Maryland Agricultural Highlights – February 2014

March 1 Filing Deadline Fast Approaching for Nutrient Management Reports
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds farmers that March 1 is the deadline for submitting 2013 Nutrient Management Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs). AIRs and instructions were mailed in December to approximately 5,500 Maryland farmers who are regulated under Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program. These farmers are required to follow valid nutrient management plans and submit AIRs to MDA documenting how they implemented their plans during the previous calendar year. Animal operations operating under a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) submit one combined form to MDA. AIR reporting forms may be picked up at regional nutrient management and University of Maryland Extension offices or downloaded from MDA’s web site at www.mda.maryland.gov. Farmers who fail to file their AIRs on time risk fines and/or penalties including the loss of eligibility for state cost-share funds.  For more information, farmers should contact their regional nutrient management office or call the Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

SSCC Meeting Set For February 20, 2014
The State Soil Conservation Committee will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s headquarters, 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.

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam and Training Offered
Lawn care professionals seeking certification by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to apply fertilizer to turfgrass and lawns may still register for one of the following certification classes: February 24 in Cumberland; February 27 in Centreville; February 28 in Salisbury; and March 7 in Frederick County. Optional training sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to 11:30 am the day of the exam. Lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass must be certified by MDA’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. The requirement is a major component of Maryland’s new Lawn Fertilizer Law which took effect October 1, 2013.  To register for the exam, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Soil Conservation District Annual Report Available
The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) has released its 2013 annual report titled, Delivering the Promise of a Cleaner, Healthier Chesapeake Bay. The report highlights how Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts are helping to implement Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to protect and restore the Bay.  For a copy of the report, contact Lynne Hoot at 410-956-5771 or visit www.mascd.net.

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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.