Maryland Agricultural Highlights – November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exams and Training Offered

Lawn care professionals who want to become certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture to apply fertilizer to lawns may register for one of the following certification classes:  November 25 or January 25  in Annapolis; November 16, December 23, or January 26 in Montgomery County; or December 8 or January 28 in Boonsboro. Optional training sessions are offered from 9 -11:30 a.m. on the day of the exam. Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer law requires lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass to be certified by the department or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. To register for the certification exam, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. Information on recertification training is also available on this web site.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for November 24

The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Tuesday, November 24 from 9-11 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture (50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis 21401). Individuals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for farmers should attend.  The cost is $50; however, government employees and farmers who have previously taken the exam are exempt from the exam fee. To register, call 410-841-5959 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov, scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management, and click on Training Programs.

Nutrient Management Training To Be Held December 2

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a workshop on Maryland’s agricultural nutrient management regulations Wednesday, December 2 at the National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel. The program awards six continuing education units in all agricultural nutrient management categories. Cost is $30. To register, visit www.mda.maryland.gov. Scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management and click on Nutrient Management Training Classes for a registration form.

Maryland Farm Fresh Turkeys and Other Local Products Available for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day cooks who want the freshest possible turkey for the family feast should visit www.marylandsbest.net. The website, an extension of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Department, lists farms throughout the state that sell farm-fresh turkeys along with helpful tips and recipes. Consumers also can find local cheeses, wines, and other Maryland products to serve during the holidays.

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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.