Grain and Soybean Growers Invited to 2011 Commodity Classic

The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA), Maryland Soybean Board, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, and the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association will host the Maryland Commodity Classic on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the Queen Anne’s 4-H Park in Centreville. 

“Producers will have the opportunity to see their grain and soybean checkoff dollars at work,” states Dr. Robert Kratochvil, Maryland Commodity Classic chair and a researcher at the University of Maryland. “Morning tours at the Wye Research and Education Center will highlight soybean and grain checkoff-funded research projects.  Grant projects will also be on display at the 4-H Park.  The afternoon program features discussions on issues from environmental controversies to changing technologies that challenge our agricultural industry.  It’s definitely a day not to miss.”

Tours at the Wye Research and Education Center will run from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. giving people time to arrive at the Maryland Commodity Classic at the Queen Anne’s 4-H Park in time for lunch and to see the informational displays which will be set up at 11:00 a.m. The business meeting and program will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by keynote speaker Orion "The Big O" Samuelson, legendary agricultural broadcaster. The Classic concludes with the famed Crab Feast, Pork and Chicken Barbecue. Entry prior to 2:30 p.m. is $10, and after 2:30 p.m. the entry fee in $20, there is no entry after 3:30 p.m.

For ticket information regarding the Tenth Annual Commodity Classic, contact Lynne Hoot (MGPA) at 410-956-5771.