AGRICULTURAL MEDIA ADVISORY – JANUARY 2010

A Monthly Update on Agricultural Issues and Events Taking Place Throughout Maryland

SSCC Meeting Set For January 21

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, January 21, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality programs. 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.
MASCD Meeting Scheduled for January 26

The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) will hold its annual winter meeting on Tuesday, January 26, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.   MASCD serves as the voice for the state’s 24 soil conservation districts and provides a forum for training, policy-making and the exchange of information.  For more information or to register for the meeting, please visit MASCD’s website at www.mascd.net or contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771.
Maryland Agriculture Dinner Set For February 4

The Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc. will hold its annual Maryland Agriculture Dinner on Thursday, February 4, at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.  The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and presentation of the Maryland Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees.  Reservations are $85 before January 10, 2010 and $100 per person thereafter.  Attendees are encouraged to reserve early to guarantee inclusion in the program sponsor list.  Reservation forms are available at www.mdagcouncil.com.  For more information, contact Gail Yeiser, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, at 301-405-2434 or [email protected].
Nutrient Management Training Classes 

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension will offer farmers free instruction on how to use Maryland’s nutrient management reporting software to complete and file their Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs).  The reports, which are required by law and describe how farmers followed their nutrient management plans during the previous cropping year, are due to MDA by March 1 of each year.  Program participants receive technical support, a free copy of NuMan Reporter software and guidance in completing AIRs for their own operations.  Class size is limited and farmers are encouraged to register early.  There is no fee; however, the class does not qualify for continuing education credits.
Washington County—January 20.  Contact Lief Eriksen at 301-432-2767, ext. 342 or [email protected]
Frederick County—January 21. Contact Lief Eriksen at 301-432-2767, ext. 342 or [email protected]
Talbot County—February 4.  Contact Erin Dorsey at 410-742-1178, ext. 331 or [email protected]
Charles County—February 10.  Contact Paul Shipley at 301-405-2563 or [email protected]
St. Mary’s County—February 11.  Contact Paul Shipley at 301-405-2563 or [email protected]
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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.