AGRICULTURAL MEDIA ADVISORY – May 2010

A Monthly Update on Agricultural Issues and Events Taking Place Throughout Maryland

SSCC Meeting Set For May 20

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting in Henderson, Md., on Thursday, May 20 prior to a field tour of research projects involving agricultural best management practices to protect water quality. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality programs. Established in 1938, the State Soil Conservation Committee coordinates the activities of Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts, while advising the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to soil and water conservation.  For more information, contact Louise Lawrence, executive secretary, 410-841-5863.

Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Course Set for June 1 and 2

A two-day Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Pre-Certification Training Class will be held June 1 and 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower level conference rooms at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  The course provides participants with an overview of areas covered by the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam scheduled for August 6.   Topics include state nutrient management regulations, nutrient management principles, basic soil science, and soil fertility recommendations.   Call MDA at 410-841-5959 for a registration form or more information.

Maryland Grain Producers Scholarships Available

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) has announced that it will award four deserving students enrolled in a Maryland or out-of-state institution with scholarships. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $4,000 each ($2,000 per semester).  Funded with Maryland grain check off funds, the scholarships provide financial support to students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. The scholarships will be awarded to Maryland residents who are enrolled in or accepted by a four-year institution and working toward a BS degree, or students enrolled in or accepted by a two-year institution with an agricultural program.  Selections will be based on agricultural background, family farm involvement, financial need, grade point average, agriculture related studies, career goals, and extra-curricular activities.  Applicants or the applicant’s immediate family must be involved in the production of grain. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2010.  For an application, call Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771 or visit www.marylandgrain.com.

2010 Commodity Classic Set for July 22

The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) and the Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) will host the Maryland Commodity Classic on Thursday, July 22, at the Queen Anne’s 4-H Park in Centreville.  Morning tours at the Wye Research and Education Center will highlight soybean and grain check off-funded research projects. Grant projects will also be on display at the 4-H Park.  The afternoon program will feature Matt Roberts, grain marketing specialist from Ohio State University’s Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics.  The afternoon will conclude with the traditional crab feast and pork and chicken barbecue.  Event sponsorships are now being accepted.  For more information, contact the MGPA office at 410-956-5771.

###

The Maryland Agricultural Awareness Alliance, a coalition of federal, state and local agricultural agencies and commodity groups dedicated to educating Marylanders on agricultural issues.