Deadlines Extended for Cover Crop Plantings, Nutrient Applications

Published October 2016 in Lancaster Farming

The days are getting shorter and cooler, and harvests are both underway and winding down. The first frost has already hit some areas of the state, and fall farm activities are in full swing. The season is definitely changing – but it hasn’t quite changed yet.

Maryland corn harvested for grain is 11 percentage points behind the 5 year average and barley planted is 6 percentage points behind the 5 year average (as of right now).  We’ll have to wait and see what the next few weeks bring.

All in all, it’s turning out to be another year in farming.

Deadlines Extended

Due to late spring planting and a warm and unusually wet fall (so far), farmers in some areas of the state are just getting into the fields now. Because soil conditions are still favorable, we recently extended three key deadlines.

1. Cover Crop Planting: Farmers who signed up to plant wheat, rye or triticale cover crops have until 15 to get them in the ground. The extension only pertains to farmers who use no till, conventional, or broadcast with light, minimum or vertical tillage planting methods. It does not apply to legume/small grain mixes. Be sure to certify your cover crop acreage with your local soil conservation district by Nov. 18 to be eligible for cost-share assistance.
2. Nutrient Applications: On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the deadline for all nutrient applications, including commercial fertilizer and poultry litter, has been extended to Nov. 15 to allow farmers more time to fertilize crops that will be planted later this fall. The new deadline is consistent with the nutrient cut-off date that farmers are required follow in all other areas of the state. After the 15^th, farmers are prohibited from spreading commercial fertilizer and stackable manure until March 1.
3. Fall application of liquid manure on dairy farms and other livestock operations has been extended to Dec. 3 to allow farmers time to empty their waste storage structures before winter, After Dec. 3, farmers may not spread manure on their fields until March 1. The extension does not apply to dry, stackable manure or poultry litter.

The weather often decides what needs to be done, and we will remain flexible for the benefit of farmers.

Interesting Findings

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service recently released findings from its 2014 Organic Survey and its 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties. The organic survey showed that there are 120 organic farms on nearly 14,000 acres in Maryland. Together, they produced and sold $19 million in organic products. Of these – 110 farms were certified and 10 were exempt from certification because they gross less than $5,000 annually from organic sales.

The horticultural census shows that there are 313 horticultural operations in Maryland that sold $226 million in horticultural products in 2014, compared to 368 horticultural operations that sold $225 million in horticultural products in 2009. Horticulture producers in Maryland had $158.6 million in total production expenses in 2014. Hired labor expenses in Maryland accounted for 38 percent of the total production expenses. Of the 3,433 hired workers in Maryland, 1,332 worked less than 150 days compared to 2,101 who worked 150 days or more.

Ag Tourism

One of the best things about fall is the many agri-tourism activities that start up and give people who have never been on a farm an opportunity to visit one. Farms across the state offer a variety of family friendly activities, from getting lost in a corn maze to petting farm animals to enjoying home baked goods. It just doesn’t get any better than watching kids explore a farm on a crisp autumn day. Agri-tourism is a booming industry here in Maryland. According to the USDA’s most recent agricultural census, there are 307 agri-tourism farms in Maryland with revenues of $7.2 million.

Think Turkey

If pumpkins are in the field (as they are now), we know Thanksgiving isn’t far away. We, once again, remind Maryland families to order their local, farm-fresh turkeys from their local family farm early! The Maryland turkey growers across the state offer the freshest, best tasting turkey available, and they often sell out. The high demand for these birds is evidence to the superior flavor and freshness. According to the latest USDA Census, 117 Maryland farms sell more than 154,000 turkeys – although turkeys sold directly from the farm to the consumer account for a small portion of the total production. By purchasing a locally raised turkey, consumers will help support our family farms and community.

For a list of farms offering fall activities or farms that offer fresh turkeys (and other local products you’re looking for), visit www.marylandsbest.net

See you on the farm!