Maryland Agriculture Highlights

Final Days of MDA Cover Crop Sign-up

Farmers who want to plant cover crops on their fields this fall to conserve nutrients, control soil erosion and protect water quality should visit their soil conservation district offices by July 16 to sign up for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) 2012-2013 Cover Crop Program.  This year, approximately $18 million in grant funds are available to farmers who plant cover crops on their fields.  Famers who plant traditional cover crops receive up to $100/acre.  Farmers who want to harvest their cover crops receive $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 through July 16, 2012 at local soil conservation districts.  For more information, contact MDA at 410-841-5864.

SSCC Meeting Set For July 17

The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at

3 p.m. at the Wisp Resort in McHenry, Maryland.  The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality program implementation and policy development. It is being held in conjunction with the summer meeting of the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts.  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.

LEAD Maryland Accepting Applications
The LEAD Maryland Foundation is seeking applications for its next class of LEAD Fellows.  Program information and the application are available at www.leadmaryland.org. Completed applications are due to LEAD by October 1, 2012 for participation in 2013-2014.  The LEAD Maryland Foundation is a partnership 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and developing leadership for Maryland’s agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. For more information, please contact Susan R. Harrison at 410-827-8056 or visit [email protected].

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 visit www.mda.state.md.us and scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management.