{"id":1745,"date":"2011-10-26T12:48:47","date_gmt":"2011-10-26T12:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=1745"},"modified":"2012-10-03T12:49:56","modified_gmt":"2012-10-03T12:49:56","slug":"october-2011","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/mda-newsletter\/2011\/10\/26\/october-2011\/","title":{"rendered":"October 2011"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Smart,Maryland Department of Agriculture\u00a0News<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\u00a0 Celebrating Maryland\u00a0Agriculture<\/strong><\/td>\nOctober
\n2011\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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In This Issue<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Agri-Tourism in MD<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Touch of Class Award<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MAC Tours Western MD<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Specialty Crop Grants <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Food Safety Training<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Ag Laws Take Effect<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Farmers Help Food Bank<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pesticide Disposal Program<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Buy Local Workplace Challenge<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Inside MDA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Extreme Home Makeover<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Featured Recipe<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
 <\/p>\n
\u00a0Secretary’s Corner<\/div>\n

\"MDA<\/p>\n

As harvest is winding down, we take a moment to reflect upon what’s happening in Maryland agriculture today.\u00a0 As I’ve driven through our beautiful countryside attending various agricultural events this fall, I have enjoyed seeing fantastic soybean crops ready for harvest as well as cover crops sprouting across the fields. \u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
We look forward to another record year of cover crop acreage following a record enrollment of 550,000 acres of winter grains, which were requested by a record 1,767 farmers – 206 of which were new to the program this year. <\/span><\/div>\n
This record acreage represents 155 percent of the Phase I Watershed Implementation Plan goals for cover crops.\u00a0 Cover crops are one of the most cost-effective means of helping to restore the Chesapeake Bay.<\/span><\/div>\n
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This fall is proving to be terrific for our apple producers and the weekend weather has also been good for our growing agri-tourism operations.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As Thanksgiving approaches, be sure to order your local turkey<\/a> for your family dinner this year.\u00a0 Order early, because the increasing consumer demand in years past has shown that our farmers will sell out well before Thanksgiving.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n
To find a local turkey for your Thanksgiving feast, visit www.marylandsbest.net<\/a>. The website, sponsored by MDA’s Marketing Department, lists over 40 farms throughout the state that sell farm-fresh turkeys. You can also find local cheeses, wines, and other Maryland products to serve during the holidays.<\/span><\/div>\n
MDA, like our farmers, continues to rely on sound science and implement practices that make good economic sense. <\/span><\/div>\n
Yesterday, MDA submitted proposed changes to the Nutrient Management Manual<\/a> to the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR). The purpose of the changes is to achieve consistency in how nutrients are managed and applied to land. Once the proposed changes are published in the Maryland Register, MDA will provide public notice and offer a 45-day public comment period. <\/span><\/div>\n
As science evolves and we learn more about how to better manage farms, it’s appropriate to change policies. Maryland, like all of the Bay states, is dealing with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.\u00a0 Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) and the Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) address all sectors dealing with non-point source controls, including agriculture. This is causing us to look inward to craft changes to existing regulations. <\/span><\/div>\n
We are mindful that these changes may require new technology and we continue to offer farmers existing cost-share programs to help us meet the goal of a healthier Chesapeake Bay. <\/span><\/div>\n
Check out the October 25 issue of the Delmarva Farmer<\/a>, which includes a column by me examining Maryland agriculture in 2012 and beyond.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n
It highlights some of the challenges we will be facing in the year ahead, which include:<\/span><\/div>\n

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* Developing strategies and regulations to meet our environmental objectives, which will include enacting septic regulations, updating nutrient management regulations, and implementing a nutrient trading program;<\/span><\/p>\n

* Developing new opportunities to keep farming profitable;<\/span><\/div>\n
* Monitoring expected cuts in Farm Bill appropriations;<\/span><\/div>\n
* And, of course, the weather.<\/span><\/div>\n
However, it also remains positive that MDA and Governor O’Malley believe that Maryland can maintain a profitable agriculture sector and restore the Chesapeake Bay. <\/span><\/div>\n
The Administration is committed to ensuring that the technical and financial resources farmers need to meet new requirements and implement new practices are available.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n
In return, we encourage farmers to reach out to their county and state farm bureaus, farmland preservation organizations, elected officials, and others to learn the issues and tell us what’s best for your business. We need your thoughtful input.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n
I am always open to ideas and opinions.\u00a0 Together we can chart a smart, green and growing future for agriculture, the Bay and for generations to come.<\/span><\/div>\n

Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Buddy Hance<\/a><\/p>\n

Secretary<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Quick Links<\/strong><\/div>\n
More About MDA <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
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BayStat <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Sign Up for Governor O’Malley’s E-Newsletter<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secretary Hance Kicks Off Agri-Tourism Season with
\nVisit to Baltimore County Farm\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"Ag<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Secretary Buddy Hance enjoys a hay ride with students visiting a Baltimore County farm<\/em>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz Honored with
\n“Touch of Class” Award at Maryland Million\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"Touch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Colleen Rutledge, Shiraz\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Colleen Rutledge, a mother of three children who is chasing her Olympic dream in the equestrian sport of 3-Day Eventing, received the Maryland Horse Industry Board’s<\/a> (MHIB) second “Touch Of Class Award” along with her horse, Shiraz. The award was presented during ceremonies at the Maryland Million horse race at Laurel Park this month. The MHIB presents the Award monthly to showcase outstanding horses and people who represent the highest standards of excellence in Maryland’s equine community. For more information. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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MD Agricultural Commission Conducts Tour,
\nPublic Hearing in Western Maryland \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"MAC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Commission members learn about growing hydroponic tomatoes<\/em><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The Maryland Agricultural Commission<\/a> toured agricultural enterprises in Garrett and Allegany counties and held a public meeting to garner citizen input on important local issues this month. The commission is presently made up of 24 members who represent commodities and organizations across the state and serve as an advisory body to Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture. As a group, the members address legislative and policy issues that affect Maryland agribusiness. The tour took the group through unique agricultural operations, including an alpaca farm<\/a>, a Christmas tree farm, a diversified small family farm<\/a>, a cheese making venture<\/a>, and a farm run on solar and wind power and an Amish farm growing hydroponic tomatoes and high tunnel raspberries. T<\/span>he public meeting provided local citizens interested in farming and rural topics to discuss issues and policies affecting agriculture and rural communities with Commission members and the Secretary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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MDA Announces Specialty Crop Grant Awardees <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\"FreshMDA will award $420,123 in grants that will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Maryland through the Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. The 2008 Farm Bill dedicated significant grant funding for specialty crops. Funds help farmers and value-added producers advance and promote local specialty crops in the marketplace, spark new markets, job creation and help keep Maryland smart, green and growing. For more information<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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MDA to Offer Food Safety Training for Fruit and Vegetable Producers on Nov. 16 <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"FoodMDA and the University of Maryland will conduct a food safety training workshop<\/a> for fruit and vegetable producers on Nov.16 at MDA headquarters in Annapolis. This one-day workshop is important for small- and large- scale producers who want to understand how to meet current and future U.S. Food and Drug Administration food safety requirements and Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification<\/a>. The training will provide assistance in writing and implementing a GAP program for both wholesale and direct marketers. For more information<\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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New Agriculture Laws Took Effect Oct. 1 \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Five agriculture laws passed during the 2011 Legislative Session went into effect October 1. The laws impact farmland preservation, invasive plants, veterinary practice regulations, and farm-to-school reporting requirements. All five bills are important to the work and mission of MDA. For more information.<\/a><\/div>\n

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Maryland Farmers Teams Up with Food Bank to Feed More than 80,000 Families \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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Maryland Pre-Release Inmates Assist with Gleaning Efforts<\/em><\/p>\n

Twenty-three Eastern Shore farmers donated 423,000 pounds of produce to the Maryland Food Bank’s newly launched Farm to Food Bank program<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\"Nagel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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The Nagel Family Farm<\/em><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

between mid-June and late September. That amount equates to 325,385 meals — or 81,346 meals for a family of four, according to the Maryland Food Bank.<\/p>\n

In a process called gleaning, farmers open their fields after harvest and allow others to take what is left for charitable purposes. Produce gleaned from the Eastern Shore so far includes watermelon, cantaloupe, zucchini, squash, sweet corn, peaches, green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, broccoli, carrots, and green peppers. Inmates from the Maryland Division of Correction (DOC) have contributed to the effort for several weeks this summer by gleaning for six Eastern Shore farms through an initiative called Public Safety Works. For more information.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Free Pesticide Disposal Program Open to MD Farmers\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
For the first time, farm operators statewide will be able to dispose of unusable or unwanted agricultural pesticides this year under a program sponsored by MDA in cooperation with the Maryland Department of the Environment, the University of Maryland Extension and other organizations. The Pesticide Disposal Program<\/a> has been available to producers since 1995; however, this is the first year the program will be open to operators statewide. More than 170,000 pounds of unusable or unwanted pesticides have been collected from more than 330 farm sites since the program was initiated. The 2011 program is free to farmers, nurserymen, greenhouse operators and Christmas tree growers. Registration forms<\/a> must be submitted by January 16, 2012. For more information.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\u00a0St. Mary’s Co. Wins Buy Local Workplace Challenge <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"BuyCongratulations to St. Mary’s County and the more than<\/span> three dozen <\/span>Potomac Building employees for their creative efforts that enabled them to <\/span>win the “Buy Local Challenge at the Workplace<\/a>” contest!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Secretary Hance visited with the employees who were awarded a local lunch courtesy of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission catered by Blue Wind Gourmet<\/a>. He presented the winning team with a basket of local goodies and citations.<\/p>\n

While in St. Mary’s County, Secretary Hance, led by agricultural specialist Donna Sasscer, toured the new Leonardtown Farmers’ Market and visited with farmer vendors and consumers. He also met with more than a dozen St. Mary’s County farmers to discuss local agricultural issues and concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inside MDA:
\nMDA Honors Employees with Long Service Awards \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"Janet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Deputy Secretary Setting (left) honors Bettie McCaffrey (Center) and Janet Crutchley<\/span>
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MDA honored 41 employees for their years of dedicated service to the department. Janet Crutchley with the Office of Resource Conservation and Bettie McCaffrey with the Office of Marketing, Animal Industries and Consumer Services received special recognition for 40 outstanding years of public service. Shaun Sanders of the Office of Resource Conservation was honored for 35 years of service.<\/p>\n

Six employees were honored for 30 years of service, and 14 employees were honored for 25 years. The remaining honorees were recognized for public service of 10, 15, or 20 years. For more information.<\/a>
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\nTurf and Seed Analysts Receive National Certification <\/strong><\/span>
\nMDA’s two newest Turf and Seed<\/a> analysts have \"Macfarlandbeen certified in germination testing by the Association of Official Seed Analysts – the national organization that sets the rules for seed tests. Seed analysts Kim MacFarland and Kumara Kadawedduwa received this prestigious certification after taking both a written and practical exam. A seed analyst must be on the job two years before they can even take the test. Both analysts had been with MDA almost exactly two years when they took the test. Both passed on the first try. All other seed analysts at MDA are certified in germination and purity testing. Kim and Kumara will take the purity examination in the spring. Congratulations to both for meeting this professional milestone.<\/p>\n

MDA’s Rowe Named 2011 Inspector of the Year<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

\"Scott MDA’s Scott Rowe has been named Outstanding Inspector of the Year for the U.S. Environmental Protection Area’s Region III. Rowe is a pesticide investigator, assigned to the mid and upper Eastern Shore and Harford County. Scott was nominated for the award by his supervisor Petey Councell, who said, “A pesticide investigator is unique for the reasons of having to endure relationships with persons who really don’t enjoy their presence, while operating as an army of one.” Councell wrote that Rowe’s work is “well above acceptable standards” and that Rowe “has evolved into an exceptional pesticide investigator.” Congratulations, Scott!<\/p>\n

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MDA Joins Sustainable Extreme Makeover Build\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"ExtremeMDA was among several state agencies involved in Maryland’s Smart, Green and Growing (SGG) Initiative to provide workshops and information for volunteers and guests at ABC-TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which conducted a “Sustainable Build” in Mardela Springs on the lower Eastern Shore. MDA and other public and private partners provided sustainability information and workshops in nearby tents for volunteers and spectators.Presentations include workshops on Backyard Habitat, Energy Conservation, Plan Maryland, Rain Barrels, Rain Gardens, Recycling, Recycling, Water Pollution and more.<\/p>\n

Also during the build, Governor Martin O’Malley announced the makeover of the State’s Smart, Green & Growing website<\/a>. The re-design will help citizens, businesses and local governments more easily find their way to an increasing number of sustainable programs, services and ideas.For more information.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Featured Recipe:
\nSweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Pecan Topping<\/strong><\/span> <\/p>\n
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Ingredients:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/em><\/span>\"sweet<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

6-8 large sweet potatoes<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1 cup (2 sticks) butter<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

3\/4 cup milk, heated<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1 tablespoon vanilla<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/2 teaspoon salt<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

2 cups pecan halves<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1 cup brown sugar<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1\/2 cup all purpose flour \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prick the sweet potatoes and place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until soft. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.<\/p>\n

Cut the sweet potatoes open, scoop out all the flesh, and spoon it into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 stick of the butter, the warm milk, vanilla and salt. Beat the sweet potato mixture with an electric mixer on low speed until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Butter a large baking dish and spoon the sweet potato mixture into it. Cover with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.<\/p>\n

While the casserole is baking, make the topping: Melt the remaining 1 stick butter in the microwave and let it cool for 5 minutes. Mix the pecans, brown sugar, and flour together with the melted butter.<\/p>\n

Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it. Spoon the topping over the casserole and return it to the oven, uncovered. Bake 15 minutes longer. Serve immediately.<\/p>\n

Serves 12<\/p>\n

Recipe courtesy of Dishing Up Maryland<\/em> by Lucie L. Snodgrass<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Upcoming Events<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n