Agricultural Highlights – April 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For April 21
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, April 21, 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.

Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training Course Set for June 2-3
A two-day Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Pre-Certification Training Course will be held June 2-3 at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The training provides participants with an overview of material covered by the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination scheduled for August 5. Topics include state nutrient management regulations, nutrient management principles, basic soil science, and soil fertility recommendations. The non-refundable registration fee is $125 and includes learning materials and lunch. Register by mail by May 25. To download the registration form, click here.

MDA Offers Certification Exams and Recertification Classes for Turf Grass Pros
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has posted a new schedule of certification exams and recertification seminars for turf grass professionals who must be licensed and certified to apply fertilizer to lawns that they manage under Maryland’s 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. Visit the department’s website for more information on dates and registration.

Homeowners Reminded to Use Best Management When Caring for Lawns
With the arrival of warm weather, the Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages homeowners to use best management practices to maintain and enhance the health and beauty of their lawns and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Homeowners should sharpen lawnmower blades for a clean cut, mow the grass high to shade out weeds and conserve moisture, and remove no more than 1/3 of the grass height at each mowing. In addition, grass clippings should be left on lawns to provide free fertilizer. For more tips and information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit the department’s website.

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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.