MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS – MARCH 2011

Cover Crop Sign Up Set for June 21-July 15
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that sign-up for the 2011-2012 Cover Crop Program will be held June 21 through July 15, at soil conservation district offices statewide.  Farmers are asked to mark their calendars and check with their soil conservation districts in upcoming weeks for this year’s program requirements and highlights. In addition, program details will be mailed in May to farmers who participated in last year’s program.  Planted after the summer harvest, cover crops are used to control erosion and reduce nutrient runoff during the fall and winter.  They are a key feature of Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to protect the Chesapeake Bay.  Last fall, Maryland farmers planted 400,331 acres of cover crops on their fields—the largest cover crop planting in Maryland history.

Nutrient Management Webcast Seminar Set for March 25
The Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center and Cooperative Extension System, in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension will sponsor a webcast seminar Friday, March 25, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. titled, The Soil Health Paradigm: A Holistic Approach to Managing Manure in Agro Ecosystems. This webcast seminar provides a holistic framework for managing manure which accounts for the soil biology.  Nutrient management consultants certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture receive one continuing education credit for participating in the webcast seminar.  Click here for information on how to participate and receive continuing education credit.

On-Line Nutrient Applicator Voucher Training Offered April 1
The Anne Arundel County Extension Office will offer a free, on-line Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Renewal Class Friday, April 1, from 4-6 p.m. for farm operators who apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of cropland. The two-hour nutrient applicator training course is required once every three years for these operators. The live, two-hour session will focus on fertility and production for all field crops, fruits and vegetables. The session uses Adobe Connect, the University of Maryland’s student interactive system to document attendance and enable farmers to receive the training from the comfort of their homes or offices.  A high speed cable or satellite internet connection is required.  Interested farmers should register for the training by March 30 by calling the Anne Arundel County Extension Office at 410-222-6759.

SSCC Meeting Set For April 21
The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, April 21, 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.

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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.