{"id":1055,"date":"2009-12-09T19:03:36","date_gmt":"2009-12-09T19:03:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=1055"},"modified":"2012-09-05T19:05:11","modified_gmt":"2012-09-05T19:05:11","slug":"agricultural-media-advisory-december-2009","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2009\/12\/09\/agricultural-media-advisory-december-2009\/","title":{"rendered":"AGRICULTURAL MEDIA ADVISORY – DECEMBER 2009"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Monthly Update on Agricultural Issues and Events Taking Place Throughout Maryland<\/em><\/p>\n

Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Directory Available
\nThe Maryland Christmas Tree Association has published a directory of Choose & Cut Farms listing dozens of locations across Maryland where families can harvest their own Christmas trees.\u00a0 View the directory by visiting\u00a0www.marylandchristmastrees.org<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0MDA\u2019s web site<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Delmarva Hay and Pasture Conference Set for January 18 and 19, 2010
\nThe University of Delaware will sponsor the Delmarva Hay and Pasture Conference on January 18 and 19, 2010, at the ACE Building located on the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Rotational grazing, hay selection for horses and forage plant and weed identification are among the topics that will be covered this year.\u00a0 The featured speaker is Dr. Jim Green, a retired forage crops Extension specialist from North Carolina State University.\u00a0 Participants attending the program receive up to four hours of Maryland Nutrient Management Program continuing education credits.\u00a0 For more information, contact Emmalea Ernest at emmalea@udel.edu or call 302-856-7303.<\/p>\n

Nutrient Management Plan Writing and Certification Workshops for Farmers Scheduled
\nThe Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Maryland Extension will offer two workshops this winter for farmers who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for their own operations.\u00a0 Each program consists of about 11 hours of classroom lecture and practice in writing plans.\u00a0 Using the NuMan Pro software program farmers develop their own plans with guidance from the University of Maryland and MDA staff.\u00a0 Farmers who pass a short exam and receive a favorable review of their plan by MDA are certified.\u00a0 Seating is limited, so interested farmers should enroll right away.\u00a0 Additional sessions may be scheduled if interest is high.\u00a0 To begin the process,\u00a0click here<\/a>.\u00a0 Contact MDA at 410-841-5959 or WebsteME@mda.state.md.us to register. Farmers may also register by contacting their local Extension office or visitinghttp:\/\/anmp.umd.edu\/FTC\/FTC.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n

January 19 (training) and February 1 (exam) 2010
\nCrop operations that use poultry litter and commercial fertilizer
\nLocation:\u00a0University of Maryland Extension\u2014Wicomico County Office<\/p>\n

February 8 (training) and February 22 (exam) 2010
\nCrop operations that use manure and commercial fertilizer
\nLocation:\u00a0Charlotte Hall Library, St. Mary\u2019s County<\/p>\n

Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Renewal Courses
\nUniversity of Maryland Extension will offer free voucher training and renewal courses to farm operators who apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of cropland. The two-hour nutrient applicator training course is required once every three years for these operators. Operators in other counties who need to obtain a voucher or renew their voucher should contact their local Extension office for training schedules and locations.<\/p>\n