MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS – FEBRUARY 2011

March 1 is Deadline for Filing Nutrient Management Reports
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds farmers that March 1 is the deadline for filing their 2010 Nutrient Management Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) with the department. AIR reporting forms and instruction sheets were mailed earlier this year to approximately 5,500 Maryland farmers who are regulated under Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program and required to follow nutrient management plans and submit AIRs to MDA describing how they used nutrients on their farms during the previous calendar year.  Additional copies of the AIR form may be picked up at regional nutrient management and University of Maryland Extension offices.  In addition, an electronic PDF reporting form is available online at www.mda.state.md.us. Farmers who fail to file their AIRs on time risk fines and/or penalties including the loss of eligibility for state cost-share funds. For more information, farmers should contact their regional nutrient management office or call the Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

Nutrient Management for Spanish-Speaking Turfgrass Technicians Set for March 8
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Nutrient Management Program in cooperation with the University of Maryland Extension will offer a half-day workshop on Tuesday, March 8, for Spanish-speaking employees who manage turfgrass for lawn care companies. The course—which will be conducted entirely in Spanish—will provide participants with information on taking a soil sample, understanding a fertilizer label, measuring a lawn, interpreting soil test results and calibrating a spreader.  The cost is $5, payable in advance.  Register by March 4, by calling MDA at 410-841-5959 or visiting www.mda.state.md.us .  Click on Nutrient Management and follow the links to “training classes.”

SSCC Meeting Set For March 17
The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis.  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.

Agricultural Annual Reports Available
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has published its 2010 annual reports for the Maryland Nutrient Management Program and the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program.  The reports highlight agriculture’s activities and accomplishments in protecting water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  They are available on line at www.mda.state.md.us or by calling 410-841-5863.

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