Maryland Agricultural Highlights – November 2011

Food Safety Training Set for November 16
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the University of Maryland (UMD) will offer food safety training for fruit and vegetable producers who want to learn more about implementing good agricultural practices. The training will be held Wednesday, November 16, from 9 to 4 at MDA’s headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The registration fee is $20 and includes lunch and training materials. For more information, contact Deanna Baldwin at 410‐841‐5769 or [email protected]. A registration form is available at www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/GAP_Registration_111611.docx.

SSCC Meeting Set For November 17
The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, November 17, at MDA, 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.

On-Line Nutrient Management Training November 18
University of Maryland Extension will offer a webcast seminar titled, Moving Manure Nutrients:  Methods and Implications on Friday, November 18, at 2:30 p.m. Moving manure nutrients out of vulnerable watersheds has become an issue with much national focus. Researchers have studied alternative storage systems that can make transport of poultry litter more feasible and economical. Participants in this webcast will learn more about those systems as well as the implications of moving nutrients out of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The webcast qualifies for a one hour continuing education credit through MDA’s Nutrient Management Program. Visit www.anmp.umd.edu/Events for registration information.

Grain Producers Grant Proposals Due December 1
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is seeking grant proposals from universities, organizations and individuals interested in improving grain production and public understanding of agriculture. This year’s emphasis is on research projects and programs that examine soil phosphorus over time; evaluate the effects of substituting locally generated poultry litter with imported fertilizer; reduce the impact of stinkbugs and slugs on grain crops; assess the use of fall nitrate tests for small grains; establish the nutrient contribution of wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and provide accurate data on BMP implementation on Maryland farms. Applications should be postmarked no later than December 1, 2011.  For more information and complete MGPUB research proposal guidelines, contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5772 or visit www.marylandgrain.com.

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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.