Maryland Agricultural Highlights – December 2019

Farmer Training and Certification Courses Offered

The Maryland Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland Extension will offer 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 two-day workshops are for producers with cropland and pastures who use commercial fertilizer and/or manure. They will be offered in Queen Anne’s County on January 21 and February 4 and in Frederick County on January 28 and February 11. To become certified, farmers are required to pass an exam and complete a nutrient management plan for the 2020 season. Professional staff will be available to assist with plan writing. Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll ASAP. Download a registration form here.

Crop Production Meeting Schedule Announced

University of Maryland Extension (UME) has announced dates for this year’s crop production meetings. The meetings will take place at locations around the state between December 2019 and March 2020. Farmers will get updates on the most recent research, information, and data to help make 2020 growing decisions for agricultural crops. The meetings are open to anyone interested in agronomy/forage, vegetable growing, and fruit production. Private pesticide applicator and nutrient management credits will be offered. The meeting schedule can be found on UME’s website.

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam and Training Scheduled for February 10

Lawn care professionals who want to become certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture to apply fertilizer to turf should register for the next certification exam scheduled for February 10 in Derwood. An optional training session will be offered before the exam. Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law requires lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizer to turfgrass to be certified by the department or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. Download the registration form to view the complete list of certification exams.

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 to enter storm drains that feed into 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, fertilizer may not be used to de-ice walkways and driveways. For more information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, visit the department’s website.

Choose-and-Cut Christmas Tree Directory Available Now

With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the time to find the perfect Christmas 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 Maryland’s Best.

Maryland Census 2020

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of every person living in the United States every 10 years. The data collected by the census determines Maryland’s representation in Congress, impacts local legislative districts, and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities. Completing your census form ensures Maryland families, neighbors, and communities receive the support they need. Census forms can be completed online, over the phone, or by mail. Mark your calendars for Census Day on April 1, 2020 and be sure to participate. More information can be found on the Maryland Census 2020 website.

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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.