Maryland Agricultural Highlights – March 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For March 17
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, March 17, 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.

March 1 Marks End of Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens and lawn care professionals that fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus may now be applied to lawns as long as the ground is not hard frozen or snow covered and heavy rain is not predicted.  For more tips and information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Nutrient Management Training and Certification for Nursery Operations Offered
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a two-day training program for producers who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for their nursery operations. The first workshop will be held March 23, from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the University of Maryland’s Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City. The second session will include an exam. The date will be announced during the training session. To register, visit the department’s Nutrient Management Training website.

Manure Matching Service Ready for Business
With spring planting season just around the corner, the Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds farmers that its Manure Matching Service is available to link farmers with excess manure with other farmers or alternative use projects that can use the product as a valuable resource.  The service is voluntary, free and available to both sending and receiving farms. It complements the department’s Manure Transport Program, which helps poultry, dairy, beef and other livestock producers cover the costs of transporting excess manure off their farms. For more information on both programs, farmers should contact their local soil conservation district, call 1-855-6MANURE or visit www.mda.maryland.gov/manure.

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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.