MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS – SEPTEMBER 2012

LEAD Maryland Fellowship applications due October 1
The LEAD Maryland Foundation is seeking applicants for its next class of LEAD Fellows.  Applications are due October 1, 2012. Program information and the application are available at www.leadmaryland.org . The LEAD Maryland Foundation is a partnership 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and developing leadership for Maryland’s agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. For more information, please contact Susan R. Harrison at 410-827-8056 or [email protected].

Farmer Training and Certification Course Offered 
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension (UME) will offer a training course for farmers who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for their own operations.  The course will be held over seven evenings beginning October 16, 2012 and ending November 5, 2012 at the Frederick County Extension office.  It is designed for crop operations that use manure and fertilizers.  Participants must pass the open book exam and complete a nutrient management plan for their operation for the 2013 season in order to become certified.  Maryland Extension and MDA nutrient management specialists will be available to assist with plan writing.  Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll right away.  The registration fee is $20.  To register, contact Terry Poole, Ag Educator Emeritus at 301-600-3577 or [email protected].  Farmers may also register by visiting http://anmp.umd.edu/Events/index.cfm.

Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program Accepting Applications
The Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP) is now accepting applications from qualified conservation farmers who voluntarily install best management practices (BMPs) on their farms, comply with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations, and use comprehensive soil conservation and water quality plans to manage their operations.  Established in 2010 by the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD), this unique program recognizes and certifies farmers who have demonstrated that they are good stewards of their farmland and related natural resources, by providing them with three-year waivers from state nutrient management inspections and linking them with new resources and conservation programs. For more information visit www.mascd.netor contract Gerald Talbert at 410-247-1973 or [email protected].

###

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