The Maryland Nutrient Management Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50, Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  The agenda will focus on the new Phosphorus Site Index from the University of Maryland. For more information, call 410-841-5959.

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, November 15, at 9:30 a.m. at Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, 5301 Marlboro Race Track Road, Upper Marlboro. 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.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a free nutrient applicator voucher training course designed specifically for in-ground nursery operators on November 13, at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queen Anne’s County, November 27, at the University of Maryland Extension office in Baltimore County and December 4, at the University of Maryland Extension office in Montgomery County.  Attendees receive three continuing education hours for Nutrient Applicator Voucher renewal or Maryland Nutrient Management Certification.  For more information, contact Debby Dant at 410-827-8056, ext. 115 or [email protected].

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is seeking grant proposals from universities, organizations and individuals interested in improving grain production and public understanding of agriculture.  Among the research proposals that will be considered are projects and programs that increase nutrient efficiency, determine the nutrient contribution of wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; establish protocols to eliminate Canadian thistle, develop strategies to reduce deer damage, assess the use of fall nitrate test for small grains, evaluate alternative cover crops mixes and reduce the impact of stinkbugs and slugs on grain crops. Applications should be postmarked no later than December 1. For more information and complete MGPUB research proposal guidelines, contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5772 or visit www.marylandgrain.com.

The St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District will offer an Erosion and Sediment Control “green card” class on Tuesday, December 11, at the St. Mary’s Agricultural Service Center in Leondardtown.  State law requires personnel involved in grading or other soil disturbing activities to attend a Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) approved training program or “green card” class.  The cost is $35 and the registration deadline is December 6.  Register on-line at www.stmarysscd.com or by contacting Haley Carter, 301-475-8402, ext. 3 or [email protected].

Thanksgiving Day cooks seeking the freshest possible turkey for the family feast should visit www.marylandsbest.net. The website, an extension of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Department, lists over 40 farms throughout the state that sell farm-fresh turkeys. Consumers can also find local cheeses, wines, and other Maryland products to serve during the holidays.

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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.