Maryland Agricultural Highlights – NOVEMBER 2013

SSCC Meeting Set For November 21
The State Soil Conservation Committee will meet Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at the Talbot Soil Conservation district in Easton. 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.

Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates Begin November 15 for Homeowners; December 1 for Lawn Care Pros
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds citizens that November 15 is the last day they may fertilize lawns under Maryland’s newly enacted Lawn Fertilizer Law.  Lawn care professionals have until December 1, provided they use specially formulated products that reduce the risk of nutrient runoff into streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.  Both citizens and lawn care pros may resume lawn fertilizer applications of nitrogen and phosphorus on March 1, as long as the ground is not frozen or heavy rain is not predicted. For more tips and information on Maryland’s new Lawn Fertilizer Law, call the University of Maryland’s Home and Garden Information Center at 1.800.342.2507 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Farmer Training and Certification Course Offered
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension (UME) will offer a training course for farmers with pastured animals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for their own operations.  The course includes two evenings of training on December 2 and 4, an exam on December 11 and a final plan writing session on December 19. Participants must pass the open book exam and complete a nutrient management plan for the 2014 season in order to become certified.  Maryland Extension and MDA nutrient management specialists will be available to assist with plan writing.  Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll right away.  The registration fee is $20.  For a registration form visit www.mda.maryland.gov. Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for a registration form.  

Maryland Farm Fresh Turkeys and Other Local Products Available for Thanksgiving
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 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.

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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.