Maryland Grain Producers Seek Grant Proposals

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is seeking grant proposals from organizations and researchers in the areas of education, market development and research for their 2007 grant cycle. Funding is provided through the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program, where an assessment of one half of one percent (0.5%) is collected on the net value of each bushel of grain sold in the state, other than soybeans which has it’s own checkoff program. “The Maryland Grain Checkoff Program received unprecedented support in the mandatory state referendum this past July. Grain producers are committed to funding projects to increase the profitability of Maryland farmers,” states Jason Scott, grain producer and MGPUB President. “We have been investing in research, marketing and education for over fifteen years. The most notable research recently has been the development of hulless barley, which will have use in Maryland ethanol production.”For 2007 funding, MGPUB is specifically interested in new proposals to evaluate the current research findings on the specific fertilizer needs of different hybrids and research to provide more meaningful information to farmers on whether or not they can use this varietal difference to utilize fertilizer more efficiently, both for yield and the environment. MGPUB is also seeking proposals to help Maryland farmers learn what factors influence the milling wheat falling numbers standard and what can be done to ensure that wheat is not rejected because of unacceptable falling numbers. An evaluation of current research finding and the preparation of a technical fact sheet would be a helpful first step. MGPUB will again consider projects to improve the utilization efficiency of poultry manure in no-till grain production application. Applications are to be postmarked by December 1, 2006, for consideration of 2007 funding. Proposals will be evaluated and approved at the MGPUB funding meeting in January. For more information and Research Proposal Guidelines, contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771 or visit the checkoff page.