Maryland Agricultural Highlights – October 2015

Homeowners Should Hire Only Licensed and Certified Lawn Care Professionals

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) 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.

2015-2016 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.

Allegany—November 17, call 301-724-3320

Anne Arundel—December 14, February 11 and March 15, call 410-222-3906

Caroline County—February 17, call 410-479-4030

Carroll County—November 24, January 7, February 5, and March 1, call 410-386-2760

Cecil County—January 27, call 410-996-5280

Frederick County—November 18 and March 9, call 301-600-1594

Harford County—January 13 and February 10, call 410-638-3255

Kent County—December 1, call 410-778-1661

Queen Anne’s County—February 26, call 410-758-0166

Somerset County—October 20, call 410-651-1350

Talbot County—March 1, call 410-822-1244

Washington County—December 4 and February 25, call 301-791-1304

Wicomico County—November 9, call 410-749-6141

Worcester County—December 3, call 410-632-1972

MAEF Banquet and Auction Set for November 5

The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) will host its 27th annual banquet and auction Thursday, November 5, at Michael’s 8th Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive in Glen Burnie, Maryland.  Tickets are $70 per person and may be purchased by calling 410-939-9030. Proceeds benefit MAEF’s agricultural educational outreach programs.

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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.