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 Maryland Department of Agriculture News
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| Celebrating Maryland Agriculture |
October 2010 |
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Secretary’s Corner
There is a lot of talk right now about the Bay’s pollution diet, also known as total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), and the watershed implementation plans (WIPs) that will determine how they impact all of us living in the watershed on a daily basis. All of us, whether we are farmers, residents or business people, will have to do more to help restore the Bay. I encourage everyone to review the proposed watershed implementation plan and provide comments to the Maryland Department of the Environment by the November 8 deadline. Maryland’s draft plan is one of only two in the Bay watershed states to be met with approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Maryland is a leader, and Governor O’Malley has stated that Maryland farmers will be treated fairly and by the same rules as the other Bay states. We must not have a competitive disadvantage for Maryland farmers and agricultural businesses.
As we move forward with the plans, tools like the Conservation Tracker will help give farmers credit for all the conservation practices that they have installed and maintained on their farms, not just the ones that used cost-share funding. Farmers are leaders in Bay restoration efforts and we believe that this will become more obvious than ever through Conservation Tracker, Bay Stat and the overall TMDL process. The record acres of cover crops enrolled and approved this year is just another example of how farmers continue to step up to the plate. If we get those seeds in the ground, we’ll have a record number of acres planted.
Leading by example again, farmers can offer tips to homeowners for backyard actions to clean the Bay. Some of these residential best management practices to reduce stormwater runoff, such as rain barrels, wiser use of fertilizer, water conservation and controlling soil erosion will undoubtedly be part of the pollution diet. Governor and First Lady O’Malley are also leading by example by including these measures, and others such as a backyard garden, at their official Annapolis residence. With the expertise of the University of Maryland Master Gardeners, they have even planted cover crops on the garden, just as farmers do on their fields and all gardeners should consider, to enrich the soil naturally and prevent erosion.
Farmers who believe they have extra conservation practices on their farm, may have an opportunity to make some additional money by trading nutrient credits. Maryland’s new nutrient trading program is up and running and ready to assess farms, making them eligible to trade with other businesses who may need to buy credits.
As fall settles in, we are seeking to expand markets for Maryland products. Just this week, I joined more than a dozen buyers from Maryland schools and hospitals to meet with a major food processor to see how we can process local fruits and vegetables for use in these institutions year around. In addition, we have another rabbit and poultry processing workshop on tap in December 16 to help more farmers become licensed to sell their meats to restaurants and others located away from the farm.
We are also encouraging residents to visit a local ag tourism farm to pick up some holiday decorations and to enjoy a day out on a farm. Our kids need to learn where our food comes from and we can all use a reminder now and again about the importance of farming to maintaining the open space that we all enjoy. In addition, it’s time to order a fresh, local turkey or other meats for the holidays and through the winter.
Regarding local firewood: please don’t move it from one area of the state to another for camping, hunting, or any other purpose. Buy it where you will burn it. In fact, because of the invasive emerald ash borer beetle, it is illegal to transport firewood out of Prince George’s and Charles counties. When you are buying firewood, be sure you are getting what you pay for. A stacked cord of wood should be 4′ x 4′ x 8′. If you don’t think you got the amount you purchased, our Weights and Measures inspectors will be happy to investigate.
Last but not least, I want to congratulate and thank the MDA staff for all that they do and for their commitment to the citizens of Maryland and for making the department a leader in promoting agriculture, preserving the environment and protecting consumers. Our recent service awards draw attention to their good work. I am honored to work with such a great group of people as we move Maryland forward.
Thank you,
Buddy Hance
Secretary
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| Master Gardener Lisa Winters plants cover crops in the Government House Garden |
Preparing the First Lady’s Garden for Winter
Leading by example, for the second year First Lady Katie O’Malley had a “Grow-it, Eat-it” backyard vegetable garden at Government House in Annapolis. During the year, the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners, the Government House chef, and MDA conducted public gardening workshops including beekeeping since there is now a honeybee colony on the grounds.
It is now time to prepare the garden for winter. Cold hardy vegetables are in the ground and a cover crop and colorful pansies will be planted next week to prevent erosion over the winter, naturally enrich the soil for spring planting, and add color for the cold months. Residents can follow the lead of farmers, who have signed up to plant a record 502,000 acres of cover crops this fall, by planting cover crops on their gardens and keeping all of their land planted to avoid soil erosion. A variety of backyard actions for a cleaner Chesapeake Bay for residents are available online at www.IWantMarylandsBest.com
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 State Ag Commission Tours Calvert, St. Mary’s Counties
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| L to R: Buddy Hance, Don Lewis, Warren Bontoyan, Mary Ellen Setting |
MDA Presents Long Service, Quarterly Employee Awards
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) honored 55 employees for their years of service dedicated to the department and presented employee of the quarter awards on Oct. 5. Don Lewis (State Chemist) received special recognition for 45 outstanding years of public service to MDA. John Ralph Heard (Mosquito Control) was honored for 40 years of public service and Patricia Gavin (Human Resources) was honored for 35 years of service. Four employees were honored for 30 years of service, and 15 for 25 years of service. The remaining honorees were recognized for public service of 10, 15, or 20 years.
Secretary Hance also presented the Department’s quarterly employee awards. Dawn Littleton Bradley (Resource Conservation) received the MDA Employee of the Quarter Customer Service Award. She serves as a vital link between MDA and the Soil Conservation Districts for the cover crop program, which enrolled a record number of farmers and acres this year. The MDA Team of the Quarter Award honored six analysts from the Turf and Seed section: Carleeta Carter, Stephen Hurst, Kadawedduwa Kumara, Kim MacFarland, Susan Wagner and Nancy Wilkinson. This team is responsible for processing all seed samples used in the reporting and decision making necessary to accurately label quality seeds in Maryland.
Click here for more details about the awardees.
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MDA Announces Farm to School Video Contest Winners
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced the winners of its first statewide Farm to School student video contest on Oct. 12. Two entries tied to win for the Grand Prize: “Maryland Farm to School” by Raleigh and Owen Linville and Robert Penn, 11th graders from Liberty High School in Carroll County and “Farm Fresh with Fiona” by Fiona Voeks, 6th grader at Rocky Hill Middle School in Montgomery County. The Popular Prize winner is “Local Food News” by Maureen Grauel, Kelsea and Shannon Floyd, 6th and 8th graders from Sykesville Middle School in Carroll County. The Grand Prize winners will each receive an Apple iPod Touch, State Park Passports provided by Maryland Park Service, and a school lunchtime visit from MDA Secretary Buddy Hance and the Popular Prize winners will receive a Maryland State Park Pass. Judges included representatives of the agricultural community, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Maryland State Department of Education, and the film industry. Click here for more details. Click here to view all of the video submissions. |
New Ag Laws in Effect Oct. 1
Ten new agriculture laws go into effect October 1 in Maryland. The laws address the promotion of Maryland agricultural products, farmers markets, wineries, agricultural land preservation, mosquito control, pesticide registration, veterinary and agricultural quarantine issues. Click here for more details. |
 Md. Farmer Appointed to National Organic Standards Board
Nick Maravell, Maryland farmer, was recently appointed to 15-member National Organic Standards Board. He operates Nick’s Organic Farm and produces grassfed beef, pastured chicken and turkey, free range eggs, ground poultry feed, grains, hay, vegetables, and cover crop seed in the Potomac and Frederick valleys. Since 1979, he has been committed to quality organic products and constant improvement in farming methods. His farm constantly conducts on farm research with Federal, state, and and non-profit agencies to refine organic practices. The Board’s main mission is to make recommendations about whether a substance should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling, to assist in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production, and to advise the Secretary on other aspects of the implementation of the OFPA. |
 October is Maryland Seafood Month
Are you ready for local, sweet fat crabs, succulent oysters and tender, flaky rockfish? Autumn is the perfect time for Maryland seafood because the best of the best is in season at the same time! Governor Martin O’Malley is celebrating Maryland’s delectable seafood by declaring October “Maryland Seafood Month.”
Blue crabs are big, full and heavy in the fall, after having grown all summer. An abundant supply of large crabs is available at seafood markets at very reasonable prices. Consumers should take advantage of prices of the very large crabs now and enjoy hot and spicy Maryland blue crabs on a crisp autumn weekend.
Seafood quality and safety has been, and continues to be, another Maryland tradition. Our seafood is monitored by several state agencies, local health departments and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Click here for recipes, tips on purchasing seafood and find out why seafood is so healthy for you!
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 Time to Order your Farm-fresh Turkey for Thanksgiving
Maryland farmers grow some of the freshest and best tasting turkeys in the country. This Thanksgiving, try purchasing a local, farm-fresh turkeys from one of the dozens of Maryland turkey growers across the state. By purchasing a locally-raised turkey, consumers will help support our family farms and community.To find a local turkey for your Thanksgiving feast, visit www.marylandsbest.net. There are over 40 farms throughout the state that sell farm-fresh turkeys. Consumers can also find local cheeses, wines, and other Maryland products to serve during the holidays. |
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| Regal Solo (Photo Credit: Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club) |
Maryland’s Day at the Races
On a picture perfect fall afternoon, Maryland celebrated its second most important racing day (after the Preakness) with the Maryland Million – 11 races for runners sired by Maryland-based stallions for combined purses totaling $1.05 million. The 25th annual event drew a crowd of 23,367, ninth best in the history of the event. Attendance figures have exceeded 20,000 on 21 occasions.
Trainer Damon Dilodovico waited until the morning of the race to declare Regal Solo from the Maryland Million Turf, which allowed him to go in the $150,000 Jim McKay Maryland Million Classic instead. His decision was fortuitous as Regal Solo, third in last year’s Classic, came barreling down the stretch to win the marquee event on Maryland’s Day at the Races at Laurel Park. In another notable race, Jim Stable’s Ben’s Cat remained undefeated (making it six-for-six) with a convincing score in the $100,000 Jim McKay Maryland Million Turf Sprint. Click here for more details.
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 Maryland’s Farm Energy Audit Program Honored
The Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) Statewide Farm Energy Audit Program was recently recognized as one of five “exceptional state-led energy efficiency programs.” The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy evaluated energy efficiency programs across the country, and the inclusion of the Farm Energy Audit Program represents MEA’s commitment to the EmPower Maryland goal of reducing energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015.The now award-winning Farm Energy Audit Program offers audits, technical assistance, and financial assistance for Maryland agricultural producers. Since 2007, the program has saved nearly 2 million kWh of electricity, 30,000 gallons of propane, and 530,000 therms of natural gas. This reduction in energy consumption represents approximately $580,000 in annual energy cost savings for agricultural producers in Maryland.
Click here for more information about how to participate or to learn more about this program. |
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| Photo credit: Bryan Dunn |
Baltimore County Center for Agriculture Now Open
Baltimore County celebrated the grand opening of its new Center for Agriculture last month, which will help preserve and foster growth in the County’s important agricultural sector. It will serve as an educational resource center for farmers and the public and offer recreational opportunities while conserving valuable open space.
The $10 million 149-acre center and park complex offers a unique combination of agricultural services, natural resource educational opportunities and open space for Baltimore County as well as visitors and residents from around the region. The Center will bring together a number of federal, state and local farm and development service agencies that enhance the protection of soil and water resources through research-based, modern land management and farming techniques. It will also provide meeting space for agricultural, educational and environmental interest groups, and allow hands-on demonstrations of state-of-the art farming and conservation practices.
The 14,200 square-foot building is the new home of the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District, Maryland Cooperative Extension Service’s Baltimore County Office, USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the USDA’s Farm Services Agency. In addition, the center will offer meeting space for agricultural organizations. Find out more here.
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 People Profile: Guy Hohenhaus, D.V.M.
Dr. Guy Hohenhaus has been working at MDA for five years as the state veterinarian and chief of the animal health program. Preventing the introduction and spread of animal diseases, and maintaining a strong and thriving animal industry are key components of the services provided by the state veterinarian. With this purpose in mind, he oversees Maryland’s two animal health diagnostic laboratories, field inspectors and veterinarians and state animal health regulatory programs. In addition, he plans for emergency situations, such as responding to infectious diseases, and various aspects of animal, evacuation and sheltering in the event of a natural disaster. Dr. Hohenhaus describes his experience at the MDA as being outstanding, particularly working with the group of extremely talented and dedicated public servants in the agency. His interaction with animal agricultural industry representatives, farmers, other animal health professionals, and partners in federal, state and local government has been rewarding as well. Hohenhaus’ passion and interest for agriculture stemmed from his father and grandfather who were both veterinary professionals.
Dr. Hohenhaus was born and raised in Minnesota with two sisters and one brother. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. degree in Agriculture, attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, and later earned a master’s degree in Public Health from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Dr. Hohenhaus presently serves as president of the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials, an organization that represents the animal health agencies of the 50 states to promote a sound national animal health policy and facilitate effective state animal health activities. He has taught at the University of Maryland in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Program. He was director of the Veterinary Epidemiology Residency Program, and prior to coming to MDA served Maryland as the State Public Health Veterinarian.
In addition to being the state veterinarian, Dr. Hohenhaus is a veterinarian in the United States Army Reserve. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan working with national, provincial and local governments to promote animal agriculture and to prevent and control infectious diseases of animals. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. |
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| Photo courtesy of AllRecipes.com |
Maryland Pumpkin Seeds
Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
4 cups raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
vegetable oil cooking spray
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Rinse pumpkin seeds in a colander. Spread out on paper towels and pat dry.
2. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray and spread the pumpkin seeds out in a single layer. Spray the tops of the seeds with additional cooking spray. Sprinkle the seafood seasoning evenly over the tops.
3. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until dry and toasted. Cool for a few minutes before serving.
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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.
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Contact Info
Sue duPont, Communications Director, 410-841-5889, dupontsk@mda.state.md.us
Julie Oberg, Public Information Officer, 410-841-5888, obergja@mda.state.md.us |
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Visit an Ag-Tourism Farm and Pick Your Own Pumpkin!
October is a Great Time to Visit a Farm
Maryland’s farmers offer a variety of fall activities as a low-cost way for families to spend time together outdoors. Fall is the perfect time to experience the fun of picking your own apples, selecting your own pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, getting lost in a corn maze, taking a hayride, or attending a fall festival. Depending on the farm, you may be able to enjoy a variety of other activities including farm stands, scarecrow-making, petting farm, pony rides, decorations, fresh apple cider, home baked goods and more. Click here to find a farm near you!
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