Agricultural Highlights – October 2014

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For October 16, 2014

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will meet Thursday, Oct. 16, at its headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality program implementation and policy development. 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.

Homeowners Should Hire Only Licensed and Certified Lawn Care Professionals

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that lawn care professionals hired to fertilize lawns must be certified and licensed by its Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program. In addition, fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may not be applied near streams or if heavy rain is predicted. To further protect the Chesapeake Bay, fertilizer that lands on sidewalks or driveways must be cleaned up or swept back on the grass. For more information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer law and a list of licensed and certified lawn care professionals, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for November 20

The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Thursday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis 21401. Farmers and individuals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for farmers should attend.  The cost is $50; however, government employees and farmers who have previously taken the exam are exempt from the exam fee. To register, call MDA at 410-841-5959 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov, scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management, and click on Training Programs.

2014-2015 Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Renewal Courses Announced

University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture will offer free nutrient applicator voucher training and renewal courses to farm operators who apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of cropland. The two-hour course is required once every three years for these operators.

• Anne Arundel—December 15 and March 10, call 410-222-3906
• Caroline County—February 18, call 410-479-4030
• Carroll County—November 5, December 4, January 23 and March 11, call 410-386-2760
• Frederick County—November 13, call 301-600-1594
• Harford County—February 10 and 25, call 410-638-3255
• Howard County—December 1, call 410-313-2707
• Kent County—December 18, call 410-778-1661
• Montgomery County—November 24, call 301-590-9638
• Prince George’s—December 3, call 301-868-9366
• Queen Anne’s County—February 27, call 410-758-0166
• St. Mary’s County—October 29, January 14, and February 4, call 410-475-4484
• Somerset County—October 20, call 410-651-1350
• Talbot County—March 4, call 410-822-1244
• Washington County—December 5 and March 5, call 301-791-1304
• Wicomico County—November 17, call 410-749-6141
• Worcester County—December 15, call 410-632-1972

MAEF Banquet and Auction Set for Nov. 6

The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) will host its 26^th annual banquet and auction Thursday, Nov. 6, at Michael’s 8^th Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive in Glen Burnie. Tickets are $70 per person and may be purchased by calling 410-939-9030.  Proceeds benefit MAEF’s agricultural educational outreach programs. 

###

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