Maryland Agricultural Highlights – October 2019

Cover Crop Planting Deadline is November 5

Farmers who signed up for grants to plant cover crops this fall with the Maryland Department of Agriculture have until November 5, 2019, to get their fields planted. Farmers who plant their cover crops by October 15 can receive an additional $5-$10 per acre bonus payment. Actual amount depends on the planting method used. For more information, farmers should visit the department’s Cover Crop Program website, contact their local soil conservation district, or call the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program at 410-841-5864.

Homeowners Should Hire Only Licensed and Certified Lawn Care Professionals

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that lawn care professionals hired to fertilize lawns must be certified and licensed by the Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program. Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may not be applied near streams or if heavy rain is predicted. To further protect the Chesapeake Bay, fertilizer that lands on sidewalks or driveways must be cleaned up or swept back on the grass. For more information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law and a list of licensed and certified lawn care professionals, visit the department’s website.

Nutrient Management Training Set for December 17

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the University of Maryland Extension will provide an update on Maryland’s nutrient management regulations with a focus on current topics affecting the agricultural community. The training will take place Tuesday, December 17 at the National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel. Participants will receive six continuing education units in all agricultural nutrient management categories. The $30 fee covers learning materials and lunch. Seating is limited and admission is by prepaid registration only. For a registration form, visit the department’s website or call 410-841-5959.

31^st Annual MAEF Banquet and Auction Set for November 7

The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) will host its 31^st annual banquet and auction Thursday, November 7 at Michael’s 8th Avenue, 7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen Burnie. Tickets are $70 per person and may be purchased by contacting Amie McDaniels at amcdaniels@maefonline.com or 410-939-9030. RSVP by October 15. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit MAEF’s agricultural educational outreach programs.

October Newsletter Available

Read the latest edition of The Harford Resource, the quarterly newsletter of the Harford Soil Conservation District. The newsletter takes a nostalgic look back at the district’s 75-year history of helping landowners protect natural resources on their land, along with new faces, upcoming events, and other conservation news. The newsletter is also available on the Harford Soil Conservation District’s Facebook.

St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District Now on Facebook

The St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District has launched a Facebook page to keep farmers, developers, and other key audiences updated on its soil and water conservation programs, events, training opportunities, and other natural resources news. Follow them here.

Garrett Soil Conservation District Honors Green Family as Cooperator of the Year

The Garrett Soil Conservation District presented its 2019 Cooperator of the Year award to the Green family at its annual Cooperators Dinner on September 19. Over the years, Kenny and Deborah Green have installed a variety of best management practices on their farm to manage manure and protect water quality. Best management practices installed at their brood cow herd operation and commercial hay business include a manure storage structure and heavy use area, stream buffer, livestock exclusion fencing, watering facility, and contour strips. Visit the Garrett Soil Conservation District’s website to learn more.

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Maryland’s Conservation Partnership is a coalition of federal, state, and local agriculture agencies dedicated to protecting and conserving natural resources and promoting Maryland agriculture. Members include the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, the State Soil Conservation Committee, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency and University of Maryland Extension.