Maryland Agricultural Highlights – JANUARY 2013

SSCC Meeting Set for January 17

The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, January 17, at 9:30 a.m. 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 program implementation and policy development. 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.

Taste of Maryland Agriculture Event Set for February 7

The Maryland Agriculture Council will host its annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Dinner on Thursday, February 7, at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Street, Annapolis. The event features a bounty of Maryland agricultural products that will be served throughout the evening and is designed to educate lawmakers about the importance of agriculture to all Maryland citizens. Inductees to the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame will be honored during the evening. Call Gail Yeiser at 301.405.2434 for reservation information. For more information on the Council or event, call Susan Summers at 301.865.1045. Additional information and reservation forms can be found at www.mdagcouncil.com.

Better Yields through Soils Conference Set for February 2

The University of Maryland Extension will host a one-day workshop for Master Gardeners on how to improve soils with an emphasis on urban, highly managed systems. The workshop will be held at Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore and qualifies for an advanced training certificate in vegetables. For more information and a registration form visit http://mastergardener.umd.edu/AdvancedTraining/UrbanSoil2013.cfm.

Continuing Education Webinars for Certified Nutrient Management Consultants Offered

University of Maryland Extension will offer an online training session focusing on non-nutritive aspects of manure utilization Wednesday, February 13, from 2-4 p.m. A second training session scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, from 2-4 p.m. focuses on the new phosphorus management tool and nitrogen management of small grains. The sessions will be held via Adobe Connect. Participants will need access to a computer with speakers and a high-speed internet connection to participate. Two continuing education credits will be awarded for each webinar. To register, call 410.841.5959 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov. Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for registration information.

Agricultural Annual Reports Available

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has published its 2012 annual reports for the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program and the Maryland Nutrient Management Program. The reports highlight agriculture’s activities and accomplishments in helping Maryland implement its Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. The reports are available on-line at www.mda.maryland.gov or by calling 410.841.5863.