Maryland Agricultural Highlights – June 2016

JUNE 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For June 16
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, June 16, 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.

Cover Crop Info in the Mail
Farmers who want to plant cover crops this fall to protect water quality, control erosion, and improve their soil for next year’s crop, should check their mailboxes for important information regarding the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s 2016-2017 Cover Crop Sign-Up. Approximately $22.5 million in conservation grants is available to help farmers offset the cost of planting cover crops on their fields this fall. Sign-up runs June 24 through July 15 at local soil conservation districts.  For more information, call 410-841-5864 or visit the department’s website.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for August 5
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Friday, August 5, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. Individuals who provide nutrient recommendations, nursery personnel, and farmers interested in developing nutrient management plans for other farmers are encouraged to take the exam. The cost is $50. 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.

LEAD Maryland Accepting Applications for Next Class of Fellows
The LEAD Maryland Foundation is seeking applicants for its next class of fellows. Applications are due October 1and are available at the LEAD Maryland website. Participants will complete a series of multi-day seminars held throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. in 2017 and 2018 along with a travel study tour and class project. LEAD is a partnership 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to identifying and developing leaders to serve Maryland’s agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. For more information, contact Susan R. Harrison at 410-827-8056 or leadmd@umd.edu.

Department Reminds Homeowners to Fertilize Lawns Responsibly
With summer approaching, the Maryland Department of Agriculture 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 tips on fertilizing responsibly and Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit the department’s website.

###

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