Maryland Agricultural Highlights – December 2017

DECEMBER 2017

State Soil Conservation Committee to Meet December 21
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, December 21, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Farm Bureau, 3358 Davidsonville Road, Davidsonville. 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, and 410-841-5863.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for February 8, 2018
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered February 8, 2018, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. Individuals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for farmers should attend. A $50 non-refundable certification fee is required for non-government applicants. For a registration form, call 410-841-5959 or visit the program’s website.

Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates Now in Effect
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens that lawn fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law are now in effect. The law prohibits citizens and lawn care professionals from applying nitrogen and phosphorus to lawns until March 1, when cool season grasses emerge from winter dormancy and can benefit from nutrient applications. Applying fertilizer to hard or frozen ground increases the risk for nutrient runoff into the storm drains that feed the Chesapeake Bay.  Excess nutrients have been shown to contribute to the growth of harmful algae blooms that rob the bay of oxygen. To further protect water quality, the law prohibits citizens from using fertilizer to de-ice walkways and driveways. For more information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Taste of Maryland Agriculture Event Set for February 1, 2018
The Maryland Agriculture Council will host its annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Dinner Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive in Glen Burnie. The event features a bounty of Maryland agricultural products that will be served throughout the evening. The event is designed to educate lawmakers about the importance of agriculture to all Maryland citizens. Inductees to the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame will be honored during the evening and Maryland Agriculture Council grants will be presented.  Tickets are $100 per person before January 10, and $125 after this date. Contact Gail Yeiser at 410-353-3069 for reservations for members of the agricultural community. For more information on the council or event, contact Susan Summers at 240-446-3601. Additional information and reservation forms may be found at www.mdagcouncil.com.

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Directory Available
Now is the time to find that perfect tree. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages citizens to buy fresh cut, locally grown Christmas trees, rather than artificial trees or those grown out of state. Visit www.marylandsbest.net for a Choose and Cut Farm Directory and information on tree varieties and tree care.

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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.