Maryland Agricultural Highlights – July 2017

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For July 20

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, July 20, 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.

Cover Crop Sign-up Ends July 17

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds farmers that sign-up for its 2017-2018 Cover Crop Program runs through Monday, July 17, at soil conservation district offices statewide. Approximately $22.5 million in conservation grants is available through the program to help farmers offset the cost of planting cover crops on their fields this fall to conserve nutrients, reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. For more information, visit www.mda.maryland.gov and type “cover crops” in the search tab.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for August 4

The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Friday, August 4, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. Individuals who provide nutrient recommendations, nursery personnel, and farmers interested in developing nutrient management plans for other farmers are encouraged to take the exam. The cost is $50. 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 www.mda.maryland.gov. Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for a registration form.

Homeowners Reminded to Use Best Management Practices When Caring for Lawns In Summer
The Maryland Department of Agriculture advises homeowners to mow the grass high to shade out weeds and conserve moisture during periods of hot, dry weather. Raise the mower’s cutting height by ½ inch to 1 inch and remember to leave grass clippings on the lawn as a source of free fertilizer. For more tips and information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer or extension.umd.edu/hgic.

2017 Commodity Classic Set for July 27

The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA), Maryland Soybean Board, and the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association will host the Maryland Commodity Classic Thursday, July 27, at the Queen Anne’s 4-H Park in Centreville. The highly regarded event features research presentations, exhibits, informational displays and a famed Crab Feast, Pork and Chicken BBQ. Tickets are available for $10 each for entry prior to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 each after 2:00 p.m., with no entry allowed after 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 443-262-8491.

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