|
|
 Maryland Department of Agriculture News
|
|
| Celebrating Maryland Agriculture |
March 2008 |
|
Welcome to MDA News – the department’s latest publication to keep you informed of the many activities underway to preserve, protect and promote Maryland agriculture. We invite you to subscribe to our publication and forward to your friends, family and colleagues. We look forward to continuing to serve Maryland agriculture.
~ Roger Richardson, Secretary
|
|
 Gov. O’Malley Inducts Families Into Agriculture Hall of Fame
Governor Martin O’Malley joined more than 850 agricultural leaders and legislators from across the State to induct two farming families into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. The Patrick Family of Howard County and the Schmidt Family in Queen Anne’s County became the 34th and 35th recipients of the prestigious recognition during the annual Maryland Agriculture Dinner. Read more
|
|
Farmers Install Record On-Farm Conservation Practices in 2007
Maryland farmers installed more than 2,100 conservation projects on farms in 2007. Farmers matched the record $13.1 million provided though the Maryland Agricultural Water-Quality Cost-Share (MACS) funding with more than $1.4 million of their own money to install these projects and will cover ongoing maintenance costs for years to come. Installing best management practices prevents soil erosion, manages nutrients and safeguards water quality. Read more |
 Ag Leader Honored at African American History Month Ceremony
Governor O’Malley and the Black Caucus honored Dr. Henry M. Brooks for his contributions to Maryland agriculture during a ceremony last month. Dr. Brooks works for Maryland’s Cooperative Extension at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Under his leadership and vision, Maryland Cooperative Extension at both UMD and UMES serves as a national model that should be emulated by all Land-Grant Institutions. Read more |
 Maryland’s Best Promotes Locally-Raised Meats during March
From beef and pork to poultry, lamb, emu and many other meats, Maryland farmers have a wide variety of meats available for consumers who want to buy locally-raised products. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is promoting local meats through its Maryland’s Best branding program, which helps state producers sell their products and helps consumers locate the products. Find out more
|
Marylander Finishes Second in Oyster Shucking Competition
A Severn, Md., man finished second in the 2nd Annual Oyster Shucking Contest on Feb. 25 at the International Boston Seafood Show at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. George Hastings, a two-time winner of the National Oyster Shucking Championship, shucked 36 oysters in three heats for a combined time of 7 minutes and 47 seconds. Hastings was sponsored by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood Marketing and Aquaculture program. Learn more |
|
|
Upcoming Events
- MDA Open House – March 29 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Annapolis. More details
- County Envirothon Competitions, April and May. More details
- Public Informational Meeting on Proposed Animal Feeding Operation Permits – March 24 at 6:00 p.m. in Salisbury More details
- National Agriclture Week, March 16-22. Celebrate Agriculture
- Maryland Agriculture Commission, Public Meeting – April 10, Frederick County. Buddy Bowling: 410-841-5882.
Acidified Foods Workshop for On-Farm Processing – March 28-29, Prince Frederick. Register: Bill Hitte, billh@csmd.edu or 301-934-7582.
|
We invite your feedback.
Thank you for reading our latest publication. We are always looking for ways to improve how we serve our constituents. Please send your comments, suggestions and ideas to mdanews@mda.state.md.us or call 410-841-5881. Be sure to subscribe so you can receive the latest MDA News next month! |
|
|
| Save 10% |
Offer good on purchase of up to $100 of Maryland meat. Contact specific producer for additional details. For a list of participating producers and a printable coupon, click here.
|
| Offer Valid March 1 – March 31, 2008 |
|
| Contact Info
Julie Oberg, Public Information Officer, 410-841-5888, obergja@mda.state.md.us |
|
|
1-888-373-7888
233733