AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS – SEPTEMBER 2010

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

SSCC Meeting Set For September 16

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, September 16, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in 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.

Poultry Farm Management Workshop Offered September 29

The University of Maryland Extension will offer a one-day workshop for new and existing poultry farmers on Wednesday, September 29, at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills.  Topics covered include farm management and maintenance, record-keeping, windbreaks, vegetative buffers and other best management practices, mortality, manure/litter management and new environmental regulations and requirements.  Participants receive six credit hours toward the Maryland Nutrient Management Program’s continuing education requirement. The program also awards nutrient applicator vouchers.  The registration fee is $30 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and materials.  The registration deadline is September 20.  For more information, contact Jeri Cook at 410-742-1178 or [email protected].

Nutrient Management Plan Writing and Certification Workshops for Farmers Scheduled

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension will offer two  workshops this fall for farmers who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for their own operations.  Using the NuMan Pro software program farmers develop their own plans with guidance from the University of Maryland and MDA staff.  Farmers who pass a short exam and receive a favorable review of their plan by MDA are certified.  Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll right away.  To begin the process, click here or contact MDA at 410-841-5959.  Farmers may also register by contacting their local Extension office or visiting http://anmp.umd.edu/Events/index.cfm.

Diverse Operations (crops, pastured animals, vegetables and flowers)

Dates:  October 19, 21, 26, 28 and November 3, 4 and 9

Time:  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: University of Maryland Extension—Frederick County Office

Crop Operations that use Litter and Fertilizer

Dates:  December 2, 10 and 13

Time:  9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Wye Research and Education Center, Queenstown

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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.