Maryland Agricultural Highlights – January 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For January 19
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, January 19, 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.

2016 Maryland Nutrient Management Program Reporting Forms Available On-Line
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that 2016 Nutrient Management Annual Implementation Reporting Forms (AIRs) and instructions are now available on the department’s website. Farmers use the reporting forms to document how they implemented their nutrient management plans during calendar year 2016. These reporting forms are due to the department by March 1. Most farmers also will receive printed copies of the reporting form in the mail.  For more information, visit the website or contact the department’s Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

2016 Nutrient Management Program Annual Report Published
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program has published its 2016 annual report highlighting its activities and accomplishments in helping Maryland protect streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay from nutrient pollution.  The reports are available on the department’s website.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for February 10
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Friday, February 10, 2017 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.

State Agriculture Department Reminds Citizens Not to Use Fertilizer as a De-Icer
With winter in full swing, the Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens that Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law prohibits using fertilizer products to de-ice frozen surfaces. Once temperatures rise, these products can easily wash into nearby storm drains and streams with the first rain or snow. Fertilizer contributes to the growth of algae blooms that block sunlight from reaching Bay grasses, rob the water of oxygen and threaten underwater life.  The University of Maryland recommends using sand and kitty litter as possible substitutes.  For more information, visit University of Maryland Extension.

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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.