Agricultural Highlights – July 2014

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For July 15

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will meet Tuesday, July 15, at the Sheraton Baltimore North in Towson. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality program implementation and policy development. It is being held in conjunction with the summer meeting of the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts.  Established in 1938, the SSCC coordinates the activities of Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts, while advising the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to soil and water conservation. For more information, contact Louise Lawrence, Executive Secretary, 410-841-5863.

Cover Crop Sign-up Ends July 15

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds farmers that sign-up for its 2014-2015 Cover Crop Program runs through Tuesday, July 15, at soil conservation district offices statewide. Approximately $20 million in conservation grants is available through the program to help farmers offset the cost of planting cover crops on their fields this fall to conserve nutrients, reduce soil erosion, and protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  For more information, call MDA at 410-841-5864 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov and type “cover crops” on the search tab.  Or click here.

LEAD Maryland Accepting Applications for Next Class of Fellows

The LEAD Maryland Foundation is seeking applicants for its next class of Fellows. Applications are due October 1, and may be downloaded at https://extension.umd.edu/lead-maryland  or www.leadmaryland.org.  Participants will complete a series of multi-day seminars held throughout Maryland and Washington DC in 2015 and 2016 along with a travel study tour and class project. LEAD works to increase the number and capacity of leaders serving agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. For more information, call 410-827-8056.

Seats Still Available for August 1 Nutrient Management Certification Exam

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reports that seats are still available for the Nutrient Management Certification Exam scheduled for Friday, August 1, at locations in Annapolis, Salisbury, and Boonsboro. Individuals who provide nutrient recommendations, professionals who provide technical assistance or are engaged in the development of manure management systems, nursery personnel, and farmers interested in developing nutrient management plans for other farmers are encouraged to take the exam. The cost is $50; however, government employees and farmers who have previously taken the exam are exempt from the fee. Apply by July 11, at www.mda.maryland.gov.  Click on Nutrient Management and follow the links to “training classes.”  Or click here.

Practical Experiences in Nutrient Management Workshop Set for September 9

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a one day course titled Practical Experiences in Nutrient Management on Tuesday, September 9, at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City. Topics include corn silage yield check, nutrient management planning for perennial fruit, field data collection for the Phosphorus Site Index, corn grain yield checks, solid manure application equipment calibration, and safe use of drive-on scales for calibration and yield checks. The fee is $20 per person and covers learning materials, morning break and lunch. Participants receive six continuing education credits. Register at www.mda.maryland.gov.  Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for a registration form. 

Nutrient Management Plan Writing Workshops Offered September 25 and 30, 2014

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer two, one-day workshops titled, How to Write a Nutrient Management Plan on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown and Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at the Montgomery County Extension Office in Derwood. The course is offered for newly certified consultants and provides six nutrient management continuing education credits. Registration is capped at 12 participants per session. To register, call 410-841-5959 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov. Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for a registration form. 

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The Maryland Agricultural Awareness Alliance, a coalition of federal, state and local agricultural  agencies and commodity groups dedicated to educating Marylanders on agricultural issues.