Maryland Agricultural Highlights — July 2019

Cover Crop Sign-up Ends July 17

Sign-up for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s 2019-2020 Cover Crop Program ends soon. The department encourages famers to apply for grants to help cover the cost of planting fall cover crops to improve the soil and protect the Chesapeake Bay. New this year, farmers can receive up to $90 per acre to plant traditional cover crops this fall by taking advantage of add-on incentive payments. Soil conservation district offices statewide will accept grant applications through July 17. For more information, visit the department’s Cover Crop Program webpage.

On-Demand Recertification Webinar Now Available for Professional Fertilizer Applicators 

The department is now offering an on-demand, pre-recorded recertification webinar for lawn care professionals who need to renew their Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certificates. Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law requires lawn care professionals be certified by the department’s Nutrient Management Program or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. Certificates may be renewed annually for a $100 fee and verification of two hours of recertification training. Successful completion of the webinar and accompanying quiz awards two education credits. The webinar and quiz are posted on the department’s website.

Harford County Agriculture Night Scheduled for August 2
The Harford County Agricultural Center will celebrate agriculture and raise funds to support Harford County FFA and 4-H at its annual Agriculture Night event on August 2 at Ripken Stadium. The event will feature a variety of activities, including a petting zoo and tractor pulls. Tickets are $15 each. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the Aberdeen Ironbirds vs. Vermont Lake Monsters game at 7:05 p.m. For tickets, visit the event website.

Nutrient Management Certification Exam Planed for August 2

The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Friday, August 2 at locations in Annapolis, Boonsboro, and Salisbury. Individuals who provide nutrient recommendations, nursery personnel, and farmers interested in developing nutrient management plans for other farmers are encouraged to take the exam. The cost is $50. Government employees and farmers who have previously taken the exam are exempt from the certification fee. To register, contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5959 or download a registration form here.

Homeowners Reminded to Use Best Management Practices When Caring for Lawns in Summer Heat

The Maryland Department of Agriculture advises homeowners to mow the grass high to shade out weeds and conserve moisture during periods of hot, dry weather. Raise the mower’s cutting height by ½ inch to 1 inch and remember to leave grass clippings on the lawn as a source of free fertilizer. For more tips and information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit the department’s website.

2019 Commodity Classic Set for July 25

The Maryland Grain Producers Association, Maryland Soybean Board, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, and the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association will host the Maryland Commodity Classic for area grain producers on Thursday, July 25 at the Queen Anne’s 4-H Park in Centreville. The annual event features research presentations, exhibits, informational displays, and a famed crab feast and chicken/pork BBQ. This year’s event will feature a grain bin safety demonstration. Tickets are $10 before 2:30 p.m. and $20 after 2:30 p.m. No entry is permitted after 3:30 p.m. Maryland Grain Producers Association members receive a free ticket. For tickets, contact Marguerite at marguerite.mdag@gmail.com or 443-262-8491.

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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.