Maryland Agricultural Highlights – November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For November 20

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will hold its next meeting will be held Thursday, November 20 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.

Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates Begin November 15 for Homeowners; December 1 for Lawn Care Pros

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds citizens that November 15 is the last day they may fertilize lawns under Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law.  Lawn care professionals have until December 1, provided they use specially formulated products that reduce the risk of nutrient runoff into streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.  Both citizens and lawn care pros may resume lawn fertilizer applications of nitrogen and phosphorus on March 1, as long as the ground is not frozen or heavy rain is not predicted. For more tips and information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, call the University of Maryland’s Home and Garden Information Center at 1.800.342.2507 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exams and Training Offered

Lawn care professionals seeking certification by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to apply fertilizer to turfgrass and lawns may register for one of the following certification classes:  November 19 in Annapolis; December 15 in Montgomery County; December 16 in Washington County; and December 17 in Salisbury. Optional training sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to 11:30 am the day of the exam. Lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass must be certified by MDA’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. The requirement is a major component of Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law which took effect October 1, 2013. To register for a training session and exam, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. In addition, information on recertification training classes for lawn care professionals who are already certified can be found on the web site.

Farmer Training and Certification Course Offered in Howard County

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension (UME) Howard County will offer a training course for farmers with pastured animals and cropland who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for their own operations. The course includes two evenings of training on December 2 and 4, an exam on December 11 and a final plan writing session on December 16. Participants must pass the open book exam and complete a nutrient management plan for the 2015 season in order to become certified. UME and MDA nutrient management specialists will be available to assist with plan writing. Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll right away. The registration fee is $20. For a registration form, visit 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 Training

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a workshop on how to comply with Maryland’s agricultural nutrient management regulations on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel. The program awards six continuing education units in all agricultural nutrient management categories. Cost is $30. To register, visit www.mda.maryland.gov. Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for a registration form. 

Maryland Farm Fresh Turkeys and Other Local Products Available for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day cooks seeking the freshest possible turkey for the family feast should visit www.marylandsbest.net. The website, an extension of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Department, lists farms throughout the state that sell farm-fresh turkeys along with helpful tips and recipes. Consumers also can find local cheeses, wines, and other Maryland products to serve during the holidays.

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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.