Maryland Agricultural Highlights – November 2019

Fall Cover Crops Deadline November 5

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds farmers who signed up for grants to plant fall cover crops that they have until November 5 to get their fields planted. Cover crops planted by this date need to be certified with the local soil conservation district by November 13 in order to receive payment. For more information, farmers should visit the department’s website, contact their local soil conservation district, or call the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program at 410-841-5864.

Hadaway Named District Supervisor for Baltimore County Soil Conservation District

Eric Hadaway has been appointed as a District Supervisor for the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. He succeeds Charlie Conklin, who served as the county-appointed board member for 16 years. The Baltimore County Soil Conservation District’s five-member Board of Supervisors provides leadership and works closely with local, state, and federal organizations to oversee a range of comprehensive natural resources protection programs for the county. Hadaway currently serves as Vice President and Director of Environmental Services at Daft McCune Walker, where he has coordinated environmental compliance for land development projects for 25 years. A resident of Baltimore County, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Towson University, and is a Certified Wetland Delineator and Qualified Forestry Professional. The Baltimore County Soil Conservation District serves all of Baltimore County. District technical staff work with agricultural producers to install best management practices on farms to protect natural resources, promote healthy soil, and safeguard the streams and rivers that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. The district also assists the county’s urban interests by reviewing and approving erosion and sediment control plans, storm water management plans, and small pond plans. For more information, contact Jim Ensor at jensor@baltimorecountymd.gov or 410-527-5920.

2019-2020 Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Renewal Courses Announced

University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture will offer free nutrient applicator voucher training and renewal courses to farm operators who apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of cropland. The two-hour course is required by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program once every three years for these operators. The courses are offered at locations statewide. For a list of dates and locations, visit the department’s website.

Northern Maryland Field Crops Day Set For December 5

Producers of corn, soybeans, hay, and small grains are invited to attend the 2019 Northern Maryland Field Crops Day set for December 5, at the Friendly Farm Restaurant, 17434 Foreston Road, Upperco. This meeting serves as recertification for Maryland private pesticide applicators and offers recertification credits for Pennsylvania recertification. In addition, producers can attend specific presentations to renew their Maryland Nutrient Applicators Vouchers. New this year, the event provides certified crop advisor continuing education credits. Presentations begin at 9:00 a.m. The event runs until 3:30 p.m. Lunch is available for $22 for guests who pre-register and $30 at the door. For more information, contact the Baltimore County Office of the University of Maryland Extension at 410-887-8090. Visit their website for more information.

Maryland Arborist Association to Host Pesticide Recertification Seminar January 21-22

The Maryland Arborist Association will host its 39th annual Safety and Pesticide Recertification Seminar January 21-22, at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center in Elliott City. This year’s event features Keynote Speaker John Ball of South Dakota State University along with seminars on the spotted lanternfly, pollinator protection, oaks, hazard communication, high voltage, and more. Lunch is included both days. More details are on the website.

Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board Seeks Proposals

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is seeking proposals from universities, organizations, and individuals to help fulfill its mission to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production and to improve public understanding of agriculture. MGPUB will be using checkoff investments to support selected education, promotion, and research projects. Applications are due December 2. To learn more, visit MGPUB’s website. 

ShoreRivers to Host Workshop on Improved Drainage Water Management and Soil Health on December 4

ShoreRivers will host a one-day workshop on building farm resiliency through improved drainage water management and soil health on Wednesday, December 4, at the Caroline County Soil Conservation District, 9194 Legion Rd, # 3, Denton. RSVP by November 22 at lwood@shorerivers.org or by calling 410-810-7556, ex. 276.

50^th Annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Event Set for February 6

The 50^th annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Celebration will be held Thursday, February 6, at Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie. The event features a bounty of Maryland agricultural products that will be served throughout the evening and aims to educate lawmakers about the importance of agriculture to all Maryland citizens. Inductees to the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame will be honored and Maryland Agriculture Council Educational Grant winners will be announced. Tickets are $100 per person and must be purchased by January 10, in order for attendees to be included in the program. Late reservation tickets will be $125. Members of the agricultural community should contact Gail Yeiser at (410) 353-3069 or gailpyeiser@gmail.com for reservations. For more information, contact Susan Summers at (240) 446-3601. The event is sponsored by the Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc. Additional information can be found at mdagcouncil.com.

National Corn Growers Association Scholarships Available

The National Corn Growers Association is offering a range of scholarship opportunities for students who want to serve rural America. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500. Student candidates or their parents must be members of the National Corn Growers Association. Applications are due December 1. Interested students can apply here.

Queen Anne’s Extension to Host Harvest Breakfast

Queen Anne’s County University of Maryland Extension office will host its 30^th annual Harvest Breakfast on Friday, December 6, at Chesapeake College. Dr. Andrew G. Ristvey, Extension Specialist for Commercial Horticulture, will provide an update on industrial hemp. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the event webpage.

Maryland Farm Fresh Turkeys and Other Local Products for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day chefs who want the freshest possible turkey for their family feast should visit marylandsbest.net. The website, an extension of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Department, lists farms throughout the state that sell farm-fresh turkeys along with helpful tips and recipes. Consumers also can find local cheeses, wines, and other Maryland products to serve during the holidays.

Maryland Census 2020

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of every person living in the United States every 10 years. The data collected by the census determines Maryland’s representation in Congress, impacts local legislative districts, and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities. Completing your census form ensures Maryland families, neighbors, and communities receive the support they need. Census forms can be completed online, over the phone, or by mail. Mark your calendars for Census Day on April 1, 2020 and be sure to participate. More information can be found on the Maryland Census 2020 website.

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Maryland’s Conservation Partnership is a coalition of federal, state, and local agriculture agencies dedicated to protecting and conserving natural resources and promoting Maryland agriculture. Members include the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, the State Soil Conservation Committee, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency and University of Maryland Extension.