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 Maryland Department of Agriculture News
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| Celebrating Maryland Agriculture |
July 2012 |
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Secretary’s Corner
This summer’s lack of rainfall has left many areas of the State with rainfall and soil moisture deficits that are causing significant damage to some crops and fields. I encourage farmers to contact their crop insurance agents to be sure they understand claim filing requirements and to take advantage of MDA’s free testing service for grain that may be affected by drought-related toxins.
Drought Designation
On July 11, USDA announced improvements to decades-old USDA programs and processes related to Secretarial disaster designations. Most notably, USDA removed the requirement that a request for a disaster designation be initiated by a state governor. USDA also eliminated a rule that automatically qualified a county as a disaster area if the U.S. Drought Monitor categorized it as being in a severe drought for eight consecutive weeks during the growing season.
The new USDA changes still allow states to ask the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to survey counties for crop damage. We have requested
start that survey process, especially on the Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland. If FSA finds a 30 percent production loss of at least one crop countywide, that will trigger a disaster designation for that county, making producers eligible for benefits, including low interest emergency loans from the USDA.
Crop Insurance
farmers: if you have a potential crop loss, you are responsible for notifying your crop insurance agent within 72 hours of discovering crop damage. You should continue to care for the crop as you normally would and get permission from the insurance company before destroying any of the crop.
Nutrient Management
Last week we wrapped up the last of our four
across the state. The public meetings
to farmers, environmental interests, local governments and other stakeholders on
and offered citizens an opportunity to provide public comment. We thank everyone who attended those meetings and provided comments.
Comments about the proposed regulations are still being accepted and may be sent through August 13, 2012, to Jo Mercer, Ed.D., Program Manager, MDA’s Nutrient Management Program, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401, email jo.mercer@maryland.gov or fax to 410-841-5950.
Buy Local Challenge
I hope everyone took the
and ate at least one local food or beverage product each day from July 21-29. We had a great
event at Government House on July 19, and I thank all of the farmers and chefs for preparing their creative recipes featuring Maryland farm fresh products. Thank you to the farmers, buyers and all who attended this 5th annual event!
Watermelons
August is the prime season for Delmarva watermelons, a healthy summertime treat. Maryland and Delaware are significant growers and suppliers of watermelons, a tradition that goes back well over a century. Later this week we will join the National and Mar-Del Watermelon Queens Katelyn Kelly and Terra Tatman for several MAR-DELicious watermelon promotions to highlight the economic and nutritional value of watermelon and the increasing demand for locallygrown produce. Most notably, on Friday, Aug. 3, we will hand out free watermelon slices and other giveaways at the world’s largest crab feast, hosted by the Rotary Club, at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
Commodity Classic
I had the pleasure of talking with many grain and soybean farmers at the 14th Annual Commodity Classic in Queen Anne’s County on July 26, which is always a great event!
Ice Cream
In celebration of July as National Ice Cream Month, I continued trailblazing the newly minted
a network of dairy farms across the state that produce ice cream right on the farm and sell it directly to consumers who visit. Last month, I visited three creameries on the trail. This month I visited Misty Meadow Farm Creamery in Washington County and South Mountain Creamery in Frederick County. Five down and two to go!
I hope you have been visiting farms on the ice cream trail as well. You have until September 7 to submit your Ice Cream Trail Passport complete with stamps from each creamery to be entered in our drawing for great prizes!
Happy Trailblazing.
Sincerely,
Buddy Hance
Secretary
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Governor O’Malley Hosts 5th Annual Buy Local Cookout
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Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance accepts the Buy Local Challenge Proclamation from Governor Martin O’Malley during the
2012 Buy Local Cookout.
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Gov. Martin O’Malley and First Lady Katie O’Malley hosted the fifth annual Buy Local Cookout at Government House with nearly 350 farmers, food buyers, chefs, and “buy local” advocates. The event officially kicked-off Maryland’s Buy Local Challenge Week, which encourages Marylanders to incorporate at least one locally grown, produced or harvested product into their meals each day. Governor O’Malley designated July 21-29 as “Buy Local Challenge Week” to raise awareness about the benefits of local farms and food so that Marylanders will become more familiar and more frequent consumers of fresh, local products. Seventeen recipes submitted by farmer/chef teams were selected for the cookout based on their creativity, availability of ingredients, geographic representation, and maximum use of local ingredients. All recipe submissions were compiled and published in the 2012 Buy Local Cookout Recipes, which includes wine paring recommendations from the Maryland Wineries Association. The cookbook is available online here.The Buy Local Challenge, created by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, has grown into a statewide initiative. In its 2010 Policy Choices Survey, the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy found that more than 78 percent of Marylanders said they want to buy produce grown by a Maryland farmer. More details.
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MDA Offers Farmers Free Grain and Forage Testing
MDA’s State Chemist Section is offering farmers, through local Extension offices, free testing for aflatoxins, nitrates and prussic acid, which may be present in grain and forage in drought conditions and can sicken or even kill livestock. Farmers that use fertilizers containing nitrate on their corn and sudan-sorghum grasses, or who are concerned that the corn grain may have mold, are urged to work closely with their county extension agents before feeding it to their animals. For grain sampling instructions and a submission form. To find a local Extension office. For more information. |
Three National Champion Jousters from Maryland Honored with Touch of Class Awards
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Mikayla Miller, National Amateur Jousting Champion, was among three jousters honored.
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The Maryland Horse Industry Board honored three Marylanders with Touch of Class Awards for earning national titles in Jousting, the official state sport of Maryland.
Corey Minnick, 30, of Hagerstown (Washington County) won his third national title in the “Professional” division; Mikayla Miller, 13, of St. Leonard (Calvert County) won the national title in the “Amateur” division; and Anthony Reinhold, 17, of Denton (Caroline County) won his title in the “Novice” division. More details.
Jousting originated in ancient times with knights participating in combative rivalries. In modern jousting, riders have nine seconds to run through an 80-yard course and spear rings hanging from a series of three arches. The rider who spears the most rings wins. MDA’s Jim Drews, an inspector in our Turf and Seed Section, is president of the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association.
The Maryland Horse Industry Board inaugurated the Touch of Class Awards in September 2011, to honor the horses and riders who have achieved national and international prominence. The award is named in honor of the Maryland-bred mare, Touch of Class, who won two Olympic gold medals at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. |
MDA, SHA Use Beneficial Insects to Control Invasive Species
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Galerucella leaf beetle on Purple Loosestrife
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In the epic struggle to control invasive plant species, MDA and the Maryland State Highway Administration are unleashing a mile-a-minute weevil and purple loosestrife beetle attack on invasive plant species that choke the life out of native plants along highways and in wetlands.
The tiny beneficial insects don’t harm native vegetation and are establishing strong populations in the areas they have been released. They should be effective at controlling these prolific weeds for years to come. Click here for more details.
Together with state, federal and academic partners we are finding innovative ways to protect the environment for future generations. Similar programs have been successful in New York, Delaware and other states to control invasive plant species. In Maryland, SHA and MDA have used insects for the biological control of thistle, another invasive weed species.
Check out a Baltimore Sun article and video.
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Nominations for Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame Accepted through Aug. 8
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2011 Ag Hall of Fame Inductees were honored during the annual Ag Dinner last February.
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MDA is accepting nominations of farmers and farm families for the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame through Aug. 8. The Hall of Fame pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to Maryland agriculture. Any farm family that derives its income principally from farming is eligible for the award. Since 1991, when the Hall of Fame was established, 42 farm families from 22 counties have been honored for their high standards of conduct, personal values, contributions to their community, and performance, leadership, innovation, and achievement in agriculture. Those who are making nominations must work with their county Extension Office in preparing the application. For more information. |
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| Chef Robert Wiedmaier at Black Ankle Vineyard |
DC, MD Chefs Tour MD Farms by Motorcycle
More than 50 local chefs and other restaurant professionals revved up for the 2nd annual “Chefs Go Fresh” motorcycle tour of local farms on July 16, in an effort to build relationships with top area chefs and Maryland purveyors of produce, meats and other farm-raised products. The event, organized by the Georgetowner Media Group, was sponsored by MDA.The tour offers a fun day of riding through the countryside and a means for chefs to see first-hand what local ingredients are available. Many of the participating chefs already source locally when possible in their restaurants, but were not aware of the diversity of their options and that MDA is as a resource to help them connect with farmers.
Participants started the day with breakfast at Brasserie Beck Restaurant in Washington, D.C., hosted by chef Robert Wiedmaier, co-founder of the original “Chefs on Bikes,” and owner of Marcel’s, Brasserie Beck, Brabo, Mussel Bar and the new Mussel Bar Atlantic City. Participating chefs then rode their bikes to see presentations by farmers, featuring Maryland’s Best products. The “Chefs Go Fresh” farm visits stops included:Shepherds Manor Creamery, featuring artisan sheep cheese (Carroll Co.), and Black Ankle Vineyards and Winery (Frederick Co.). The day concluded with a lamb roast lunch with multiple courses, hosted by “Top Chef” finalist and local agriculture supporter Bryan Voltaggio at his much-anticipated new restaurant, Family Meal in Frederick, Maryland.
Check out a video from the event.
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| Small Grants Available to Help Projects that Enhance Maryland’s Horse Industry
The Maryland Horse Industry Board, a program within MDA, will accept grant applications for non-profit research, and educational and promotional equine activities, from Aug. 1 through Oct. 1. The board intends to awar d up to $25,000 in grants that support or develop new opportunities for Maryland’s horse industry. Applications must be received by October 1. Grant announcements will be made December 1. Eligible organizations include non-profit organizations, clubs and associations, businesses, farms and stables, government entities, schools and educational institutions. Projects will be evaluated for their value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of activity, financial need, potential for matching funds, benefits and quality of the written presentation. Grant requests should not exceed $3,000, which was the size of the largest grant awarded last year. The average grant amount is about $1,200. For an application and more complete grant guidelines, |
Come See Us At the Maryland State Fair
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Ed Crow of MDA’s Pesticide Regulation Unit discussed stink bugs with homeowners during the 2011 State Fair.
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MDA invites all Marylanders to visit us during the 131st Maryland State Fair, Aug. 24 to Sept. 3 at the State Fair Grounds in Timonium. Along with exhibits, we will offer several kid-friendly activities, from making slime to face painting. MDA does more than just work with farmers to ensure sound farmland management practices. We help ensure the wise use of fertilizers and pesticides, monitor the accuracy of weights and measures, control mosquito populations, protect the health of humans and animals — and much more. Come see us in the Farm and Garden building any time during the 11-day fair and find out about the many consumer protection services we provide to improve the quality of life in Maryland. For more information, including MDA’s Exhibit Schedule of Events. |
MDA Reminds Farmers to Contact Crop Insurance Agents after Discovering Loss
The hot, dry weather has threatened many Maryland’s crops, including corn and soybeans. MDA reminds producers that they are responsible for notifying their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of discovering crop damage and that they must get permission from the insurance company before destroying any of the crop. In times of loss, your crop insurance agent should be your first contact. The agent and insurance company know your policy and can help you through the claims process. For more reminders. |
LEAD Maryland Foundation Accepting Applications for Next Fellows Program
The LEAD Maryland Foundation is seeking applications for its next class of LEAD Fellows. Applications are being accepted through Oct. 1. LEAD Maryland awards two-year fellowships to selected participants, creating classes of 22-25 emerging leaders. The LEAD fellowship curriculum focuses on providing public issues education, skills building, leadership development, and personal growth. Through program participation, Fellows become more equipped to solve problems, identify resources, engage and educate others, and to influence public policy important to Maryland’s farmers. Program information and the application are available at www.leadmaryland.org. For more information, contact Susan R. Harrison at 410-827-8056 or leadmd@umd.edu. |
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| Photo courtesy of Don Nickson |
MD Students Place 7th in 2012 North American Envirothon Competition
Harford Christian School placed 7th in the annual Canon Envirothon North American competition (July 22 – 27). The school’s top-ten finish followed a week of intensive grilling in several natural resource subject areas during the competition held on the campus of Susquehanna University.
The 2012 Harford Christian School team members included Josh Mahr, Brianna Coleman, Emily Stricklin, Luke Tittel,and Hunter Howell. Each member of the Darlington, Md., (Harford County) school received a cash prize of $1,300.
The Envirothon’s mission is to develop practical knowledge and understanding of natural resources in high school students, ultimately working toward a balance between the quality of life and the quality of the environment. High school teams from 45 states, nine provinces and one territory took part in the international Envirothon, now in its 25th year. More information.
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| ©Edwin Remsberg/
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Recipe courtesy of myrecipes.com
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup milk
4 cups fresh peach slices
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Preparation
Melt butter in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt; add milk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter over butter (do not stir).
Bring remaining 1 cup sugar, peach slices, and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly; pour over batter (do not stir). Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
Bake at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve cobbler warm or cool.
Yields 10 servings.
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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 mda.news@maryland.gov or call 410-841-5881.
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Maryland’s Best Promotes Watermelons and Peaches
Support Maryland Producers, Buy Local
Click here to find Maryland’s Best fresh produce near you.
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