Maryland Agricultural Highlights – April 2018

State Soil Conservation Committee to Meet April 19
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, April 19, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. 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.

Lawn Care Professionals Must Be Certified to Apply Fertilizer
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens that Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law requires all lawn care professionals for hire to be certified and licensed by the department to apply fertilizer to the lawns that they manage. Citizens can verify that their lawn care provider is certified by visiting mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Manure Injection Workshop and Field Day Planned for April 17
A Manure Injection Workshop and Demonstration Field Day will be held for farmers and agricultural representatives Tuesday, April 17, at the Mast Farm, 3108 Hare Hollow Road in Grantsville. Farmers who are interested in learning more about the benefits and costs of manure injection are encouraged to attend the free event which includes refreshments and a hot lunch. Participants are asked to register by April 13 by calling the Garrett Soil Conservation District at 301-334-6951.

Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training Course Set for May 29-30
Seating is still available for a two-day Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Pre-Certification Training Course scheduled for May 29-30 at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The training provides an overview of material covered by the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination scheduled for August 3. 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 17. To download the registration form, visit the department’s website. For more information, call 410-841-5959.

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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.