Checkoff Awards for Prior Years 

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National Corn Growers Association        

Cooperation through NCGA allows MGPUB to combine resources and provide a strong voice nationally for issues of importance to the corn industry. Current focus includes support for the Renewable Fuels Standard for ethanol, an ethanol tax credit, e-diesel programs and research to establish new uses for corn. NCGA is  also looking for new uses for DDGS and improvements in biotechnology.

US Grains Council

Dedicated to building export markets specifically for feed grains. USGC markets barley, corn and sorghum into the international marketplace. 

National Association of Wheat Growers  

Works nationally promoting domestic wheat production and trade policy abroad, and keep markets open for wheat.

US Wheat Association

US Wheat is the only organization working exclusively on behalf of US wheat producers to develop markets for their grain around the world.

Wheat Foods Council

The Council educates consumers on benefits of grain products. Works to head off a drop in grain consumption due to dietary trends.

National Barley Growers Association

The national organization works to improve market opportunities for barley growers and ensure that federal policy supports the industry.

VPI’s Development of Hull-less Barley as a Value-Added Crop

Supports the growing and testing of new hull-less barley varieties. The objective is to develop high-yielding varieties with disease-resistance and improved feed value to make it attractive for ethanol production, human consumption and animal feedstocks. To date, VPI has over 26 advanced hull-less lines of barley.

UMD Ethanol-Fueled Hybrid Electric Vehicle

The University of Maryland recognizes the potential behind ethanol and other renewable fuels for vehicles.  This team of students continues to perform well and is seen as leaders in creating low-emission vehicles. MGPUB recognizes UMD’s commitment to promotion and development of an ethanol market that will, in the future, open new grain markets for Maryland farmers.

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition

Recent world events have created a greater interest in alternative fuels and the need for the US to become more energy independent.  Expanding the use of E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, helps lead the nation in this direction.  By teaming with and supporting NEVC, MGPUB is working to bring new E85 filling stations to Maryland. In addition to the current three stations in Maryland and one in Northern Virginia, two new stations are due to open in Baltimore and the District of Columbia this year along with three more United States Postal Service fueling stations. NEVC is also instrumental in orchestrating the grand opening events for these stations

Grain Fun for Children and Adults in Calvert County

Reaching over 2,000 children and adults at local health fairs, in adult nutrition classes and at the Calvert Fair, “Grain Fun” teaches how bread and cereal are derived, the value of farms and the importance of good nutrition.

Impacts of Alum-Amended Broiler Litter on Grain Production

This project will study alum-amended broiler litter and its effect on plant growth. Delmarva’s poultry industry produces close to 750,000 tons of litter/yr., mainly used as fertilizer. Alum amendments are applied to control odor. The goal of this project is to verify that aluminum toxicity will not be a factor when alum-amended litter is applied to a crop; to improve knowledge on the availability of nitrogen in various broiler litter sources and to learn about management of alum-amended litter as a nutrient source.

Starter Fertilizer, With and Without Phosphorus

In response to nutrient management and clean water regulations concerned with the amount of phosphorus in soil, this research is evaluating starter solutions, with and without phosphorus, to see how these crops will react. Growers rely on phosphorus in their starter fertilizer mixes and associate the use of phosphorus with quicker seed germination, plant emergence and early plant vigor. This leaves many asking how the limited phosphorus will affect corn yields.

Genetic Improvement and Testing of Small Grains for MD

This project aims to increase the quality and numbers of new varieties of small grains. Keeping ethanol a priority for Maryland grain producers, this project is testing hull-less barley varieties. Additionally, testing on hard red winter wheat will aim at overcoming the yield inferiority to soft red and will screen the hard red for “specialty qualities”. Niche markets are also being explored.

Evaluation of Wheat Variety Resistance to Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus

Characterized by elongated, light-colored patches, spindle streak is a soil-borne virus with a swimming spore stage. The only tool available to manage this virus is variety resistance. There are varieties available that have this resistance, however they must be found. This project aims at finding these varieties, testing them and relaying their resistance information to producers.

Field Evaluations of Two Novel Cropping System Practices for Corn

Double Crop Corn – With the vision of an ethanol plant in Maryland which utilizes barley, there is talk of using corn as a double crop. This project will evaluate corn grown in a double crop system following barley. Twin Row Corn – Current research shows no advantage to row widths of 15 and 20 inches compared to the commonly used 30-inch spacing. However, recent advanced in drills have brought the possibility of twin rowing closer into view. This study will compare twin row cropping to normal production and compare the range of populations.

Exploring New Grain Sorghum Hybrids

This year, hybrid sorghum evaluations will take place in Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore to look at corn alternatives to compensate for drought conditions.

Control of Weedy Grasses in Small Grains and Control of Perennial Weeds in Corn

Dr. Ron Ritter, University of Maryland Extension weed control specialist, continues his complex task of evaluating, for Maryland farmers, the surge of new herbicides which annually hit the market.  He notes that a number of weedy grasses appear to be escaping conventional control practices in both barley and wheat and that, as farmers continue their affection for no-till, setting aside the moldboard plow, perennial weeds continue to present challenges. In each case, Dr. Ritter advised that he might wish to advance the studies for another two years as new products, with new chemistry, continue to come on the market.

Establishing & Evaluating a New Pupal Parasite for Selected Grain Pests in Maryland

Carol Holko of the Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to raise and then establish a population of parasitic wasps which attack and destroy several pests which feed on Maryland grain fields. Initial releases of more than 15,000 of the “killer wasps” by MDA in 1999, 2000, and 2001 have laid the foundation for a successful establishment program. MDA will survey overwintering parasites this spring to indicate whether establishment in those fields is taking place.

Hard Red & Soft Red Winter Wheat Production in Maryland

In the second of a planned three-year study, Ron Mulford, manager of the University of Maryland's research farm at Poplar Hill, and Dr. Robert Kratochvil, Extension grain specialist, continue to be encouraged by the performance of hard red wheat in state trials. In both 1999 and 2000, hard red performance was good or better than soft red in all areas of production. Officials at Agripro Seeds estimate there is a potential demand by millers for as many as 80,000 acres of hard red from the upper Mid-Atlantic area.

State Corn Hybrid Test: Inclusion of Benchmark Hybrids

Several years ago, many of the major corn seed producing companies made corporate decisions to no longer participate in the fee-based variety trials conducted at land-grant universities. Last year, with a grant from MGPUB, nineteen of those popular hybrids found their way back into the Maryland performance trials as "check hybrids." A continuation of that program for 2002 is assured with this grant.

Effect of Deep Tillage in Various Rotation Systems

In response the increasing grower interest in deep tillage, Ron Mulford, manager of the University of Maryland Poplar Hill research farm, is evaluating the effect of fall subsoiling or spring in-row strip tillage, with and without deep ripping, on grain yields in a rotation sequence of either corn and soybeans or the three-crop, two-year rotation of no-till corn followed by fall wheat and early summer double-cropped no-till soybeans. There is a general feeling that, over time, in continuous no-till or in rotations requiring several field trips with heavy equipment, deep tillage is necessary to break up compaction. This is the second year of a planned four-year study.

Ethanol-Fueled Hybrid Electric Vehicle - Development of an ethanol-fueled hybrid electric vehicle for competition in the 2002-2003 Future Truck Challenge

Buoyed by previous victories, a “team” of University of Maryland students once again will enter this national competition, sponsored by the Department of Energy and new this year, the Ford Motor Company. Under new guidance, the students with Professor David Holloway of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, will modify a 2002 Ford Explorer, using an E85-fueled hybrid electric powertrain to improve energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions while producing near-zero regulated exhaust emissions, all without compromising the vehicle's utility. In competition with teams from 14 other universities, Maryland garnered the first place trophy in 2000 and ran third last year. A modified Chevrolet Suburban, the entry vehicle in previous years, is now being used by university students for their masters' theses. [see results]

The Council is the only national organization dedicated to increasing the awareness of the health benefits of wheat and grain foods and encouraging their consumption. For 2002, the Council will focus on the publication and distribution of a "white paper" debunking certain claims relating to the so-called glycemic index, and the development of a grains-focused growth chart for family physicians and pediatricians. [see results]

LEAD Maryland, Maryland's Agricultural Leadership Development Program

Maryland grain producers are one of the founding supporters of the LEAD program in the state in which men and women in agriculture who have demonstrated leadership potential are exposed to a two-year educational and training program, designed to equip them for leadership roles in the state's ag industry. The program's second class of 23 fellows is in its second year. The deadline for applications for Class III is Oct. 1.

Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation

Through teacher workshops and via its three mobile agri-science classrooms, MAEF advances its mission to "promote and enhance understanding and appreciation of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives." [see results]

The A-Maize-ing Grain

 The grant will support the training and purchase the materials for teachers of 30, Grade 3 classes in Montgomery County. The pupils will plant and harvest as fast-growing brassica and will use corn seeds to produce plastic and edible food products. [see results]

Kids Growing with Grains

The goal of the Washington County Extension-sponsored program is to provide 1,600 fourth graders from the city of Frederick and Washington Counties with a hands-on learning experience at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center in Keedysville. On a wagon tour, they will learn about grain production, its utilization and the importance of grain products for good health. They'll try grits, make popcorn balls and pancakes, be exposed to farm animals, and go home with a bag of granola. [see results]

Kids Growing with Grains and Animals Too!

A five-day event, hosted by Allegany County Extension, involving kindergarten pupils from 16 public elementary and five private/parochial schools and held at the county fairgrounds. Children, teachers and parents learn the importance of grain products for human and animal consumption through various learning stations. [see results]

Kids in the City Growing with Grains

The project, sponsored by Montgomery County Extension, is aimed at the some 800 to 1,000 children, ages 8-11, enrolled in Gaithersburg's summer day camp program. Their activities will include such things as grinding grain to see how flour is made, baking bread and pretzels, making plastic from corn and lip balm from grains, and planting various grain seeds and learning to identify them. [see results]

Close Encounters with Agriculture

This program, headed by Doug Tregoning, Montgomery County Extension agent, is aimed at county fourth graders. There are 30 elementary schools in the county and extends over 11 days in March and involves about 2,800 students, parents and teachers. It involves field trips to the county's Farm Park where the youngsters are exposed to three broad areas of emphasis: production agriculture, the environment and nutrition. [see results]

Grain Fun for Children and Adults in Calvert County

Three projects are proposed by county Extension staffers. The "Brainy Grainy Wheel" will make its usual rounds at health fairs, county fairs, farm tours and the like. Materials and supplies will be distributed to the schools to enhance nutrition classes and a grain farm related scavenger hunt for children will be developed and implemented at the Calvert County Fair and the county farm tour. [see results]

All About Grains

The 4-H staff in Caroline County will involve an estimated 1,000 youth in a four-learning-station ag awareness program at the county fair. It will involve grain identification, the utilization of grain by both animals and people, the identification of grain food products and the preparation of food made from grain. [see results]

The Maryland 2002 Envirothon

The Envirothon is a national competitive environmental educational program for high school students. The state Envirothon will be held June 20-22 at the Harford Glen Environmental Education Center in Harford County. "The winning Team Maryland" will compete in the national Envirothon at Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass., July 29 - August 4. [see results]

All About Ethanol

Bunny Burkett and her racing team were awarded a grant of $5,000 and young motorsport driver Ashley Parlett of Wye Mills received a grant of $3,000. In addition to following their own particular racing circuits, the two appear at fairs and ag conventions, usually with their ethanol-powered race vehicles, too. As Bunny says, "spread the ethanol gospel." [see results]

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition

The NEVC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of ethanol as an alternative transportation fuel. The NEVC works with MGPUB in soliciting bids, negotiating contracts and coordinating plans for the opening of new E85 ethanol fueling stations. Jill Hamilton, president of Sustainable Energy Strategies Inc., has worked with the grain producers on E85 promotions and station openings since 1998. She is a former staffer in the Biofuels Division of the U.S. Department of Energy and is a principal investigator for NEVC. [see results]

A Two-Pronged Mission for MGPA

MGPA assists MGPUB to carry out its mission.  While MGPUB provides grant funds for research, market development and education programs; MGPA provides services in the areas of public relations, commodity promotion and consumer and producer education.  MGPA also represents the grain industry in the halls of the State Legislature and Congress, a task that is funded by membership dues.

For 2002, MGPA will continue to develop programs to improve the image of agriculture and the varied uses of grain, particularly ethanol by expanding the use and availability of E85 in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. MGPA will administer the scholarship program which provides two annual $2,500 scholarships; will continue to promote the new speakers bureau; will prepare and distribute two newsletters to an expanded mailing list; will conduct, jointly with the Maryland Soybean Board, the annual Maryland Commodity Classic which serves as the forum to display projects funded by MGPUB; will continue to develop a public relations campaign with the news media, and will finalize and print a long-term strategic plan. [see results]

MGPUB Scholarship Program

For the fifth year, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board has allocated $5,000 of grain checkoff funds to support a scholarship program. The program will be administered by the Maryland Grain Producers Association, which will be awarding two deserving students with scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each ($1,250 for each semester) enrolled in a Maryland or an out-of-state institution.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to students interested in pursuing an agriculturally related career. Given the dynamic changes in agriculture today, the advances in biotechnology, global positioning systems, environmental protection, and crop and livestock production, Maryland's grain farmers believe it is very important to encourage students to consider careers in agriculture by supporting their educational needs through scholarships.

Applicants must be a resident of the state of Maryland and must be enrolled or accepted to a 4-year institution working toward a BS Degree, or enrolled or accepted to a 2-year institution with an agricultural program. The applicant, or the applicant’s immediate family, must be involved in the production of grain.

The Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship Committee will select the scholarship recipients. The selection will be based on the students agricultural background, family farm involvement, financial need, grade point average, agricultural related studies, career goals, and extra curricular activities. The selection will be made in June.

For more information call 410-956-5771, fax 410-956-0161, email lynnehoot@aol.com or go to our website scholarship page.

Effect of Deep Tillage in Various Rotation Systems

In response the increasing grower interest in deep tillage, Ron Mulford, manager of the University of Maryland Poplar Hill research farm, is evaluating the effect of fall subsoiling or spring in-row strip tillage, with and without deep ripping, on grain yields in a rotation sequence of either corn and soybeans or the three-crop, two-year rotation of no-till corn followed by fall wheat and early summer double-cropped no-till soybeans. There is a general feeling that, over time, in continuous no-till or in rotations requiring several field trips with heavy equipment, deep tillage is necessary to break up compaction. This is the second year of a planned four-year study [see results].

Genetic Improvement & Testing of Small Grains for Maryland

As he continues his wheat and barley breeding and field trial research, Dr. José Costa, University of Maryland small grains breeder announced that a new barley variety was named in Maryland in 2001. Known as MD881007-6 in its experimental years, it's now called Catchpenny.  Dr. Costa said the seed is being increased this year and will be available in the fall of 2003. "Catchpenny" is a high yielding, early variety, with medium height and a test weight similar to, or higher than, the variety Nomini which is used at the standard in the industry. Dr. Costa also reported that three promising new soft red winter wheat lines are currently being increased while being evaluated in several states as well as in the Maryland state trial. Each is high yielding, high in test weight and offering, in its Maryland tests, excellent resistance to powdery mildew [see results].

Integrated Management of Fusarium Head Blight of Soft Red Winter Wheat

Fusarium head blight, also known as scab, has gained national attention because of numerous severe epidemics scattered throughout the wheat-producing regions of the nation during the 1990s. This study, headed by Dr. Arv Grybauskas, associate professor of plant pathology at the University of Maryland, has three principal objectives: 1) To determine if plant density will reduce scab development, 2) to determine if chopping inoculum-bearing residue in a no-till system can reduce the potential for disease, and 3) to determine if a combination of management components can provide adequate disease suppression in no-till wheat.

State Corn Hybrid Test: Inclusion of Benchmark Hybrids

Several years ago, many of the major corn seed producing companies made corporate decisions to no longer participate in the fee-based variety trials conducted at land-grant universities. Last year, with a grant from MGPUB, nineteen of those popular hybrids found their way back into the Maryland performance trials as "check hybrids." A continuation of that program for 2002 is assured with this grant [see results].

Control of Weedy Grasses in Small Grains and Control of Perennial Weeds in Corn

Dr. Ron Ritter, University of Maryland Extension weed control specialist, continues his complex task of evaluating, for Maryland farmers, the surge of new herbicides which annually hit the market.  He notes that a number of weedy grasses appear to be escaping conventional control practices in both barley and wheat and that, as farmers continue their affection for no-till, setting aside the moldboard plow, perennial weeds continue to present challenges. In each case, Dr. Ritter advised that he might wish to advance the studies for another two years as new products, with new chemistry, continue to come on the market [see results].

Upper Pocomoke-Green Branch PDA Subwatershed Paired Monitoring Project - 2002 Cover Crop Incentive

The water quality project, under the direction of Michael Sigrist, district conservationist in the Wicomico Soil Conservation District, was initiated in 1994.  It is designed, among other objectives "to determine the impact of consistent, aggressive application of conservation practices on water quality in the subwatershed" and to provide incentives to farmers and other landowners to apply those practices. As one of those incentives, Sigrist said, the checkoff funding would help provide the funding for cover crops on the 865 acres of cropland in the watershed. Over the years of the project, Sigrist reported, researchers have measured a reduction of total nitrogen but have witnessed no movement of phosphorous in the watershed.

Establishing & Evaluating a New Pupal Parasite for Selected Grain Pests in Maryland

Carol Holko of the Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to raise and then establish a population of parasitic wasps which attack and destroy several pests which feed on Maryland grain fields. Initial releases of more than 15,000 of the “killer wasps” by MDA in 1999, 2000, and 2001 have laid the foundation for a successful establishment program. MDA will survey overwintering parasites this spring to indicate whether establishment in those fields is taking place [see results].

Hard Red & Soft Red Winter Wheat Production in Maryland

In the second of a planned three-year study, Ron Mulford, manager of the University of Maryland's research farm at Poplar Hill, and Dr. Robert Kratochvil, Extension grain specialist, continue to be encouraged by the performance of hard red wheat in state trials. In both 1999 and 2000, hard red performance was good or better than soft red in all areas of production. Officials at Agripro Seeds estimate there is a potential demand by millers for as many as 80,000 acres of hard red from the upper Mid-Atlantic area [see results].

The Search for Hulless Barley - Development of hulless barley as a value-added crop

With what he calls "significant progress" to date, Virginia Tech small grains breeder Dr. Carl Griffey continues his search for a winter hulless barley variety with two principal objectives. They are: 1) To develop hulless varieties with lower concentrations of fiber, reduced phytic acid content and higher metabolizable energy. That, he says, should increase the feed value of the crop. In addition, varieties with higher starch, lower fiber and lower beta glucan would make barley ideal for ethanol production and 2) To develop varieties that would meet the needs of an increasing demand for barley as a human health food commodity.  [see results]

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ü2001

Shooting for a repeat as ethanol truck champ - Development of an Ethanol Fueled Hybrid Electric Vehicle for Competition in the 2001 FutureTruck Challenge

Fast cars promote ethanol’s performance

Bunny Burkett Racing Team and Ethanol Promotion - Bunny, her team and her "Ethanol Performs" Dodge Avenger Funny Car attended more than a dozen agricultural fairs, expositions, trade shows and conferences in 2000 and may expand that schedule in 2001. (The grain checkoff board set aside an additional $500 a day to cover extra appearances.) Ashley Parlett’s Racing Team - In a related promotion, Ashley Parlett, a 17-year-old URC sprint car driver from Wye Mills, MD, received funding to promote ethanol at Maryland county fairs and other functions this year. Although her micro-sprint car currently runs on methanol, as part of the grant, her mechanics will test its performance on ethanol. [see results]

LEAD Maryland

The mission of the Maryland Ag Leadership Development Program, which has recently launched its second two-year study program with a class of 23 men and women from across the state, is to develop leadership within the agricultural community, improve the public understanding of farming and farmers, and contribute to the success and profitability of Maryland farms. MGPUB was one of five founding sponsors of the program and a member of its first class, Donnie Tennyson of St. Mary's County has recently been elected president of the MGPA.

Carroll's Great Ag-Venture Program

All third grade students in Carroll County will participate in a hands-on ag awareness program at the county Ag Center during National Ag Week, March 20-24.

Grain Fun for Children in Calvert County

County Extension educators will conduct a wide ranging program including a "Wheel of Health” booth at fairs; furnishing supplies and games for Extension nutrition classes; and bread making demonstrations in county schools. [see results]

Close Encounters with Agriculture

An 11-day program in Montgomery County in which 2,800 fourth grade students, parents and teachers gain a broad understanding of production agriculture, its positive contribution to the environment and grain's role in human nutrition. [see results]

Kids in the City Growing with Grains

At the city of Gaithersburg's Summer Day Camp program, an estimated 800 to 1,000 children will learn to identify large and small grains, to grind grains by various methods and will make grain-related snacks and crafts. [see results]

Kids Growing with Grains and Animals, Too!

Kindergarten students from 18 public and private schools in Allegany County, in a day at the county fairgrounds, will participate in "learning stations," at which they will make popcorn, grind wheat kernels, prepare a grain snack mix and generally learn about agriculture's role in feeding people here and across the globe. [see results]

Kids Growing with Grains

The goal here is to provide fourth graders in Frederick and Washington counties with a hands-on learning experience at the Western Maryland Research and Extension Center in Keedysville. At four learning stations, the children will learn about planting, growing and harvesting grains; the health and dietary benefits of grain consumption; and how animals utilize grain to produce food and other products. [see results]

“Focus on the Farm”

An on-going public access cable television program in Montgomery County directed by county ag agent Doug Tregoning, designed to provide viewers with some insight and understanding of the importance of agriculture in their lives. Forty-one shows have been taped and aired since 1997. Twelve to 16 more are planned for 2001. [see results]

“Focus on the Farm, Statewide”

In response to serious concerns that agriculture needs some near term PR across the whole state, the board set aside funds to explore the possibility of expanding Montgomery County ag agent Tregoning's successful cable television program statewide. The concept is to revive, or develop programs of general interest, as opposed to those focused on Montgomery County, and offer them to cable and public television outlets. That effort would dovetail with the mission of MGPA's new speakers' bureau, to expand an understanding and awareness of agriculture, and particularly Maryland agriculture, within the non-farm and consuming public. [see results]

Maryland Envirothon 2001

 The program, administered by the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, is a competitive environmental program for high school students, which stresses a science-based approach to ag practices and land use management. [see results]

American's Largest Classroom on Agriculture

The grant will help support the Ag Council of America's annual celebration of National Ag Day, March 20. National Ag Week is March 20-24. [see results]

Combat the Nutrition Confusion About Grain Products

The program, conducted by the Extension educators in Allegany County, will seek to educate consumers through the use of handouts, brochures, grain product samples and displays and will take place in 200 homes and at workshops and seminars. The target: false and misleading nutrition claims from high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet proponents who allege that grains are fattening and starches should be avoided.

Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation

As with each new generation, Marylanders move one step more distant from their agricultural roots, the role of farms, farming and farmers in the social, cultural and economic fabric of the state becomes less and less distinct. The mission of the Maryland Ag Education Foundation is to "promote and enhance understanding and appreciation of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives." That is accomplished through a variety of programs designed to "teach the teachers" who, in turn, instill that knowledge in their elementary school pupils. Since 1989, MAEF has provided an average of 50 teachers a year with the knowledge and materials they need to work agricultural concepts and instruction into their curricula. [see results]

The A-Maize-Ing Grain

This train the teacher program will result in third grade students in 30 Montgomery County classrooms learning about the importance of grains. They’ll grow rape plants and harvest the seeds and start a new generation and also turn corn kernels into food and non-food products.  [see results]

The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA), the foundation organization for the grain industry in the state, complements the work of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB), its sister organization and checkoff board by providing services in the areas of public relations, commodity promotion and consumer and producer education. As well as membership dues, MGPA receives support for these activities from MGPUB.  For 2001, MGPA's major efforts will include management of the organization's new web site, (www.marylandgrain.com), continued development and administration of the speakers' bureau and expansion of the E-85 ethanol fuel program in the Baltimore-Washington area. The 2001 funding also will cover the publication and distribution of two newsletters; sponsorship along with the Maryland Soybean Board, of the annual Maryland Commodity Classic; development of a scholarship program for ag students; continued nurturing of a campaign to encourage news coverage of the organization and the industry; the development and support of general promotions and education programs of grains and their various uses, among both youth and adult consumers; finalizing and publishing a long-term strategic plan for grain use and promotion in Maryland; and generally to develop programs that encourage and support efforts to improve the image of agriculture among the general populace. [see results]

MGPUB Scholarship Program

For the fourth year, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board has allocated $5,000 of grain checkoff funds to support a scholarship program. The program will be administered by the Maryland Grain Producers Association, which will be awarding two deserving students with scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each ($1,250 for each semester) enrolled in a Maryland or an out of state institution.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to students interested in pursuing an agriculturally related career. Given the dynamic changes in agriculture today, the advances in biotechnology, global positioning systems, environmental protection, and crop and livestock production, Maryland's grain farmers believe it is very important to encourage students to consider careers in agriculture by supporting their educational needs through scholarships. 

Applicants must be a resident of the state of Maryland and must be enrolled or accepted to a 4 year institution working toward a BS Degree, or enrolled or accepted to a 2 year institution with an agricultural program. The applicant, or the applicant’s immediate family, must be involved in the production of grain.

The Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship Committee will select the scholarship recipients. The selection will be based on the students agricultural background, family farm involvement, financial need, grade point average, agricultural related studies, career goals, and extra curricular activities. The selection will be made in June. [see results]

Establishing & Evaluating a New Pupal Parasie for Selected Grain Pests in Maryland

It's called Ichneumon promissorius, a large parasitic wasp, native to Australia, which attacks several pest caterpillars, including true armyworm, fall armyworm, black cutworm and corn earworm. In the third year of this project, wasp colonies are being raised in Maryland Department of Agriculture labs and will be released, hopefully, to establish in-the-wild populations; to evaluate both their choice of hosts and their host range; and finally, to determine the most effective rearing strategies [see results].

Effect of Deep Tillage in a Rotation of No-Till Corn, Minimum Tillage Wheat & Double-Cropped No-Till Soybeans

Declaring that he hoped to be able to answer a recurring question of Maryland farmers, Ron Mulford, for many years manager of the University of Maryland's research farm at Poplar Hill, will evaluate the effect of fall subsoiling, or ripping, in a standard crop rotation. Mulford reports that grain crop farmers are voicing concerns about compaction, particularly in those fields, which have been continuously no-tilled for several years. He will also measure the effect of in-row tillage, just prior to planting, on no-till corn yields and the residual effect, if any, this tillage may have on wheat and double-cropped soybeans, which follow in the rotation [see results].

Hard Red & Soft Red Winter Wheat Production in Maryland

Based on some early successes in hard red winter wheat tests in scattered areas across the Mid-Atlantic, University of Maryland researcher Ron Mulford, in cooperation with colleagues in Virginia, will launch an active hard red management program at the Poplar Hill research station near Salisbury. Agripro has two varieties, Hondo and Charter, which have been performing, principally in tests, at levels equal to or better than top-ranked soft red, and farmers can earn premiums ranging from 10 to 45 cents a bushel over soft red prices for top quality grain. While hard red here has not been eligible for LDPs, that may be corrected by this fall's planting season [see results].

Changes in the Bioavailability of Phosphorus in Agricultural Soils and Effect on Field Corn Yield when Fertilized with Alum-treated Broiler Litter

Funding for this project will be shared by MGPUB, the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., and General Chemical, the distributor of alum. The project leader is Dr. Steven Phillips, Virginia Tech assistant professor of soil fertility. He points out that regulations imposing P-based nutrient management plans have “significantly increased the number of acres needed to utilize all of the broiler litter produced on Delmarva.” Shy of costly on-farm storage or transporting the litter out of the area, Dr. Phillip’s hypothesizes, for the purposes of this study, that “the alum will chemically sequester P in forms of low bioavailability without adversely affecting grain yields...This will allow higher rates of litter to be land-applied.” [see results]

Cropping and Tillage Systems for Remediation of Phosphorus Enriched Soils in Maryland

A team of educators, under the direction of Dr. Robert Kratochvil, University of Maryland Extension specialist for field crops, will explore ways to moderate phosphorus levels in soils.  In the first study, the researchers propose to use two, forage-based cropping systems in a technique called phytoremediation which is the use of living plants to remove elements from soil. In the second study, they will evaluate the effectiveness of tillage in mixing the high concentrations of phosphorus often found in the surface 2-3 inches of soil in many no-till systems with the underlying 6-8 inches of soil.

Evaluation of Wheat Variety Resistance to Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus

The disease, carried into plant tissue by a soil-borne fungus, is a major threat to Maryland winter wheat crops. Although its primary management is through resistant varieties, few of the larger seed companies have information about the levels of that resistance. Dr. Arv Grybauskas, UMD plant pathologist, said the disease has infected a field on university property, offering a rare opportunity for a variety trial and providing "several years of valuable field-based information before results may be confounded by the buildup of other soil-borne pests." [see results]

Efficient Utilization of Poultry Litter in Cash Grain Rotations

This is the fourth and final year of research responding directly to a major concern of farmers throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The long-term use of poultry litter to supply crop nitrogen needs has resulted in a buildup of soil phosphorus levels in the concentrated poultry growing regions of the state. This buildup has increased the potential for phosphorus transport from fields that have a low potential for soil erosion and formerly were considered to have minimal phosphorus losses. However, it is not clear whether the primary effect of litter applications on phosphorus transport is due to resulting long-term buildup or the direct loss of phosphorus from the applied litter. This project is investigating the effects of nitrogen-based poultry litter applications on both phosphorus and nitrogen transport in field-scale watersheds in conventional and no-till settings. The study has found thus far that phosphorus from poultry litter application is available in the first 1-2 inches of the soil and that there are higher runoff losses of phosphorus from no-till fields than from conventionally tilled fields. [see results]

State Corn Hybrid Variety Trials

Recent changes in corporate policy has eliminated the inclusion of several important corn varieties in the state test. These funds will add 20 varieties to provide farmers with comparable, unbiased results [see results].

Grain Sorghum Variety and Seeding Rate Trials on Loamy Sand Soils

Between 15,000 and 25,000 acres of sorghum are seeded annually across Delmarva. A trio of University of Delaware researchers, teamed with three county ag agents from the Lower Shore of Maryland, will evaluate grain sorghum varieties available to Maryland and Delaware growers for yield potential and other agronomic characteristics when grown on loamy sand or sandy loam soils, first, in a full-season production system and second, in a double-crop system after barley [see results].

Development of Hulless Barley Varieties as an Improved Feed Crop

Virginia Tech small grains breeder Dr. Carl Griffey is continuing his search for a barley with improved feed value so that it can be used as an ingredient in poultry and swine rations. To that end, he has 11 hulless varieties in this year’s Virginia state tests and is confident he and his colleagues have improved yield with just one year of crossing. Griffey is urging grain associations to develop markets for this new barley, declaring, "there is a great potential for hulless barley in the Mid-Atlantic region." A second objective of Griffey's research is to develop waxy type hulless varieties for human consumption. Hulless barley has received recent attention as a specialty food commodity in that its fiber and beta glucan can reduce cholesterol and moderate plasma glucose levels. Also, various phytochemicals in hulless barley behave as antioxidants, which are often associated with cancer prevention [see results].

Genetic Improvement and Testing of Small Grains for Maryland

A total of 11,462 head rows and 4,287 yield trial plots will be grown across Maryland in 2000/2001. A cooperative program of wheat testing is being conducted across four states - Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina. A new study, evaluating alternative small grains such as spelt, soft white wheats, hard red wheats and hard white wheats, was launched in 1999/2000 and selected entries will be evaluated at two locations in 2000/2001. Dr. José Costa, University of Maryland small grains breeder, noted that in 2000, a promising new wheat line, MD 11-52, performed well and will be tested for a second year both here and in Pennsylvania. It is high yielding, has high test weight and is resistant to powdery mildew. Two new barley lines are being considered for release: MD 881007-6, a Maryland line, and VA 95-42-33, a joint release with Virginia Tech. Both lines are high yielding, are early, have medium height and have test weights similar or slightly higher than the standard, Nomini. Finally, three hard red lines showed promise and are being included in this year's variety trials. [see results]

Control of Triazine-resistant Weeds in Corn

Since 1972, when smooth pigweed was documented as being resistant to the triazines, common lambsquarters, velvetleaf, barnyardgrass, giant foxtail, and yellow foxtail have been added to the list. The goal here will be to couple new herbicides with conventional and genetically engineered corn hybrids to find a cost effective and useful weed management program for those weed pests. [see results]

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