Maryland Agricultural Highlights – December 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For December 15
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, December 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Farm Bureau, 3358 Davidsonville Road, Davidsonville. 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.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for February 10
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Friday, February 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. Individuals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for farmers should attend.  To register, call 410-841-5959 or visit the department’s website.

Farmer Training and Certification Courses Offered
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a series of farmer training and certification workshops for producers who want to become certified by the department to write nutrient management plans for their own operations. The workshops are designed specifically for farmers who use commercial fertilizer and/or manure and will be offered in the following locations: Queen Anne’s County beginning January 17, Howard County beginning January 24, and Frederick County beginning February 28.  Participants must pass the open book exam and complete a nutrient management plan for the 2017 season in order to become certified.  Professional staff will be available to assist with plan writing. Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll right away. For a registration form, visit the department’s website.

Certification Exam and Continuing Education Classes for Professional Fertilizer Applicators
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has published a new list of exam dates for individuals who want to become certified as Professional Fertilizer Applicators along with a list of continuing education classes for professionals who need to renew their certifications. Lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass are required by law to be certified by the department’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. Certificates are valid through June 30 of each year and may be renewed annually for a $100 fee and verification of two hours of annual recertification training. Training offered by the department and University of Maryland Extension is provided free of charge. To register for an exam or continuing education class, visit the department’s website.

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Directory Available
Now is the time to find that perfect tree. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages citizens to buy fresh cut, locally grown Christmas trees, rather than artificial trees or those grown out of state. Visit MarylandsBest.net for a Choose and Cut Farm Directory and information on tree varieties and tree care.

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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.