QUEENSTOWN, Md. — The Maryland Grain Producers Association, Maryland Soybean Board, and the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board co-sponsored the 22nd annual Commodity Classic via Zoom! There were over 125 attendees who joined the program online. Maryland Grain Producers would like to thank the generous sponsors for making this event possible, you can view our 2020 sponsors here.
The event began with updates from the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) and Maryland Soybean Board (MSB). MGPA President, Evan Miles reminded viewers that, “representation in Annapolis cannot be paid with checkoff dollars. Membership is important to ensure we have a strong representation. I encourage you to sign-up today.”
Four outstanding students were recognized as Grain Producer scholarship recipients. Each student was awarded $2,500 to pursue their education in agriculture. The 2020 recipients are – Mitchell Debnam, Jordan Wilmer, Jennifer Gannon, and Austin Dutch Nickerson. Biographies for the deserving students can be found below, you can also view a video here. Congratulations and thank you to all those who applied!
The 2020 Dr. James R. Miller Award winner was featured. Jason Scott of Easton, Maryland was recognized for his outstanding service to the Maryland grain industry. Since 1998, a number of farmers, elected officials, as well as, research and agency representatives have been recognized for their accomplishments. Most notably, Jason Scott severed as the first and only Chairman of the U.S. Wheat Associates from Maryland. Learn more about Jason here. Thank you for your time and dedication to our industry, Jason!
The annual event had updates from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and U.S. Grains Council. Brooke Appleton, Vice President of Public Policy with NCGA gave timely updates on what is going on in Washington, DC including Congressional budget and Corona Virus aid packages, ethanol policy and trade agreements. Melissa Kessler and Reece Cannady with the U.S. Grains Council gave an overview of the current grain export market conditions and emphasized the importance of relationships with our trade partners to weather these uncertain times.
Attendees had the pleasure of hearing from keynote speaker Drew Haines, three-time National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC) Winner from Middletown, Maryland against the backdrop of his picturesque farm. Drew farms alongside his brother Dale and his son Dustin. Drew expressed that being a part of NCYC provides a network of farmers to help you better your farm and your yields. The driving force behind his desire to seek higher yields is seeing what the potential of today’s corn seed is and watching it fulfill that potential.
One thing Drew has learned through his experiments is that corn that is driven over after the V6 stage can decrease yields by up to 50 bushels per acre on his operation due to downed corn and compaction. Therefore, he applies as many inputs as possible via aerial application. Another interesting fact is that by improving his soil and nutrient program, Drew has been able to cut his fungicide application in half and has not used any insecticides on his corn in five years. Lastly, Drew could not emphasize enough, split applying your nutrients allows today’s growers to produce more with less by feeding the crop when needed.
Thank you to all those who took the time to tune in, if you were unable to attend and would like to watch the classic, you can view the recorded event on our website.
–Jenell Eck, Maryland Grain Producers