Agricultural Highlights – June 2014

JUNE 2014 

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For June 19

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 19, 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 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.

Cover Crop Info in the Mail

Farmers who want to plant cover crops this fall to conserve nutrients, reduce soil erosion and protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries should check their mailboxes for important information regarding sign-up for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s 2014-2015 Cover Crop Program.  Approximately $20 million in conservation grants is available through the program to help farmers offset the cost of planting cover crops on their fields this fall. Sign-up runs June 24 through July 15, 2014 at local soil conservation districts.  For more information, call 410-841-5864 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov and type “cover crops” on the search tab.  

MDA Reminds Homeowners to Fertilize Lawns Responsibly

With summer approaching, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds homeowners that fertilizer should only be applied to lawns when the grass is actively growing.  To prevent runoff, fertilize warm season grasses (Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass) in late spring or early summer and cool season grasses (fescues, bluegrass) in fall.  Some grass species have natural dormancy periods and will turn brown during the hot, dry summer months. Applying fertilizer to force a lawn to turn green during its dormancy period can damage the grass and result in unused fertilizer washing off lawns and into the streams and rivers that feed the Chesapeake Bay.  For more tips of fertilizing responsibly and Maryland’s new Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. 

MDA Offers Continuing Education Classes for Certified Turf Grass Pros

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will offer continuing education classes for professional turf grass fertilizer applicators on June 23, August 7, and September 3, 2014 at its headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The two- hour course is required for professionals who want to renew their certifications for 2015-2016.  The cost is $12 and includes training materials and continental breakfast. Maryland’s new lawn fertilizer law requires turf grass professionals hired to apply fertilizer to be certified by MDA or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified.  The law is designed to help protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from excess nutrients applied to lawns and other grassy areas. To register for a continuing education class, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.  

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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.