Maryland Agricultural Highlights – November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018

State Soil Conservation Committee to Meet Nov. 15

The State Soil Conservation Committee’s next meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 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 Maryland Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to soil and water conservation. For more information, contact Alisha Mulkey at alisha.mulkey@maryland.gov.

Farmer Training and Certification Courses Offered

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland Extension will offer a series of farmer training and certification workshops for farmers who want to become certified by the department to write nutrient management plans for their own operations. The workshops are designed for producers with cropland and pastures who use commercial fertilizer and/or manure. They will be offered at the following locations: Queen Anne’s County on Jan. 22 and Feb. 5; Frederick County on Jan. 28 and Feb. 11; and Howard County (evenings) on Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and March 6. Participants must pass an exam and complete a nutrient management plan for the 2019 season in order to become certified. Professional staff will be available to assist with plan writing. Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll as soon as possible. For more information about the nutrient management training program and to register, visit: mda.maryland.gov/nutrient_management_training_program.aspx.

Taste of Maryland Agriculture Event Set for Feb. 7

The Maryland Agriculture Council will host its annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture Dinner Thursday, Feb. 7, at Michael’s Eighth Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie. The event features a bounty of Maryland agricultural products that will be served throughout the evening and aims to educate lawmakers about the importance of agriculture to all Maryland citizens. Inductees to the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame will be honored during the evening and Maryland Agriculture Council Educational Grants will be announced. Tickets are $100 per person and must be purchased by Jan. 10, in order for attendees to be included in the program. Late reservation tickets will be $125. Members of the agricultural community should contact Gail Yeiser at 410-353-3069 or gailpyeiser@gmail.com for reservations. For more information on the council or event, contact Susan Summers at 240-446-3601. Additional information may be found on EventBrite.com or at www.mdagcouncil.com.

Maryland Farm Fresh Turkeys and Other Local Products for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day cooks who want the freshest possible turkey for the family feast should visit marylandsbest.net. The website, an extension of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Department, lists farms throughout the state that sell farm-fresh turkeys along with helpful tips and recipes. Consumers also can find local cheeses, wines, and other Maryland products to serve during the holidays.

###

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.