Maryland Agricultural Highlights – February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

State Soil Conservation Committee to Meet February 15
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, February 15, 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, at 410-841-5863.

LEAD Maryland Accepting Applications for Next Class of Fellows June 1 – October 1
The LEAD Maryland Foundation has announced that it will be accepting applicants for its next class of Fellows between June 1and October 1. Organizations and/or individuals will need to start planning now to identify potential participants and to budget funds to assist with paying for the fellowship tuition. Participants complete a series of multi-day seminars held throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. in 2019 and 2020 along with a travel study tour and class project. LEAD works to increase the number and capacity of leaders serving agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. For more information, visit LEAD’s website at www.leadmaryland.org , or contact leadmd@umd.edu, 410-827-8056.

Free Assistance to Update Farm Nutrient Management Plans
University of Maryland Extension (UME) nutrient management specialists will be available to help certified farm operators update their nutrient management plans for the upcoming cropping season.  Laptop computers equipped with NuMan Pro plan writing software, printers and technical support will be available to help certified farmers update their plans quickly and easily. Registration is required. Each session is limited to 11 participants, so please register early by contacting Paul Shipley at 301-405-2563 or prs@umd.edu.  Attendance is free.

The following sessions are now accepting applicants:

• February 12 – Baltimore County Extension Office
• February 27 – Frederick County Extension Office
• March 27 – Garrett County Extension Office
• April 16 – Frederick County Extension Office

March 1 Filing Deadline for Nutrient Management Reports Fast Approaching
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds farmers that March 1 is the deadline for submitting Annual Implementation Reports summarizing nutrient applications made during calendar year 2017. Reporting forms and instructions were mailed in January to approximately 5,500 Maryland farmers who are regulated under Maryland’s Nutrient Management Program. Additional copies may be picked up at regional nutrient management and University of Maryland Extension offices, and are available for download. For more information, call 410-841-5959.

Fertilizer Application Reports due March 1 for Licensed Professional Fertilizer Applicators 
Licensed individuals and businesses that fertilize turf are required to file an Annual Fertilizer Application Report with the Maryland Department of Agriculture by March 1. The report outlines total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied to turf by county. Reporting forms and instructions were mailed to all license holders in January. Additional copies are available online at mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. For more information, call 410-841-5959 or contact judy.mcgowan@maryland.gov.

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The Maryland Agricultural Awareness Alliance is a coalition of federal, state and local agricultural agencies and commodity groups dedicated to educating Marylanders on agricultural issues.