Maryland Agricultural Highlights – May 2018

State Soil Conservation Committee to Meet May 17
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, May 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, at 410-841-5863.

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 are reminded to 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 mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Live Nutrient Management Webinar Scheduled for May 18
Extension Learn will host a live webinar titled, Animal Manure’s Impact on Soil Properties on Friday, May 18, from 2:30 – 3:40 p.m. Participants will receive one continuing education credit from the Maryland Nutrient Management Program. Visit the program’s website to register. 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