Agricultural Highlights – February 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Will Meet February 18

The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, February 18, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 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.

March 1 Filing Deadline Fast Approaching for Nutrient Management Reports

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds farmers that March 1 is the deadline for submitting Annual Implementation Reports summarizing nutrient applications made during calendar year 2015. Reporting forms and instructions have been mailed to approximately 5,500 Maryland farmers who are regulated under the Nutrient Management Program. Additional copies may be picked up at regional nutrient management and University of Maryland Extension offices or downloaded at mda.maryland.gov. For more information, farmers should contact their regional nutrient management office or call (410) 841-5959.

Fertilizer Application Reports due March 1 for Licensed Professional Lawn Care Pros

Licensed individuals and businesses that fertilize turf are required to file an Annual Fertilizer Application Report with the Maryland Department of Agriculture by March 1.  The report outlines total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied to turf by county.  Reporting forms and instructions were mailed to all license holders in January. Additional copies are available online at mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. For more information, call (410) 841-5959 or contact judy.mcgowan@maryland.gov or kelly.love@maryland.gov.

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification and Recertification Classes Offered

The Maryland Department of Agriculture will offer its Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam on February 18 and March 16 in Annapolis and March 30 in Montgomery County. Optional training sessions are offered from 9 – 11:30 a.m. on the day of the exam. The following continuing education classes are available to certified professionals seeking to renew their certificates: February 12, February 16, March 7 and March 31 in Annapolis; February 23, March 21 and March 25 in Montgomery County; and February 10 and 29 in Washington County. To register, visit mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Soil Conservation District Annual Report Available

The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts has released its 2015 annual report titled, Innovating for a Cleaner Chesapeake Bay.  The report highlights how Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts are helping to implement Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay by 2025. For a copy of the report, contact Lynne Hoot at (410) 956-5771 or lynne.mdag@gmail.com.  The report also is available online at www.mascd.net.

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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.