The Maryland Agricultural Commission will hold a public meeting in conjunction with an agricultural tour of Caroline and Talbot counties on Wednesday, April 11. The public meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 502 Dutchman’s Lane in Easton. Anyone interested in farming and rural topics is encouraged to attend the meeting and have an opportunity to discuss issues and policy affecting agriculture and rural communities, exchange ideas, get better acquainted with the role of the Maryland Agricultural Commission, and meet the Commission members. For more information.

MDA Cows in March

There were some rumors going around that MDA had outlawed dressed up cows, but MDA would like to make it clear that there has been no such change in policy. For many years now, unknown people have come in on little cat feet, dressed up the cows and then moved on. Last month, MDA did take the outfits off the cows after several motorists called to express concern that those particular outfits – a bit more elaborate than usual – threatened to blow off into traffic. Because we don’t know who dresses the cows, we couldn’t call to tell them why we did it. And then, no more outfits showed up — for weeks. A few concerned citizens called local media stations to “complain” that our cows had lost their spunk. Under some tough questioning, we were able to set the record straight: The cows are still allowed to dress up, as long as the outfits remains in good, clean fun and don’t pose a traffic hazard! After the stories aired, Elmer and Elsie got St. Patrick’s Day hats and necklaces.
See WBAL-TV interviews Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting.
See past photos of the MDA cows all gussied up.

 

MDA reminds citizens that incorrectly handling eggs or live poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, can cause very serious illnesses, and any plans to decorate eggs or purchase chicks for the Easter or Passover holidays should be undertaken with care and forethought.
“MDA’s Food Quality Assurance Section enforces the Maryland Egg Law, which has some of the most stringent quality control standards in the nation, and our Animal Health Section is responsible for controlling animal diseases transmissible to humans,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “The Easter and Passover holidays can challenge both of these efforts because the risk of people contracting illnesses through inappropriate handling of eggs or live poultry is significantly higher than most any other time of year.”  Click here for tips and more information.

To help farmers meet growing consumer demand for local meats, MDA, in partnership with the University of Maryland, will conduct a training workshop for on-farm poultry and rabbit slaughter and processing. Training will be conducted April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center in Boonsboro. The training fee is $20 and includes lunch and materials.  Download the registration form. For more information about the workshop.

 

To help farmers understand the recent changes and addition of new federal nutrition programs that can be accepted at farmers’ markets, MDA is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to offer training for both the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP – WIC and Seniors) and the Fruit and Vegetable Check (FVC) Program.  This training is mandatory for farmers who accept checks from participants at authorized farmers’ markets.  For information on dates and registration. 

Grant Application Deadline is May 4

MDA is seeking grant applications from eligible organizations and government entities for projects that promote or enhance the production of, and access to, Maryland specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Click here for a complete list of eligible crops. Electronic grant applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on May 4. Paper applications must be postmarked by May 4. For more information.

More than three-quarters of all Marylanders (78%) say they are more likely to buy produce that is identified as having been grown by a Maryland farmer, according to the recently released 2012 Policy Choices Survey by the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy. In addition, a full 92 percent of those surveyed said that it is at least “somewhat important” that the state preserve land for farming while 61 percent said it was “very important.” These results, which are similar to those in the 2010 Policy Choices Survey, show consistent support for Maryland agriculture. For more information.

Emerald Ash Borer Expected to Emerge Early This Year

 

Dixies Valentine

Two Maryland-based and trained Arabian racing horses received prestigious honors during an award ceremony held in Houston this month. Both horses are headquartered, trained and stabled at Rigbie Farm in Harford County, which is owned by Sharon Clark (pictured above). Ms. Clark operates the state’s only Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) Quarantine Station. For more information.

The spring planting season has started throughout much of Maryland. That means motorists traveling Maryland highways and rural roads may find themselves sharing the road with the large, slow-moving farm equipment from one of Maryland’s 12,800 farms. Farmers are legally allowed to operate farm equipment on public roadways and there are times when farm vehicles must operate on highways to move between farm and field. For more information and safety tips.

 

This pesto is nice in the early spring, before basil is available locally. The arugula version is also spicier and nuttier than traditional pesto. Serve as an appetizer with crackers or add to pasta.
Makes 2 cupsIngredients:1-1/3 cup arugula
1/3 cup fresh parsley
1/3 cup fresh spinach
2 tablespoons walnuts or pine nuts, toasted
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Blend together  the arugula, parsley, spinach, nuts, garlic and salt in a food processor. Add the olive oil and Parmesan and blend again. Use immediately or transfer to a storage container and refrigerate with a layer of olive oil covering the pest to help preserve its freshness and color. It will keep this way for several months. Warm the pesto for about 20 seconds in the microwave before using to bring out the flavor.
Recipe compliments of Dishing Up Maryland by Lucie L. Snodgrass

Maryland’s Best Promotes Nurseries, Garden Centers

Support Maryland Producers, Buy Local 

Now is the perfect time to visit your local nursery or garden center to enjoy all types of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs all season long. By purchasing your plants locally you help to support our local economy and keep Maryland Smart, Green, & Growing. Maryland’s Best – through its web site and advertising – will be promoting nurseries and garden centers throughout April. Visit www.marylandsbest.net to find one near you.