Maryland Agricultural Highlights – December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

State Soil Conservation Committee to Meet December 20
The State Soil Conservation Committee has announced that its next meeting will be held Thursday, December 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maryland Farm Bureau, 3358 Davidsonville Road, Davidsonville, Md. 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 Alisha Mulkey at alisha.mulkey@maryland.gov.

Certification Exam and Continuing Education Classes for Professional Fertilizer Applicators 
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has published a new schedule of upcoming continuing education classes for Professional Fertilizer Applicators who need to renew their certifications. Professionals hired to apply fertilizers to turfgrass are required by law to be certified by the department’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. Certificates are valid through June 30 of each year and may be renewed annually for a $100 fee and verification of two hours of annual recertification training. Training offered by the department and University of Maryland Extension is provided free of charge. Register for one of the following continuing education classes at mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

• January 14, 2019 – Forest Hill, MD
• January 15, 2019 – Salisbury, MD
• January 16, March 19 and May 22, 2019 – Annapolis, MD
• February 15 and April 16, 2019 – Derwood, MD
• February 19, 2019 –Leonardtown, MD

Workshops to Update Nutrient Management Plans Offered  
The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer a series of workshops for certified farmers who need to update their nutrient management plans. Specialists will be available at locations across Maryland to assist farmers with updating their nutrient management plans using the nutrient management planning software, NuMan Pro 5.0. Sessions will be informal and participants will work at their own pace. The 2019 training sessions will be held January 28 in Charles County, January 29 in Queen Anne’s County, February 19 in Baltimore County, February 25 and April 8 in Frederick County, and February 26 in Washington County. Register by contacting Paul Shipley at 301-405-2563 or prs@umd.edu.

Lawn Fertilizer Blackout Dates Now in Effect
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens that lawn fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law are now in effect. The law prohibits citizens and lawn care professionals from applying nitrogen and phosphorus to lawns until March 1, when cool season grasses emerge from winter dormancy and can benefit from nutrient applications. Applying fertilizer to hard or frozen ground increases the risk for nutrient runoff into the storm drains that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Excess nutrients have been shown to contribute to the growth of harmful algae blooms that rob the bay of oxygen. To further protect water quality, the law prohibits citizens from using fertilizer to de-ice walkways and driveways. For more information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Directory Available
Now is the time to find that perfect tree. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages citizens to buy fresh cut, locally grown Christmas trees, rather than artificial trees or those grown out of state. For the best selection of fresh Christmas trees and information on tree varieties and care, visit https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/.

###

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.