Maryland Agricultural Highlights – September 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

SSCC Meeting Set For September 17, 2015

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, September 17, 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 Welcome Flyers in the Mail

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) advises farmers who signed up to plant cover crops this fall to check out its web site for helpful information on planting dates, seeding rates and payment options available through the 2015-2016 Maryland Cover Crop Program. Early planting incentive payments ranging from $5 to $20/acre are available to farmers who plant their fields by October 1 or October 15. For full details, click here.

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam and Training Offered

Lawn care professionals who want to become certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to apply fertilizer to turf may register for one of two upcoming certification classes to be held on September 30 in Montgomery County or October 16 in Annapolis. Optional training sessions are offered before the exam.  Lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass are required by law to 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. Click here to register for MDA’s Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam, or call MDA at 410.841.5959.

Homeowners Advised to Follow Label Instructions when Applying Lawn Fertilizer

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that fall is the best time to fertilize cool season grasses based on soil test results.  When applying fertilizer, it is important to read and follow all label instructions.  Doing so will benefit both lawns and the Chesapeake Bay. To further protect the Bay from nutrient runoff, do not apply fertilizer near streams or if heavy rain is predicted.  For more tips and information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, or extension.umd.edu/hgic.

Ag Education Golf Outing and Fundraiser Set for September 16

The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF) and the Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association will sponsor an Agricultural Education & Scholarship Golf Fundraiser on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at Oakmont Green Golf Course, 2290 Golfview Lane in Hampstead. The registration fee is $115 per person and includes greens fees, golf cart, lunch, and dinner.  Corporate/team sponsorships are also available.  The registration deadline is September 4, 2015. Proceeds support the education and outreach programs of MAEF and the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association.  Click here for a registration form or more information, call MAEF at 410-939-9030.

###

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