Maryland Agricultural Highlights – June 2015

JUNE 2015

SSCC Meeting Set For June 18

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s 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 State Soil Conservation Committee 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 Info in the Mail

Farmers who want to plant cover crops this fall to protect water quality, control erosion and build organic matter in the soil should check their mailboxes for important information regarding the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s 2015-2016 Cover Crop Sign-Up. Approximately $22 million in conservation grants is available to help farmers offset the cost of planting cover crops on their fields this fall. New this year, legume cover crop mixes are eligible for grants. Sign-up runs June 24 through July 15, 2015 at local soil conservation districts.  For more information, call 410-841-5864 or click here.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for August 7

The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Friday, August 7, 2015 at its headquarters building, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  Individuals who provide nutrient recommendations, professionals who provide technical assistance or are engaged in the development of waste 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 certification fee. To register, contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410.841.5959 or click here.

MDA Reminds Homeowners to Fertilize Lawns Responsibly

With summer approaching, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds homeowners that fertilizer should only be applied to lawns when the grass is actively growing. To prevent runoff, fertilize warm season grasses (Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass) in late spring or early summer and cool season grasses (fescues, bluegrass) in fall.  Some grass species have natural dormancy periods and will turn brown during the hot, dry summer months. Applying fertilizer to force a lawn to turn green during its dormancy period can damage the grass and result in unused fertilizer washing off lawns and into the streams and rivers that feed the Chesapeake Bay. For more tips of fertilizing responsibly and Maryland’s new Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

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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.