Agricultural Highlights – January 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For January 21, 2016

The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, January 21, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture (50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Md.). 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 17, 2016

The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture (50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Md.).  Individuals who provide nutrient recommendations, professionals who provide technical assistance or are engaged in the development of waste management systems, nursery personnel, and farmers interested in developing nutrient management plans for other farmers are encouraged to take the exam.  The cost is $50; however, 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, or visit mda.maryland.gov (click on Nutrient Management and follow the links to “training classes”).

2015 Annual Reports Published

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has published its 2015 annual reports for the Nutrient Management Program and the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program. The reports highlight agriculture’s activities and accomplishments in helping Maryland implement its Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay by 2025. The reports are available on-line at mda.maryland.gov.

MDA Reminds Citizens Not to Use Fertilizer as a De-Icer

Now that winter is finally here, the Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens that Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law prohibits using fertilizer products to de-ice frozen surfaces. When temperatures rise and it rains, fertilizer can easily wash into nearby storm drains and streams that empty into the Chesapeake Bay. Once in our waterways, excess 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 http://extension.umd.edu/learn/melting-ice-safely-fs707.

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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.