Agricultural Highlights – May 2014

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For May 15

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will meet Thursday, May 15, 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 SSCC 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.

MDA Offers Additional Training and Certification Classes for Turf Grass Pros

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has posted a new schedule of training sessions and certification exams for turf grass professionals who must now be licensed and certified to apply fertilizer to lawns that they manage under Maryland’s new lawn fertilizer law. The law is designed to help protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from excess nutrients applied to lawns and other grassy areas. Upcoming sessions will be held May 21 and June 16 in Central Maryland; June 18 on the Eastern Shore; and June 17 in Western Maryland. Turf grass professionals should visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer to register.

Updated Poultry Operator’s Handbook Now Available

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has updated its Poultry Operator’s Record-Keeping Guide to assist all types of poultry operations, including Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs), Maryland Animal Feeding Operations (MAFOs) and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in complying with record keeping requirements specified by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and MDA. To view or print the guide, visit www.mda.maryland.gov. Click on Nutrient Management and follow the link to the “agricultural nutrient management program.” Farmers may also call MDA at 410-410-677-0802, ext. 6 to request a copy of the guide.

NEW MDA Soundbook Explains How Farmers Manage Chicken Manure

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has produced a new soundbook featuring Dorchester poultry farmer Bill Brown explaining how farmers manage manure resources to protect water quality while recycling its valuable nutrient content. The soundbook was photographed and recorded by Maryland photographer Edwin Remsberg. Watch here.

Delmarva Chicken Festival Set for June 20 and 21

The 65th Annual Delmarva Chicken Festival will be held June 20 and 21 at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park on Route 18 in Centreville, Maryland. Attractions will include the Giant Fry Pan, arts and crafts show, antique and classic car shows, baby chick display, children’s corner, food, music, and carnival rides. The event features free admission and parking. This is the last year that the Delmarva Poultry Industry plans to sponsor the event. For more information.

###

The Maryland Agricultural Awareness Alliance, a coalition of federal, state and local agricultural agencies and commodity groups dedicated to educating Marylanders on agricultural issues.