{"id":1751,"date":"2011-06-26T12:53:10","date_gmt":"2011-06-26T12:53:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=1751"},"modified":"2012-10-03T12:54:09","modified_gmt":"2012-10-03T12:54:09","slug":"june-2011","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/mda-newsletter\/2011\/06\/26\/june-2011\/","title":{"rendered":"June 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>\nJune 2011\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
Buy Local Cookout<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Grow It Eat It Garden<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cover Crop Enrollment Open<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
June is National Dairy Month<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maryland Wine Week<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ag Commission Nominations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Protect Your Pets from Heat<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Plant a Maryland Tree<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mosquito Control Update<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ag Hall of Fame<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
People Profile: Dr. Jo Mercer<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Featured Recipe<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\u00a0Secretary’s Corner<\/div>\n

\"MDA<\/p>\n

Maryland Agriculture suffered a significant loss this month with the announcement of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of Allen Family Foods. Governor Martin O’Malley<\/a> and the Administration are doing all that we can to pull together all available resources<\/a> to assist those employees and businesses impacted. The poultry industry is Maryland’s leading agricultural sector, accounting for $640 million (40 percent) of farm income in 2009. It is critical to the economy, especially in communities on the Eastern Shore. The company’s assets are slated for auction in mid-July and the new ownership will determine the fate of the Cordova plant.<\/p>\n

I know how busy farmers are, but I would like to encourage you to take a moment to contact your local soil conservation district and sign up for MDA’s cover crop program<\/a>. This year’s program will offer a total of nearly $19 million, including recently announced NRCS grants to MDA for the cover crop program. Cover crops are one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to protect crop fields from soil erosion and waterways from nutrient runoff.<\/p>\n

Meetings are underway this month and next to talk about the agriculture portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan as we enter Phase II of this process to restore the health of the Bay’s waters. I encourage you to check our website <\/a>to find a meeting near you and attend. Your input into this process is important.<\/p>\n

On June 27 it became easier for Marylanders to “buy local” as new regulations <\/a>went into effect requiring businesses to identify the state or origin for local agricultural and shellfish products.<\/p>\n

Buy Local Challenge Week<\/a> will take place statewide July 23-31. During this week we encourage everyone to eat at least one thing from a local farm every day. This year, try and take the challenge to your workplace and have your fellow co-workers take the official pledge. You could win a catered lunch featuring local foods for everyone in your office! Be sure to ask for local foods in your schools.<\/p>\n

As we celebrate the birth of our nation next month, take a moment to reflect on the agricultural roots that founded our great nation. Just over a century ago, more than 40 percent of the U.S. population was directly involved in agricultural practices. By the year 2000, only 2 percent of the U.S. population derived its living from agricultural production. America’s farmers are the world’s most productive. Today, each U.S. farmer produces food and fiber for 155 people in the United States and abroad. Conversely, in 1950, each U.S. farmer fed 27 people annually. Most American farms are still family farms. Today 98 percent of all U.S. farms are owned by individuals, family partnerships or family corporations.<\/p>\n

As you gather with friends and family this 4th of July – celebrate with a cookout featuring local food and taste the difference and support your local family farms.<\/p>\n

Maryland’s more than 100 farmers’ markets are becoming an increasingly popular place to buy local. MDA is asking farmers’ markets vendors, market managers and consumers to complete an online survey<\/a>, funded by USDA and done in cooperation with the University of Maryland, to help assess the economic impact of Maryland Farmer’s Markets, increase sales at farmers markets, and explore the feasibility of forming a statewide farmers market. Please take a moment to assist us by filling out the online survey.<\/p>\n

Good news for equine enthusiasts – another important segment of the agriculture industry in Maryland. Effective July 1, the Stronach Group will have full ownership of the assets and operations of Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and the Bowie Training Center, according to the Maryland Jockey Club. In a statement, Belinda Stronach reaffirmed the company’s “ongoing commitment to the horseracing industry and to the State of Maryland.” She said the company will work with industry and government officials to rebuild the state’s racing reputation.<\/p>\n

If you’d like to check out more good news about Maryland Agriculture, check out our 2010 Annual Report<\/a>,<\/span> which is now available online. I wish you all a great summer – and enjoy all that Maryland farms have to offer, whether it’s ag-tourism activities, a beautiful landscape, a relaxing horse ride, or our delicious fresh produce!<\/p>\n

Warm Regards,<\/p>\n

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

Secretary<\/a><\/p>\n

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Gov. O’Malley Announces Recipe Selections for 4th Annual Buy Local Cookout<\/strong><\/span>\"Buy<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

“We challenge all Maryland residents, institutions and<\/strong> organizations to buy local products and help strengthen our State’s economy, preserve farmland, sustain a healthy environment, and provide a fresh, nutritious diet for our families.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

— Governor O’Malley\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Governor Martin O’Malley announced the dishes that will be featured as he hosts the 4th annual buy local cookout to launch the statewide Buy Local Challenge Week (July 23-31<\/a>). The Governor invited teams comprised of one chef and at least one farmer, waterman or producer to submit recipes featuring locally grown, raised or harvested ingredients. More than 30 recipes were submitted and 17 were selected for their creativity, availability of ingredients, geographic representation, and maximum use of local ingredients. All recipe submissions, along with wine pairing recommendations from the Maryland Wine Association, will be posted online beginning July 21 and featured in the 2011 Maryland Buy Local Cookout Recipes<\/em> book, which will be published by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Click here<\/a> to find out more about the selected recipes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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First Lady Plants “Grow It, Eat It” Garden \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"KatieFirst Lady Katie O’Malley marked the beginning of the growing season by inviting students, Master Gardeners and other dignitaries to plant summer vegetable plants in the “Grow It, Eat It<\/a>” garden on the grounds of Government House. Maryland is one of the first states in the nation to have a backyard food garden at the Governor’s home. The vegetable garden shows Maryland families what they can realistically grow in their own backyards.<\/p>\n

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting joined the First Lady, University of Maryland Master Gardeners and more than a dozen students from Cedar Chapel Special School<\/a> to plant summer vegetable seedlings, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, swiss chard, and herbs.\u00a0 The plants were grown by the students in their school greenhouse with seeds purchased by the Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners. For more information.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Cover Crop Enrollment Opens, June 21-July 15\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span>\"Maryland<\/p>\n
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Governor Martin O’Malley has committed about $16 million for the 2011-2012 Cover Crop Program<\/a>, which provides grants to farmers who plant cover crops in the fall to conserve nutrients, reduce soil erosion and protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Farmers can enroll between June 21 and July 15, 2011 at their local soil conservation district offices.<\/p>\n

“I applaud farmers for their commitment and leadership in planting a record 400,000 acres of cover crops last year,” said Governor O’Malley. “We hope to build upon this accomplishment by providing farmers with the investments they need to plant cover crops.” For more information<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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June is National Dairy Month:
\nRecognizing One of Maryland’s Top Commodities \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"BoyJune is National Dairy Month and MDA encourages all Marylanders to celebrate by enjoying healthy and nutritious local dairy products all month long (and throughout the year). National Dairy Month<\/a> recognizes the importance of milk and dairy products to a well-balanced diet and to a healthy and thriving agricultural industry. One way to observe National Dairy Month is to visit one of the many Maryland farms that offer direct sale of farmstead cheese and ice cream to the public. A list of those dairy farms, including some goat cheese producers, can be found here<\/a>. Or visit www.marylandsbest.net <\/a>to find local farms near you.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for a few fun facts about Maryland dairy. Watch a short video <\/a>of Holly Foster, Chapel’s Country Creamery in Easton, discussing cheese making on her family farm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Maryland Wine Week:
\nPopping the Cork on a New Season of MD Wines\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\"MDGovernor Martin O’Malley officially designated June 3-12 as Maryland Wine Week<\/a>, and the Maryland Wineries Association — in partnership with fine restaurants and wine shops around the State — spent the week showcasing this growing and increasingly important industry. During the week, participating restaurants and wine shops — you could identify by them by the sign in their windows that said “We Pour Local” — held a variety of Maryland wine-themed events, including wine maker dinners, tastings, and wine flights. There are currently 50 licensed wineries in Maryland. These wineries, along with independent commercial vineyards, grow more than 700 acres of grapes. Maryland wineries sold about 1.4 million bottles of wine in 2009, and their wines are available at more than 900 retailers and 300 restaurants. MDA was among the organizations sponsoring Maryland Wine Week.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>MD Agricultural Commission Seeks Nine Nominations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\"MDAMDA is seeking nominations to fill nine positions on the Maryland Agricultural Commission. Those nine positions represent aquaculture, direct farm marketing, equine, Farm Credit, food processing, Maryland Farm Bureau, Maryland State Grange, nursery, and poultry. Interested parties must have experience in the field of the position that they are interested in filling. Appointments are made by Governor Martin O’Malley, and each member is eligible to serve two, 3-year appointed terms. The 30-member Commission serves as an advisory body to Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture.\u00a0 For more information.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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MDA Reminds Citizens to Protect Pets from Summer Heat <\/strong><\/span>
\n\"DogWith record-breaking heat making much of the Northeast miserable early in the summer season, State Veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus reminded pet owners to protect their four-legged friends from potentially deadly heat. Dr. Hohenhaus released a list of prevention measures pet owners should take as well as a list of warning signs they should be familiar with so they can recognize when their pet is in serious heat distress – and what to do about it. Read the tips<\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Plant a Maryland Tree with a Few Mouse Clicks <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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\"Odwalla_2011\"<\/a>With just a few mouse clicks and about two minutes of your time, you can donate $1 toward planting a tree in Maryland – and it won’t cost you a cent. By going to the Odwalla website<\/a> and voting for “Maryland,” the Maryland will receive $1 to plant a tree in a state park. If you’ve been to a state park recently and picked up a 2011 Park Visitor Welcome Map, you can vote twice, using the code found on it. Share this great opportunity to help our State Parks with your friends and family. (As of June 15, Maryland was in sixth place with 3,717 votes!)<\/p>\n

Also, check on the status of DNR’s Marylanders Plant Trees Program<\/a>.
\nWhile there, you can print a $25 off coupon to use if you are planting a tree this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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EAB Quarantine Expanded to Howard County <\/strong><\/span>
\n\"InvasiveMDA has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Howard County. This is the first time since 2008 that EAB has been found outside the quarantine area. The Howard County detection, made by an arborist who participated in the University of Maryland Extension Invasive Species training program, was discovered on June 6 and confirmed by USDA on June 8. MDA has updated the quarantine<\/a> to 1) include Howard County, 2) drop the Infested Area in Charles and Prince George’s Counties, and 3) remove the Eradication Zone. The revised quarantine order now covers all of Charles, Howard, and Prince George’s counties. The new quarantine<\/a> prohibits anyone from moving ash trees or any hardwood firewood out of Prince George’s, Charles and Howard counties until further notice. For more information<\/a>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\"mosquito\"Busy Mosquito Season Underway<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Mosquito season has just begun but the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Mosquito Control Program has already sprayed 88 percent of what it normally sprays by air in an average year – mostly on the Lower Eastern Shore. During the past 20 years, MDA has sprayed by air, on average, 159,000 acres a year to control adult mosquitoes. Since April, 140,000 acres have already been treated. For more information and tips for avoiding mosquito bites..<\/a><\/div>\n

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Seeking Ag Hall of Fame Nominations <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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To honor the leaders of Maryland’s thriving agricultural community, MDA is accepting nominations of farmers and farm families for the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the state’s leading industry.<\/p>\n

Any farm family that derives its income principally from farming is eligible for the award. Since 1991, when the Hall of Fame was established, 41 farm families from 21 counties have been honored for their high standards of conduct; personal values; contributions to their community; and performance, leadership, innovation, and achievement in agriculture.<\/p>\n

For a nomination form<\/a> or further information, contact MDA at 410-841-5770 or contact your local Cooperative Extension office. Nominations are due to MDA by August 16, 2011, and will be reviewed by the Governor’s Selection Committee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Peo<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\"Dr.ple Profile: Jo Mercer, EdD<\/em>
\nMDA’s New Nutrient Management Manager<\/em><\/strong><\/span>
\nAgriculture Secretary Buddy Hance has appointed Jo Mercer, EdD,\u00a0 to be manager of MDA’s Nutrient Management Program in the Office of Resource Conservation. Dr. Mercer fills the position left vacant last year when former manager Fred Samadani retired after 21 years.”We are pleased to have Jo at the helm of our Nutrient Management Program,” said Secretary Hance. “Based on her years of experience, Jo understands the special challenges facing Maryland farmers as they work to protect natural resources while maintaining profitable farms. As we expand the nutrient management program to more fully include urban stakeholders, she is a natural choice to guide the effort.”<\/p>\n

In her new position as program manager, Dr. Mercer will be responsible for the oversight of six regional field offices, with 13 technical and support staff charged with implementing the certification, inspection and enforcement provisions of Maryland’s nutrient management law.<\/p>\n

Mercer joined MDA’s Nutrient Management Program<\/a> in 2007 as education and outreach coordinator. Under her guidance, the program expanded its educational offerings for the equine and green industries while expanding and improving working partnerships with the region’s numerous research, education and industry organizations. In addition, Mercer was instrumental in bringing internet-based education programs and webinars to MDA.<\/p>\n

Before joining MDA, Mercer spent nearly 25 years in Extension work, mostly with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension as an ornamental horticulture agent. She has extensive experience and training in both environmental sciences and adult education.\u00a0 She received a Bachelors and a Masters degrees from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and holds a Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Delaware.<\/p>\n

In commenting on the recently passed Fertilizer Use Act of 2011<\/a> and its implications for the green industry, retailers and homeowners, Mercer said, “This enormous new audience requires us to be even more creative in how we use our resources to efficiently inform the public and enforce the laws designed to protect water quality in both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. I am looking forward to working with other MDA sections, the University of Maryland, and our community partners.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Featured Recipe: Red Wine Caramelized Onion &
\nGoat Cheese Crostini\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span>
\n(From the 2010 Maryland Buy Local Cookout Recipes<\/a><\/em>)\"Crostini2 tbsp unsalted butter
\n4 cups sliced sweet onion
\n2 garlic cloves, minced
\n\u00bd cup Black Ankle’s 2006 Crumbling Rock
\n2 tsp freshly chopped thyme
\n\u00bc tsp salt
\n\u00bc tsp freshly ground pepper
\n\u00bd baguette from Atwater’s Bakery
\nolive oil for brushing the bread
\n\u00bc pound Cherry Glen Chevre<\/p>\n

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and stir to coat them completely with the butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Cook until the onions are golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.<\/p>\n

Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the wine, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir the liquid around the pan and use a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits from the bottom and sides. With the pan uncovered, cook until the wine reduces, about 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

While the onions are cooking, prepare the bread. Slice the baguette across about \u00be-inch slices at a slight diagonal. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and arrange on a cookie sheet. Bake until the bread is lightly golden on top, about 12 minutes. Remove the sheet from the oven, turn the bread and toast the other side.<\/p>\n

Let the bread cool to room temperature. Spread each slice with a smear of Chevre and top with the onion mixture.<\/p>\n

Pair with Crumbling Rock, Black Ankle Vineyards<\/em><\/p>\n

Chef:<\/strong> Margy O’Herron, www.hidethecheese.com<\/a>
\nProducers:<\/strong> Sarah O’Herron and Ed Boyce, Black Ankle Vineyards<\/a>; Beckie Gurley, Calvert’s Gift Farms<\/a>; Tracy Kirkman, Cherry Glen Farms<\/a>; and Randy and Karen Sowers, South Mountain Creamery<\/a>.<\/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