Department Partnering with Horse Council to Offer Equine Nutrient Management and Conservation Training

ANNAPOLIS, MD —The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Horse Council’s Farm Stewardship Committee are offering an environmental training event for owners and managers of large and small equine operations. The training is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, at the department’s headquarters, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis.

The training will focus on Maryland’s nutrient management requirements, conservation planning, pasture management techniques, and best management practices that can be installed on horse farms to protect soil and water resources. The program features speakers from the department, University of Maryland Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Topics include manure storage, handling and spreading procedures; soil health and reseeding; and establishment of sacrifice lots, setbacks and streamside buffers.

Participants will have an opportunity to speak with Extension specialists and private nutrient management consultants on the importance of nutrient management planning. In addition, they will learn about cost-share opportunities and other financial incentive programs for conservation projects. The program will wrap up with presentations on the Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP) for horse operations and how Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) requirements impact the equine industry.

Completion of this training is worth six continuing education units from the department’s Nutrient Management Program. Advance registration for this event is required and participation is limited to the first 90 individuals. The non-refundable registration fee of $30 includes breakfast and lunch. Register by mail by April 26. Registration forms are available for download on the department’s website.

For more information, call the department’s Nutrient Management Program at 410-841-5959.

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