producers to attend. During these sessions producers will have an opportunity to express any concerns and ask questions to the MDA staff regarding the changes to the nutrient management program.
Mid Shore Maryland
July 13, 2023 | 3:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. *new time*
Talbot County Community Center
10028 Ocean Gateway
Easton, MD 21601
Virtual Listening Session
July 14, 2023 | 7:00 a.m.—8:00 a.m.
Email jessica.hackett2@maryland.gov to register
Nutrient Management Summit
July 17, 2023 | 9:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. *new time*
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
Registration: https://go.umd.edu/NMsummit
As stated in a letter from AGNR Dean Beyrouty and Dean of Extension, Dr. Jinhee Kim, “We will continue to provide solutions based on sound science to the public, not only in the agricultural realm, but also in healthy living, financial wellness, youth development, leadership and professional development, environmental quality, home gardening, and much more.”
We at University of Maryland Extension greatly appreciate your patience and support as we try to navigate these new, unexpected changes.
