Maryland Agricultural Highlights — April 2020

2020 Maryland Envirothon Cancelled 

Maryland’s soil conservation districts have announced the cancellation of the 2020 Maryland Envirothon for high school students along with all county and regional competitions due to the current state of emergency. Additionally, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts have announced the cancellation of the 2020 national NCF-Envirothon scheduled for July 26 through Aug. 1, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Maryland high school students are encouraged to stay home, stay healthy, and continue learning about our state’s natural resources. Envirothon resources and study materials can be found on the Maryland Envirothon website.  

Harford Soil Conservation District Board to Meet Via Teleconference

The Harford Soil Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday, April 14 at 8:30 a.m. via teleconference. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on issues related to soil conservation and water quality protection. Those interested in attending should call 410-638-4828 for the teleconference information. For more details on changes to the Harford Soil Conservation District’s operations during the state of emergency, please visit their website. 

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Recertification Class Moved Online

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program has announced that its recertification class for Professional Fertilizer Applicators originally scheduled to take place on April 16 at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission facility in Upper Marlboro will be moved to an online format. To register for the class and to receive an invitation link, email Judy McGowan at judy.mcgowan@maryland.gov by April 14.  Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law requires that lawn care professionals are certified by the department or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. For more information, please visit the website.  

Homeowners Reminded to Use Best Management When Caring for Lawns

With the arrival of warm weather, homeowners are encouraged to use best management practices to maintain healthy lawns and a healthy Chesapeake Bay. Homeowners are reminded to mow the grass high to shade out weeds and conserve moisture, and to remove no more than one-third of the grass height at each mowing. In addition, grass clippings should be left on lawns to serve as free fertilizer. For more tips and information, visit the Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law webpage.

Earn Nutrient Management Continuing Education Credits Online

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program reminds farmers and certified nutrient management consultants that it offers several educational programs online that qualify for nutrient management continuing education credits. Please visit the website for a list of courses. 

###

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.