MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS – JUNE 2012

Cover Crop Info in the Mail
Farmers interested in conserving nutrients, controlling soil erosion and protecting water quality by planting cover crops on their fields this fall should check their mailboxes for important information regarding sign-up for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2012-2013 Cover Crop Program.  This year, approximately $18 million is available to farmers who plant cover crops on their fields.  Farmers may plant traditional cover crops at a base rate of $45/acre and receive up to $55/acre in add-on incentive payments.  Harvested cover corps pay $25/acre with a bonus payment of $10/acre if rye is used as the cover crop.  There are no enrollment caps and certain restrictions apply.  Sign-up for MDA’s 2012-2013 Cover Crop Program runs June 21 through July 16, 2012 at local soil conservation districts.  For more information, contact MDA at 410-841-5864, or click here.

SSCC Meeting Set For June 21
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, June 21, 2012 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.

Nutrient Management Farmer Training and Certification Workshop Offered
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension will offer a training and certification program for operators of equine and pasture-based operations who want to become certified by MDA to write and update their own nutrient management plans.  The workshop will take place over the course of four evenings on July 10, 11, 17 and 24, 2012 at the University of Maryland Extension office in Ellicott City.   For more information, call 410-841-5959 or click here for a registration form.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for August 3
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Friday, August 3, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at locations in Annapolis, McHenry and Salisbury, Maryland. The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions in the following areas: general nutrient management, basic soil science, agricultural and environmental management, sampling, testing and analysis for nutrient assessment, basic soil fertility, fertilizer management, manure management, biosolids managements, incentives and regulations.  Individuals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for farmers should attend.  The cost is $50; however, government employees and farmers who have previously taken the exam are exempt from the exam fee. To register, call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5959 or click here.