Maryland agriculture succeeded on many fronts during the 2008 legislative session, including protecting the Chesapeake Bay, improving the agricultural land preservation program, protecting animal health, assisting dairy farmers and promoting agricultural products and programs in schools. 

MDA was very active during the session, testifying on numerous occasions, meeting with allied organizations, under the outstanding direction of Joanna Kille, who just completed her first legislative session as MDA’s Director of Government Relations. Click here for a list outlining the many successes achieved during the session with a summary of how they will affect the agriculture industry.

Starting May 1, tune in to Mix 106.5, WYPR 88.1, WFRE 99.9, WFMD 930 AM, WRNR 103.1, WSDL 90.7, or log on to The Baltimore Sun’s Maryland and Bay and Environmentweb pages to hear more. Visit www.iwantmarylandsbest.com for valuable tips and information for your backyard and to check out the Public Service Announcements. Your feedback is welcome.

Maryland is experiencing the worst gypsy moth outbreak in a dozen years.  The gypsy moth is by far the most destructive pest of forest and shade trees in Maryland. MDA is planning to spray 100,000 acres in 13 counties and Baltimore City.  Governor Martin O’Malley provided $3.5 million and the U.S. Forest Service provided a grant for more than $630,000.  Counties provide 30 percent cost share for the gypsy moth suppression program.

The majority of the acreage to be treated is in Western Maryland. Spraying will begin by the first week of May and go through the end of May.  Written notifications went to property owners in and near spray blocks. Detailed spray block locations will be posted on or about April 21.

The toll free numbers will be updated as new information becomes available: Baltimore County and east, 800-492-2105; Carroll Co. and west, 800-492-2106.  More information on MDA’s gypsy moth program. Click here for a UMD Home and Garden Information Center fact sheet.

The Maryland departments of Agriculture (MDA) and the Environment (MDE) have worked closely together over the past year to develop a draft permit for regulating large poultry operations that is manageable for farmers, while still protecting water quality.  The agencies held three public informational meetings – plus additional meetings with key stakeholders – last month in different regions of the state for farmers and other interested parties to learn more and provide suggestions to improve the proposal.

The meetings resulted in many substantive comments from stakeholders, including those received from over 300 people who attended the meetings. MDE and MDA are reviewing the comments and making revisions to the draft permit based on those comments. A revised version of the draft permit is being prepared. Following its publication, stakeholders will have additional time to review the proposed permit and make formal comments, either in writing or through public hearings, if requested. MDE will continue to accept written comments from interested parties at any time during this process.

MDE anticipates that the revised permit will be ready for publication by the end of April, 2008. For more information, click here.

The Maryland Agricultural Commission held its annual spring agricultural tour and visited agricultural operations in Frederick and Washington Counties on April 10.  The commission toured operations including a goat milk dairy, vineyard and winery, dairy, biodiesel plant, turkey farm, livestock production and local beef retail marketing facilities. The tours were organized by local University of Maryland Cooperative Extension agents Jeff Semler and Stanley Fultz..

To conclude the day, the Commission held a public meeting in Frederick where more than 60 participants discussed issues affecting the agricultural community, exchanged ideas, and became better acquainted with the role the Commission plays in Maryland’s leading industry.

It’s been said that farmers were the first environmentalists. Many Maryland farmers understand that good conservation leads to cleaner water, healthier livestock, and more productive soils for crops, grazing land, woodland, wetlands and wildlife.  Farming is all about taking care of the earth. Find out what else farmers do for the environment.

Recognizing the importance of educating the next generation of farmers, MDA supports the 2008 Canon Envirothon – North America’s largest and most prestigious natural resources event for high school students. The future of agriculture and conservation of our natural resources depend on the hard work, dedication and understanding of these extraordinarily talented youth. Find out more about the local competitions.

Working together, we can all help the environment by supporting local, sustainable agriculture – not just on Earth Day (April 22), but every day.

Touring a winery or a vineyard in the countryside, tasting some of Maryland’s fine wines, and enjoying the company of friends is a wonderful way to spend a springtime day. This month, MDA is encouraging consumers to tour one of the state’s seven wine regions and sample the superior vintages offered by our 21 local wineries.

The Maryland Wineries Association is supporting MDA’s initiative by donating $300 towards a weekend stay at any Maryland bed & breakfast.  To qualify for the getaway, consumers must visit five or more Maryland wineries during the month of April and get a special ticket signed by each winery visited.

Supporting local agricultural products is essential to creating a sustainable Maryland to protect our culture, our economy and our environment.  A recent study found that consumers want to buy local and preserve farmland.

To find out more information about the promotion, Maryland wineries, and to download the ticket, click here.

As part of a national survey for the emerald ash borer, MDA is hanging 400 12″ x 24″ triangular purple insect traps in ash trees along roadsides from just east of Cumberland westward. The purple traps are designed to attract the destructive emerald ash borer, should it be present. Residents should not be concerned if they see the traps and should not disturb them. All traps should be in the trees through August and will be checked every two weeks. To date in Maryland, the emerald ash borer has only been found in a small area of southern Prince George’s County where it was introduced illegally by a Michigan nurseryman in 2003. The insect, an exotic pest from Asia, feeds on and kills ash trees in one to three years after infestation.  For more information about the purple traps, click here.

Robin L. Roscher, an Anne Arundel County resident, was awarded the 2007 Employee of the Year for her service to the State equine and veterinary communities. As an inspector with the Maryland Horse Industry Board and the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Roscher investigated and resolved agricultural-related complaints.  The award was presented on March 29 at the MDA Open House. Roscher is one of four MDA employees lauded for their dedication and service.  Also honored as Employees of the Quarter are Betty McCaffrey of Anne Arundel County; Susan Shepard of Queen Anne’s County; and Howard Callahan of Talbot County.  Learn more.