Agricultural Highlights – September 2011

Maryland Agricultural Highlights — October 2011
A Monthly Update on Agricultural Issues and Events Taking Place Throughout Maryland

Open House Set for October 1
The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) will host its annual Open House Saturday, October 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at its Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City.  The event will feature hay wagon farm tours, insect races, farm animals, educational and research displays, local farmers’ market vendors, a Master Gardener plant clinic and more. The event is free and open to the public.  For information and directions visit www.agnropenhouse.umd.edu or call 301-596-9330.

SSCC Meeting Set For October 20
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, October 20, at the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, 5301 Marlboro Race Track Road, Upper Marlboro. 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.

Upcoming Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Renewal Courses
University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture will offer free voucher training and renewal courses to 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. For additional dates and locations, operators should contact their local Extension office or visit www.mda.state.md.us.  Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for the complete 2011-2012 schedule.

• Allegany County—October 6. Call 301-724-3320.
• Anne Arundel County—December 12. Call 410-222-6757.
• Calvert County—November 9. Call 410-535-3662.
• Carroll County—November 15 and December 15.  Call 410-386-2760.
• Frederick County—November 16. Call 301-600-1594
• Kent County—December 14.  Call 410-778-1661.
• Montgomery County—December 7. Call 301-590-9638.
• Prince George’s County—November 21. Call 301-868-8780.
• Somerset County—November 21. Call 410-651-1351.
• Wicomico County—December 12. Call 410-749-6141.
• Worcester County—October 24. Call 410-632-1972.

MDA Launches Interactive Web Game
To help students better understand the many connections between clean water and a healthy environment, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has developed an interactive web game titled, Welcome to Your Watershed.   This free, online educational card game helps students understand how their actions on the land can affect the health of our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.  Players explore the many connections between people, land and water — both on the farm and in their neighborhoods.  A friendly voice over combined with vibrant graphics is designed to engage even the youngest students. Welcome to Your Watershed is targeted for students in grades 3-7.  It is available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s home page at www.mda.state.md.us.  Visitors should scroll down the home page until they see the great blue heron.  A printable quiz is included to help teachers check student understanding. For details, call 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.