Maryland Agricultural Highlights – October 2016

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For October 20
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, October 20, 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.

Homeowners Should Hire Only Licensed and Certified Lawn Care Professionals
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that lawn care professionals hired to fertilize lawns must be certified and licensed by its Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program. In addition, fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may not be applied near streams or if heavy rain is predicted. To further protect the Chesapeake Bay, fertilizer that lands on sidewalks or driveways must be cleaned up or swept back on the grass. For more information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer law and a list of licensed and certified lawn care professionals, visit the department’s website.

Nutrient Management Training and Certification for Nursery Operations
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a training program and exam for producers who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for nursery operations. The workshop will be held Tuesday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 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,click here.

MAEF Banquet and Auction Set for November 3
The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) will host its 28^th annual banquet and auction Thursday, November 3, at Michael’s 8^th Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie. Tickets are $70 per person and may be purchased online or by calling 410-939-9030.  For more information, visit the MAEF website. Proceeds benefit MAEF’s agricultural educational outreach programs.

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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.