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Maryland Agricultural Highlights – DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For December 18

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will hold its next meeting will be held Thursday, December 18, 2014 at the Talbot Soil Conservation District, 28577 Mary’s Court in Easton. 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.

2014 Nutrient Management Annual Report Published

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has published its 2014 annual report for the Maryland Nutrient Management Program (NMP). The report highlights agriculture’s activities and accomplishments in helping Maryland implement its Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. The report is available on-line at www.mda.maryland.gov.

Continuing Education Classes Offered for Certified Professional Fertilizer (Turfgrass) Applicators

Certified professional fertilizer (turfgrass) applicators seeking to renew their certifications for 2015-2016 should visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website for a list of upcoming classes at www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. 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.

Taste of Maryland Agriculture Event Set for February 5

The Maryland Agriculture Council will host its annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Dinner Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The event features a bounty of Maryland agricultural products that will be served throughout the evening. The event is designed to educate lawmakers about the importance of agriculture to all Maryland citizens. Inductees to the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame will be honored during the evening along with a presentation of Maryland Agriculture Council grants.  Tickets are $100 per person before January 10, 2015 and $125 after this date. Call Gail Yeiser at 301.405.2434 for reservation information. For more information on the Council or event, call Susan Summers at 301.865.1045. Additional information and reservation forms can be found at www.mdagcouncil.com.

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Directory Available

It’s not too late to find that perfect tree. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages citizens to buy fresh cut, locally grown Christmas trees, rather than artificial trees or those grown out of state. Visit www.marylandsbest.net for a Choose and Cut Farm Directory and information on tree varieties and tree care.

 

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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.  


Contact Information

If you have any questions, need additional information or would like to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jessica Hackett
Director of Communications
Telephone: 410-841-5888

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