MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS – MAY 2011

SSCC Meeting Set For May 19
The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 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.

2011 Commodity Classic Set for July 28
The Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA) and the Maryland Soybean Board (MSB) will host the Maryland Commodity Classic on Thursday, July 28, 2011, 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 well known agricultural broadcaster Orion Samuelson and conclude with the traditional crab feast and pork and chicken barbecue.  For more information, contact the MGPA office at 410-956-5771.

Maryland Grain Producers Scholarships Available
In recognition of the shortage of agriculturally-trained professionals, the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is increasing the number of scholarships offered to college students for the 2011-2012 academic year.  This year MGPUB will provide up to six scholarships of $4,000 each ($2,000 each semester) for Maryland students to pursue an agriculturally-related career. 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, 2011.  For an application, call Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771 or visit www.marylandgrain.com and click on the scholarships link.

Nutrient Management Certification Course Greenhouse and Nursery Operations Begins June 14
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program in cooperation with University of Maryland Extension will offer a training and certification program for nursery and greenhouse operators who want to become certified to develop their own nutrient management plans or learn more about working with a hired planner.  The initial training session will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown.  At a second session, participants take a specialized nutrient management certification exam and submit their plan for MDA approval.  For more information, contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5959 or go to www.mda.state.md.us.  Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for a registration form.

Best Management Practices for Healthy Pastures to be held June 23
University of Maryland Extension will sponsor a pasture management class Thursday, June 23, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Clarksville.  The program awards two Maryland Nutrient Management Continuing Education Units for participation. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Reynolds, [email protected].

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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.