MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS – JANUARY 2011

SCC Meeting Set For February 17
The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 17, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality programs. 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.

Soil Conservation District Annual Report Available
The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) has released its 2010 annual report titled, Maryland’s Go-To Team.   The report highlights the ways Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts help farmers, developers and local governments meet environmental requirements aimed at protecting natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay.  For a copy of this report, contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771 or visitwww.mascd.net. 

Nutrient Management Class Scheduled for March 1
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program and University of Maryland Extension will sponsor a one-day workshop on the latest regulations and policies affecting nutrient management on Tuesday, March 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the lower level conference rooms of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  The course will cover nutrient management regulations and policies, the latest regulations/permit requirements for animal feeding operations, nitrogen for small grains, Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) for the Chesapeake Bay, and the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP).  Certified nutrient management consultants attending the course receive six continuing education credits.  The registration deadline is February 23.  To register, call 410-841-5959 or clickhere.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for March 15
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Tuesday, March 15, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  Individuals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for farmers should attend.  The cost is $50; however, government employees and farmers who have previously taken the exam are exempt from the exam fee.  The registration deadline is February 28.  To register, call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5959 or click here.

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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.