Agricultural Highlights – December 2013

Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost Share Program FY 2013 Annual Report

SSCC Meeting Set For December 19

The State Soil Conservation Committee will meet Thursday, Dec. 19, 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.

2013 MDA Nutrient Management Reporting Forms Available On-Line

The 2013 Nutrient Management Annual Implementation Reporting Form (AIR) is now available on the MDA website. The form documents how farmers implemented their nutrient management plans during calendar year 2013. It is due back to MDA by March 1. Most farmers also will receive copies of the form in the mail. For more information, visit us online or contact MDA’s Nutrient Management Program at 410.841.5959.

Nutrient Management Training Course Offered

The University of Maryland Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, in cooperation with USDA-NRCS and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, will offer a one-day course to introduce the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE 2) program and its features. The class will be held Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Maryland College Park. RUSLE2 is a Windows-based software program that estimates the potential for soil loss from erosion caused by rainfall. Estimating soil erosion on cropland is an important part of calculating the Maryland Phosphorus Site Index (PSI) and the University of Maryland Phosphorus Management Tool (UM-PMT) and is an essential component of soil and water conservation plans. Participants receive six continuing education units. To register, contact Mike Webster at 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.

MACS Agricultural Annual Report Available

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has published its 2013 annual report for the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program. The report highlights the program’s role in helping farmers install agricultural best management practices on their farms to control soil erosion, manage nutrients and protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The report is available online .

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Directory Available

It’s not too late to find that perfect tree. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages citizens to buy fresh cut, locally grown Christmas trees, rather than artificial trees or those grown out of state. Visit www.marylandsbest.net for a Choose and Cut Farm Directory and information on tree varieties and tree care.

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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.