{"id":1795,"date":"2009-08-26T13:22:10","date_gmt":"2009-08-26T13:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=1795"},"modified":"2012-10-03T13:23:27","modified_gmt":"2012-10-03T13:23:27","slug":"august-2009","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/mda-newsletter\/2009\/08\/26\/august-2009\/","title":{"rendered":"August 2009"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"MarylandMaryland Department of Agriculture\u00a0News<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 Celebrating Maryland\u00a0Agriculture<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\nAugust 2009\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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In This Issue<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gov Addresses Horse Forum<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rockville: “Capital for a Day”<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Farm-to-School Worshop<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Farmers Market Week<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Watermelon Fun<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maryland State Fair<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ag Hall of Fame<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
People Profile<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Featured Recipe<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Secretary’s Corner<\/div>\n

\"Earl<\/p>\n

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The summer is when it is easiest for everyone to connect with and better understand farming.\u00a0 Farmers’ markets<\/span><\/a>, roadside stands, grocery stores, local fairs and agricultural shows<\/span><\/a>, backyard gardens and the beautiful farm fields with grazing animals and ripening crops all make it easy for even the least indoctrinated to understand where our food comes from and why farming is important to our health and the environment.\u00a0 We are still savoring the all-local dishes<\/span> <\/a>served at the cook out <\/span><\/a>hosted by Governor and First Lady Katie O’Malley.<\/p>\n

There are still plenty of vegetables ripening in our backyard gardens, and it is time to think about putting in cold weather vegetable seedlings for the fall. Thanks to\u00a0a generous donation of seedlings from Bonnie Plants<\/span> <\/a><\/span>and the volunteer efforts of the Master Gardeners<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Katie O’Malley’s garden at Government House is ready for fall. Planted soon, vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, chard and other greens will keep you flush with food from the backyard. If you aren’t sure how, contact the University of Maryland Master Gardener’s Grow It Eat It web page<\/span> <\/a>or call the Home and Garden Information Center at 800-342-2507.\u00a0 And, now that kids are getting back to school, they’ll begin to see fresh and local foods in their school lunches thanks to the Jane Lawton Farm to School Program<\/span><\/a> and all the partners making it possible in Maryland. Together, let’s continue to buy, eat and grow local foods. It’s getting easier by the day.<\/p>\n

It hasn’t been an easy summer for most farmers thanks to the wide range of weather, which has taken a toll on our crops in many parts of the State.\u00a0 Many farmers are now seeing a negative result of persistent spring rain in wheat and barley harvests that are contaminated with vomitoxin, which is caused by a naturally-occurring fungus.\u00a0\u00a0MDA is providing free seed testing to farmers.<\/span><\/a> Since the fungus has also negatively impacted seed quality, MDA is providing farmers the flexibility in the Cover Crop Program<\/span> <\/a>for farmers to use farm-grown seed that may not meet the normal germination rate. This adjustment to the program will allow farmers to use this year’s seed while still assuring that the cover crop achieves its proven nutrient benefits..<\/p>\n

Dairy farmers are suffering one of the worst years ever and are in dire straits due to ongoing low milk prices and high input costs.\u00a0 Governor O’Malley along with the governors of other dairy states are asking USDA for special dispensation on Farm Service Agency loans<\/span> <\/a>to dairy farmers to help them weather the economic storm they are currently experiencing.<\/p>\n

We continue to work the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most recently, we met with EPA officials for a brainstorming session on how to implement President Obama’s Executive Order on the Chesapeake Bay<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 At the meeting, I expressed concern and offered suggestions on how to make the inspection process more respectful of farmers, without impacting the integrity or goals of the inspection, which will become increasingly important as more of our farmers are permitted as animal feeding operations.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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I\u00a0wish you all the best,
\nBuddy Hance<\/a>
\nMDA Secretary<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Quick Links<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
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Sign Up for Governor O’Malley’s E-Newsletter<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\"gov-steuartpittman\"Governor Addresses Horse Forum <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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Governor Martin O’Malley on August 6 addressed more than 250 leaders of Maryland’s equine industry at The Show Place Arena and Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, a site important to Maryland’s equine history.\u00a0 The horsemen and women gathered to chart a course that will strengthen all elements of this critical agricultural sector as it moves into the future.<\/p>\n

During his talk at the Second Maryland Horse Forum<\/span><\/a>, the Governor recognized the value of the horse industry to the State’s history and its future, outlined the progress that has been made since the first Forum five years ago, and pledged support for the group’s continued hard work to bring all parts of the industry toward a stronger future.
\nFor more information, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Photo: Governor O’Malley (left), Steuart Pittman, president, Maryland Horse Council (right)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"rockvilleRockville Declared “Capital for a Day” <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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Governor Martin O’Malley declared his childhood hometown of Rockville Maryland’s “Capital for a Day”<\/a> on July 30. As part of the celebration, Sec. Buddy Hance joined the Governor, Department of Aging Sec. Gloria\u00a0Lawlah, Health and Mental Hygiene Sec. John Colmers to tour community gardens tended by members of the Rockville Senior Center. Sec. Hance also met with local agricultural leaders for lunch to discuss issues of concern to the agriculture community.<\/p>\n

The monthly program brings the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of events across a diverse selection of Maryland cities, towns and communities.<\/p>\n

Photo (left-right): David Plummer, District Manager,<\/span> Montgomery Soil Conservation District;<\/span> Amy Crone, MDA; Monica Bulat: Bob Stabler,
\nMontgomery County Soil Conservation<\/span> Board Member; Jaime Jamison, Maryland Grain
\nProducers Association Board Member; <\/span>George Lechlider, President Montgomery Co.<\/span> Farm Bureau; Buddy Hance, Secretary of
\nAgriculture; <\/span>Pam Saul, Vice-President, Montgomery Co.<\/span> Farm Bureau; Jeremy Criss, Agricultural Services
\nManager, Dept. of Economic Development,
\nMontgomery County; Charles Schuster, Extension
\nEducator, University of Maryland Extension<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\"Farm Md. First Farm-to-School Workshop a Success<\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nMDA, along with numerous partners, hosted the
\nState’s first ever statewide Farm to School Workshop<\/a> on July
\n29, for a sold out audience in Crownsville.\u00a0 The purpose of the
\nworkshop was to make connections and share information on how to
\nincrease children’s consumption of healthy, local food and help
\nstudents understand how healthy eating and agriculture’s benefits to
\nthe economy and the environment. Participants included 140 Maryland
\nfarmers, food service staff, parents, teachers, and interested citizens. <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Maryland is in its
\nsecond official year of coordinating an effort to increase the use of
\nlocal food in school menus and curricula. The conference is a preview
\nfor this year’s Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week<\/a> (September 14-18),
\nwhich is designed to draw attention to farm-to-school programs and the
\nconsumption of Maryland products.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\"Ag Farmers’ Market Week Celebration<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\n

Governor Martin O’Malley recently joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in proclaiming August 2-8, 2009 as National Farmers’ Market Week.\u00a0 To celebrate the week, Agriculture Sec. Buddy Hance visited the Silver Spring Fresh Farm Market with Congresswoman Donna Edwards.<\/p>\n

“Buying locally, especially directly from farmers at farmers’ markets, is key to ensuring a smart, green and growing future for Maryland families.\u00a0 It preserves farmland, protects the environment, keeps our money in Maryland, and provides fresh, nutritious food for a healthy diet,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Farmers’ markets are increasingly popular sources of affordable, farm-fresh, locally-grown, nutritious produce in towns across the state and the nation.”<\/p>\n

Every county in Maryland and Baltimore City hosts at least one farmers’ market, with a grand total of over 100 farmers’ markets state-wide<\/a>, a number that has grown from only 20 in 1991.\u00a0 For a list of farmers’ markets in Maryland, visit www.MarylandsBest.net<\/a> or call 410-841-5770.<\/p>\n

Photo: MDA Sec. Hance at Silver Spring market with Congresswoman Edwards (left) and Bernadine Prince, co-founder of FreshFarm Markets (center)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Secretary Watermelon: “The Original Summertime Treat!”\u00a0 <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Take a bite out of the summer heat with MAR-DELicious watermelon.\u00a0 Maryland’s Best<\/a>,\u00a0in coordination with\u00a0Maryland and Delaware watermelon producers, is promoting\u00a0local watermelon through television, radio, and web advertising as well as special events with\u00a0local and national watermelon queens.\u00a0 Click here<\/a> to see a TV ad featuring the Mar-Del Watermelon Queen.\u00a0 Click here<\/a> for a brief soundbook with Will Hales, Maryland farmer who grows more than 300
\nacres of watermelons.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Photo (left-right): Jay Rider, Mar-Del farmer; Jessica Haden Mar-Del Watermelon Queen; Jessica Suddarth Florida Watermelon Queen; and Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance
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\n\"State Md. State Fair: 11 Best Days of Summer
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Conservation and sound farmland management practices, wise
\nuse of fertilizer, reducing pesticide use, water conservation, and the benefits
\nof buying locally will all be on display in the Farm and Garden Building as
\npart of the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) exhibit during the run
\nof the 128th Maryland State Fair.<\/p>\n

“We invite everyone visiting the fair to stop
\nby and see us in the Farm and Garden Building to learn how our agency serves
\nour citizens each and every day,” said Secretary Hance.\u00a0 “We’ll have a number of fun activities as
\nwell as information on what farmers do to help the environment that homeowners
\ncan adapt to their own backyards.”<\/p>\n

“Agriculture
\nDay at the Fair” will be celebrated on Sept. 3.<\/p>\n

The 11-day festival will feature
\nthousands of home arts and agricultural exhibits, daily livestock and horse shows,
\na wide variety of midway rides and games, thoroughbred horse racing and
\nnational entertainment. Click here<\/a> for more State Fair information.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
First-Ever Great Maryland Pumpkin Weigh-In, Oct. 1<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Let’s get growing. Bring your biggest pumpkin to the Maryland Department of Agriculture on October 1 for an official weigh in by MDA’s Weights and Measure’s Section.\u00a0\u00a0The only real rule in this contest is that the pumpkin has to be grown in Maryland by the person entering the contest.\u00a0 Farmers, backyard gardeners, and anyone else growing pumpkins is welcome at the weigh-in.<\/div>\n
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Pumpkin patches abound for family fun in the fall. Pumpkin\u00a0recipes are delicious and nutritious. And carving is a Halloween favorite.\u00a0 The Great Maryland Pumpkin Weigh-In will add to the fun.\u00a0 Contact Kate Mason at masonkb@mda.state.md.us<\/a> or 410-841-5770.<\/div>\n

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Seeking Nominations for Ag Hall of Fame
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To honor the leaders of Maryland’s thriving agricultural community, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (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.\u00a0 Since 1991, when the Hall of Fame was
\nestablished, 39 farm families from 21 counties have been honored for
\ntheir high standards of conduct; personal values; contributions to
\ntheir community; and performance, leadership, innovation, and
\nachievement in agriculture.<\/p>\n

For a nomination form<\/a>
\nor further information, contact Buddy Bowling at (410) 841-5891 or
\nbowlingo@mda.state.md.us, or contact your local extension office. Click
\nhere<\/a> for a list of University of Maryland Extension Offices and previous Hall of Fame Inductees. Nominations are due to MDA by August
\n21, 2009<\/span>, and will be reviewed by the Governor’s Selection Committee..<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"\"People Profile: Dale Hough <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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Dale Hough is the Chair of the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board.\u00a0 The Maryland Agricultural Fair Board fosters agriculture by promoting, assisting and funding agricultural fairs and exhibits.\u00a0\u00a0 As chairman, Hough can act on his passion of promoting agriculture on a statewide basis.\u00a0\u00a0 “I believe fairs and shows offer the best first hand introduction to agriculture for the non-farmer,” he said.<\/p>\n

The Maryland Agricultural Fair Board was created in 1937 and consists of nine members who are appointed by the governor.\u00a0 The Board administers grant funds through an application process for fairs, livestock shows, community shows and 4-H and FFA youth activities.\u00a0 In 2008, the Board funded 25 fairs, 18 animal shows and seven community shows, among other events and organizations.<\/p>\n

Hough was raised on a holstein\u00a0farm named Woodcamp Farm and began exhibiting animals in the 4-H program when he was only eight years old.\u00a0 He still owns and operates this farm, though it is now home to beef cattle, swine and a few Clydesdales that he describes as “yard ornaments.”\u00a0 Two of his three sons and their families also currently live on the farm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n
Along with working on his farm, Hough also\u00a0works in Payroll Services at the University of Maryland.\u00a0 Hough was a member of Howard County Fair Board for 20 years, three of which he\u00a0served as President. He also sat on the Howard County Agricultural Land Preservation Board for 10 years and served as Chairman for\u00a0two years.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"watermelonEastern Shore Crab Roll\u00a0with Watermelon Salad <\/strong><\/span><\/span>
\nThis dish is a Maryland crab salad rolled up in Parmesan flavored flat bread, and is served with a fresh Watermelon salad.<\/span><\/span>Parmesan Flat Bread:<\/span>
\n4 eggs
\n\u00be cup all-purpose flour
\n1 teaspoon sugar
\n1\/8 teaspoon salt
\n1\/8 teaspoon black pepper
\n1\/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
\n\u00bd cup fresh chopped chives
\n\u00bd cup olive oil<\/p>\n

Preheat oven to 350. \u00a0Line a 17 inch non stick cookie sheet pan with parchment. \u00a0Butter and flour the pan and paper, shaking out excess flour. \u00a0Beat the eggs using an electric mixer on high speed until the volume has tripled, about 7 minutes. \u00a0Meanwhile, sift the flour, sugar, and salt together into a medium bowl. \u00a0Add the pepper into the bowl. \u00a0Stir in the Parmesan and chives with a fork. \u00a0Pour the olive oil and dry ingredients into the beaten eggs, and then gently fold these ingredients together until well mixed. \u00a0Pour into the prepared baking pan. Bake until the cake is puffed, lightly brown and has pulled away from the sides of the pan, for about 25 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes. \u00a0Unmold onto a rack.<\/p>\n

Eastern Shore Crab Salad:<\/span>
\n1# jumbo lump crabmeat (Maryland crabmeat only)
\n1# back fin crabmeat
\n1 cup mayo
\n1 tablespoon grey poupon mustard
\nJuice of 2 lemons
\n3 tablespoons old bay seasoning
\n2 spring onions sliced
\n\u00bc cup chopped parsley
\nSalt and pepper to taste<\/p>\n

Pick the crabmeat clean of all shells. In a bowl add the mayo, mustard, herbs, spring onions, lemon juice and mix together. Gently fold in the crabmeat and adjust the seasoning.<\/p>\n

Place the flat bread on a cutting board and square it off with a knife. Add the crab salad on one end of the bread in a line and roll up the salad completely until a log shape is formed. Cut the log into spiral roll ups and serve with watermelon salad.<\/p>\n

Watermelon Salad:<\/span>
\n3 cups of large dice watermelon
\n1 cup of large dice cantaloupe
\n\u00bd\u00a0 cup of red onion small dice
\n2 jalapenos seeded and chopped finely
\n1\/8 cup of mint rough chopped
\nJuice of 2 limes
\n1 cup crumbled Firefly Farms Maryland Black and Blue Goat Cheese
\nSalt and pepper to taste
\nSplash of olive oil<\/p>\n

In a bowl add the lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, jalape\u00f1os and red onion and mix together. Add the melons and toss in the mixture, coating evenly. \u00a0To serve, spoon the salad on a plate and sprinkle with the crumbled cheese and chopped mint on top.<\/p>\n

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