{"id":11734,"date":"2014-10-09T10:13:50","date_gmt":"2014-10-09T14:13:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=11734"},"modified":"2014-10-09T10:13:50","modified_gmt":"2014-10-09T14:13:50","slug":"agricultural-highlights-october-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2014\/10\/09\/agricultural-highlights-october-2014\/","title":{"rendered":"Agricultural Highlights – October 2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

State Soil Conservation Committee Meeting Set For October 16, 2014<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC) will meet Thursday, Oct. 16, at its headquarters, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. The meeting is open to the public and will focus on soil conservation and water quality program implementation and policy development. Established in 1938, the SSCC coordinates the activities of Maryland’s 24 soil conservation districts, while advising the Secretary of Agriculture on matters relating to soil and water conservation. For more information, contact Louise Lawrence, Executive Secretary, 410-841-5863.<\/span><\/p>\n

Homeowners Should Hire Only \"\"Licensed and Certified Lawn Care Professionals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners that lawn care professionals hired to fertilize lawns must be certified and licensed by its Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program. In addition, 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\u2019s Lawn Fertilizer law and a list of licensed and certified lawn care professionals, visit www.mda.maryland.gov\/fertilizer<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nutrient Management Certification Exam Scheduled for November 20<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered Thursday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis 21401. Farmers and individuals who want to become certified to write nutrient management plans for farmers should attend.\u00a0 The cost is $50; however, government employees and farmers who have previously taken the exam are exempt from the exam fee.\u00a0To register, call MDA at 410-841-5959 or visit www.mda.maryland.gov<\/a>, scroll down the Quick Links to Nutrient Management, and click on Training Programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2014-2015 Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Renewal Courses Announced<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture will offer free nutrient applicator voucher training and renewal courses to farm operators who apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of cropland. The two-hour course is required once every three years for these operators.<\/span><\/p>\n