Introduction
Grain production in Maryland is very important to the economy. On average Maryland farmers plant approximately 500,000 acres of corn, 470,000 acres of soybeans, and 260,000 acres of small grains. In the past two years some farmers have converted hay and pasture land to grain production due to the increase in grain prices. Typically, corn and soybeans grown in most of the state is used by the local poultry companies for broiler feed.
There are many aspects of grain production such as crop budgeting, nutrient management, integrated pest management, weather, new equipment technology, grain marketing and regulation requirements. Farmers have to be well equipped with a great deal of information to be successful.