ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY OFFICE ● 97 DAIRY LANE ● GAMBRILLS, MD 21054 ● (410) 222-3906 ● FAX (410) 222-3909
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY OFFICE ● 6707 GROVETON DRIVE ● CLINTON, MD 20735 ● 301 868-8781 ● FAX 301 599-6714
Summer 2013
Dave’s Ramble
“The duration of contentment, maybe it’s a little
longer for the humble”. It is unfortunate that remaining
content is just like striving after the wind. When the
world slows down and all is well with your soul and the
sky above you is blue, what will you do? I believe that
we have to prepare for this moment of contentment.
A big grin rising from down deep, even a chuckle as I
sit in my office, a converted historic milking barn that for
eighteen years I chased heifers out of for vet day or to
clean the manure and freshly bed with straw. I can still
see clearly in my mind the cows anxious at the feed
bunk early on a Sunday morning as I unload the silage
wagon prior to church service; the sorting during
pregnancy check, open heifers from those that are
caught, then to transfer the future milk cows to a
pasturage maternity leave prior to calving. “Let not your
heart be troubled,” I remind myself as I ponder my
contentment, after all cows are a perfect example of
contentment, and I follow them.
Regardless how long contentment may last, we are all
deserving. When you encounter a content individual
never burden them, or raise them up, for they are in a
frail and precarious position.
The interesting thing about contentment is that it is
not at all about the grandeur of an accomplishment, it’s
just the simple act of accomplishment. Contentment is
earned not given. All of our children won’t become
physicians, but that’s great, we need farmers and
agronomists, too.
I have seen in my heart
both contentment and the
essential humbleness in the
words of a prophet “the calf
and the young lion and the
fatling together; and a little
child shall lead them”. Let’s all work together at a
humble walk, and contentment will follow!
Calendar of Events
Mark Your Calendars --- Plan To Participate
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August 8 – Crops Twilight & BBQ, Upper Marlboro
August 21 – WREC Crops Twilight, Keedysville
Sept. 4 – MD Crop Insurance Workshop, Annapolis
Sept. 7 – Pasture Management Seminar, Baltimore County
Sept. 21 – Pasture Management Seminar, Cecil County
Inside This Issue
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New Location for AA County Extension Office
Summer Meetings
Maryland Pesticide Container Recycling
Beginning Farmer Success
Coping with Wheat Scab
Woodland Wildlife Webinar Series
MDA News
Egg Grading & Egg Safety
Maryland Lawn Fertilizer Law
World Organization for Animal Health
Report on Honey Bee Health
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Guidance Handling Poor Quality Small Grains
EPA News
Nutrient Management Update
Farmer’s Share of Retail Food Dollar
Local Governments • U.S. Department of Agriculture
The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Equal Access Programs.
WMREC HORTICULTURAL CROPS
TWILIGHT MEETING
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Western MD Research & Education Center
18330 Keedysville Road
Keedysville, MD 21756
SUMMER MEETINGS
Mark your calendars now and plan to be
a part of the Spring & Summer meetings.
Crops Twilight Barbecue &
Ice Cream Social
CMREC Upper Marlboro Farm
August 8, 2013
This educational meeting is intended to provide producers the
opportunity to get a firsthand look at several of the ongoing
projects at the University of Maryland’s research facility in
Keedysville.
You are invited to attend a Field Crops Research
Twilight, Barbecue and Ice Cream Social at the
Central Maryland Research & Education Center,
2005 Largo Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD on Thursday,
August 8, 2013 from 4:30 to 9 pm.
Highlights include:
• Updates from University of Maryland Extension and Penn
State University researchers and specialists – Bryan Butler,
Dave Myers, Kate Everts, Chris Walsh, Jerry Brust and Kari
Peter
A barbecue dinner will be served at 4:30 pm followed by
homemade ice cream prior to the evening tour.
• The latest on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) and
Spotted Wing Drosophila on Vegetables and Fruit
University of Maryland Extension Educators and Specialists
will showcase their field crop, vegetable and fruit research
plots. The twilight tour highlights will include:
• Update on disease control in vegetable crops
• Tour of ongoing projects including:
ƒ Pumpkin IPM Spray Trials
ƒ New NC 140 cg rootstock trial trellis planting with
Cripp’s Pink and Brookfield Gala on G.202 rootstock
budded directly from tissue culture, G.202, G.935 and
G.41 rootstocks all budded from stool bed plants
ƒ Apple seedling evaluations
ƒ BMSB spray trials using Surround®
ƒ Mobile and stationery high tunnels
Vegetable integrated pest management and reduced risk
control methods; Field crops research updates; Meadow
orchard concept and Fruit research update for apples,
peentos, blueberries and beach plums; and a vineyard
research update for wine grapes.
Sandwiches and refreshments will be provided. Registration is
not required, but will help us to plan for handouts and
refreshments. Please RSVP to 410-386-2760/888-3269645 or e-mail mabbott@umd.edu
Barbecue Begins at 4:30
If you need special assistance to participate in this
program, please contact the University of Maryland
Extension Carroll County office by August 7, 2013.
Ice Cream Served at 5:15
Crops Twilight at 6:00
Questions? Contact Bryan Butler at bbutlers@umd.edu or
888-326-9645
¾ Please arrive on-time as the tour will start
promptly at 6:00 pm. This event is free.
However, a reserved meal ticket is required.
SAVE THE DATE!
September 4, 2013
Maryland Crop Insurance Workshop
If you need special assistance to participate, please
contact the Anne Arundel County Extension office at
410-222-3906 by August 5, 2013.
Loews Hotel, 126 West Street, Annapolis, MD
For full meeting details, and registration information contact
any of the Southern Maryland Extension offices. For more
information contact David Myers at the Anne Arundel
County Extension office at 410-222-3906.
This workshop is sponsored by the Center for Agricultural and
Natural Resource Policy, Maryland Department of Agriculture,
and USDA's Risk Management Agency. An agenda and list of
speakers will be provided once those are finalized.
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h Online Registration Available! g
We are excited to bring
our Pasture
Management 101
Seminar to a location
near you! Each day will
begin with class-room
instruction from our
pasture experts and will
include hands-on
practice in management
techniques and a farm
visit! With the same
program being offered at
multiple locations, you
are able to choose the
date and location that
suits you.
We are pleased to be able to offer an online registration
option and accept credit card payment!
Registrations must be received by August 31, 2012.
*Additional fee will be charged for processing credit cards for
online registrations.
Baltimore County Seminar
Online Registration:
http://umepastureseminarbalt.eventbrite.com
Cecil County Seminar
Online Registration:
http://umepastureseminarcecil.eventbrite.com
2013 Pesticide Container
Recycling Program
from MDA
September 7, 2013
Baltimore County
Extension Office/
Sagamore Farm
1114 Shawan Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
Maryland Department of Agriculture’s
Pesticide Container Recycling Program will be accepting clean,
empty containers from June 4 through September 27, during
normal business hours. Containers will be collected from their
current owners, for safe disposal and recycling.
Hosted by our friends at
the Baltimore County
Extension office, we will
see the experimental
pasture plots there and
visit Sagamore Farm to
see their pasture
management in action!
Containers must be cleaned (triple-rinsed or pressure-rinsed)
according to label directions. Please remember to remove lids
and label booklets from the containers prior to drop-off.
Call 410- 841-5710 for more details and drop-off instructions.
Collection dates and venues can be found at this link,
http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Documents/recycle.pdf
September 21, 2013
Cecil County Seminar
Hassler Dressage at Riveredge
1455 Cayots Corner Road
Chesapeake City, Maryland 21915
Hosted by Hassler’s Dressage at Riveredge, our day will
include a tour of the Hassler Dressage facilities
Anne Arundel County Extension
Moves to the Farm
The Anne Arundel County Extension office has
officially moved to the former Naval Academy
Dairy Farm located off Route 175 in Gambrills, MD.
Time: 8:30 am—3:00 pm
Cost: $35 per person includes all materials and lunch
Join us at one of our featured locations to learn about a
variety of pasture-related topics including:
New address: 97 Dairy Lane
Gambrills, MD 21054
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Year-round approach to pasture management
Weed control methods
Mud and erosion control measures
Best suited grass species for horse pastures
Pasture renovation
Where and how to apply for money for pasture
improvements
• Rotational grazing
New Phone:
This unique opportunity will prepare you with knowledge,
skills, and resources you need to make your own managed
grazing project a success.
¾ ALL EVENTS HELD RAIN OR SHINE!
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410-222-3906
As we look out our
windows we see the
world becoming green
again. The leaves are
returning to the trees
and the grass is growing
thick and lush. This is
the time that farmers
begin to sow their seeds
and cultivate a new crop. New farmers are eager to get
started filling their land but may feel a little overwhelmed.
Luckily, a new program is available to serve new farmers
through a grant funded by the USDA and NIFA.
head. The symptoms of the scab infection are not hard to see
once the head begins to mature and the dead parts begin to
bleach out. Head scab is caused by Fusarium, a fungus
frequently found on grain crop residue such as corn or wheat.
The wheat that I observed having the worst level of infection
is the wheat that headed earliest, between May 10th -13th.
Those dates were about the only time this spring when
conditions were moderately favorable for the fungus to infect
the flowering wheat heads. It was during that time frame that
we had damp weather, which enabled the fungal spore
population to rapidly increase, move from existing crop
residue to the flowering parts of the wheat head and infect
the spikelets. Thus far, I have observed infected heads in
wheat fields that were sprayed with fungicides and fields that
were not sprayed. Though, at Wye, infection is less severe
where we did spray, I do not see totally clean fields
anywhere.
The Beginning Farmer Success program is an initiative that
partners University of Maryland Extension, the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland Agricultural
Development Commission (SMADC), and Future Harvest –
Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA).
The program aims to increase the number of successful
beginning farmers and acreage farmed by them in
Maryland, with an emphasis on practical training for new
farmers, including underserved, limited resource, socially
disadvantaged, minority and ethnic as well as explorer
farmers. These partners bring together an online arsenal of
resources through http://extension.umd.edu/newfarmer.
The website was launched on April 2nd and will offer new
farmers an online portal to agricultural information in a
wide array of enterprises. Farmers that are still trying to
narrow their focus can walk through the phases of the
program: Exploration, Refinement, Development, and
Implementation. Publications, videos, and links to other
resources provide the foundation for the site. Beginning
farmer training and mentoring is also of prime importance
to the Beginning Farmer Success program. The site links
new farmers to training and mentoring programs provided
through Future Harvest – CASA and SMADC. New farmers
can also find information about business plans,
certifications, and setting up a farmstead.
During a scouting visit with Dr. Arv Grybauskas, Emeritus Field
Crops Pathologist with the University of Maryland, we
discussed preventative control measures which could have
reduced infection this year. According to multi state trials over
10 years, spraying recommended scab-inhibiting fungicides, at
the proper time, only reduces the likelihood of infection about
52%. Therefore, other measures must be taken to improve
odds that fusarium head scab will not be a problem. It has
been found that some wheat varieties have natural resistance
to scab. The range of susceptibility is wide and the rating
results should be a part of your variety decision. This rating is
available at http://mdcrops.umd.edu/wheat/.
Another management decision that can be made to reduce the
likelihood of scab infection is recognizing that planting wheat
following corn will increase the chances for scab infection.
While many of us always follow corn with wheat, we need to
recognize that by doing this, we are increasing the odds in the
favor of scab infection, particularly when using a wheat
variety with low scab resistance. I notice fewer infected heads
where wheat was planted after soybeans.
This makes sense since soybean residue is not a preferred
host to the fusarium fungus; therefore fewer fungal spores
are present in the field to infect the wheat heads. While
getting rotations adjusted to only plant wheat behind
soybeans may be a challenge, it could be a management tool
that a farmer could consider for the future as a preference to
avoid problems with fusarium.
For more information please visit our site at
http://extension.umd.edu/newfarmer or contact the
program coordinator, Andrea Rice, at amrice@umd.edu.
Coping with Wheat Scab
Mark Sultenfuss, Program Manager,
Field Crops Research
Once the fungus has infected the head, not much can be done
to stop the disease’s progress. You can, however take an
important measure at harvest to minimize the impact of
quality reduction of your crop. As many infected wheat
kernels, called “tombstones”, become shriveled and are tiny, it
is important to remove them from the rest of the grain sample
during the separation process in the combine. Merely by
setting the cleaning fan speed to a high setting will blow many
of these undesirable kernels out the back of the machine,
thereby getting rid of kernels having the lowest test weight.
These kernels also tend to have the highest levels of
vomitoxin, which is also very undesirable. Setting the fan
speed to a high setting also blows out more chaff, which may
also contain very high levels of vomitoxin. Be sure to consult
About two weeks ago I began
noticing symptoms of head scab in
area wheat. It was initially brought
to my attention by an area farmer,
distraught over seeing the
symptoms in a field that he had
sprayed with fungicides to prevent
infection. Upon closer inspection of
production wheat fields at Wye and
in fields in our area, I observed
many heads exhibiting symptoms of infection: partial or
total bleaching of the glumes on the head, shriveled or nonexistent kernels and an occasional pinkish coloration on the
4
your combine operator’s manual to select proper initial
settings for your machine. Start with these settings and
then adjust the combine to get rid of the “tombstone”
kernels.
provider for hunt club and landowners who are members of
the Maryland Forests Association. Tom will explain the ins
and outs of hunting and land insurance, so that you can make
more informed decisions.
For the future, when planning your wheat crop
management strategy, remember to check out the fusarium
resistance ratings and select high yielding, resistant
varieties, while recognizing the impact of corn as previous
crop to the wheat. Finally, plan to spray a preventative
application of recommended fungicide, at the proper time
during the flowering process, next spring if conditions are
favorable for scab infection. You can monitor the risk of
fusarium head scab for your area by visiting the fusarium
Head Blight Prediction Center at www.wheatscab.psu.edu
Go to https://connect-test.moo.umd.edu/umeforestry/ to
login. Select "Enter as Guest." If you wish, you may create a
screen name, which enables the presenter to see your on-line
questions and comments. Attendance is on a first come, first
served basis. It is recommended that you connect at least 10
to 15 minutes prior to the start of the webinar to ensure you
do not have any connection problems.
Andrew A. Kling, Extension Program Assistant, akling1@umd.edu,
Univ. of MD Extension, Western MD Research & Education Center,
18330 Keedysville Rd., Keedysville MD 21756, 301- 432-2767 x307
New Website for University of Maryland
ExtensionWoodland Stewardship
Education (WSE) Program
Egg Grading and Egg Safety
MDA’s Food Quality Assurance Program conducts a variety of
inspections, audits, registrations and certifications of
agricultural commodities and facilities to provide consumers
with safe, high quality food products while maintaining fair
trade practices and enhancing product marketability for the
agricultural industry. This AgBrief focuses on the program’s
work with egg safety and egg quality.
The Woodland Stewardship Education program (formerly
the Forest Stewardship Education program) has a new
website! Please visit: https://extension.umd.edu/woodland
University of Maryland Extension - Woodland Stewardship
Education (WSE) Woodland Wildlife Webinar Series: “Deer
Management in Maryland” recording from the June 6,
2013 webinar is now available through both the WSE
website and the WSE YouTube channel. The website URL
is: https://extension.umd.edu/woodland/yourwoodland/webinar-recordings
The Maryland Egg Law
The Maryland Egg Law requires all eggs sold in the state to
meet standards for safety, quality, labeling and weight.
Everyone selling eggs, even small backyard producers, must
comply with it. The law is designed to ensure that Maryland
consumers have wholesome, high quality eggs. MDA is
responsible for enforcing this law.
The YouTube recording is available at:
http://youtu.be/F4WBS4vmpdk
Quality standards require that eggs labeled as Grade AA or A
must be fresh with no bloodspots and the shells must be clean
and uncracked. Maryland law prohibits the sale of ungraded,
cracked, dirty and/or old eggs.
Topic: Hunting Leases, Associated Liability, and
Appropriate Insurance
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2013
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For a synopsis of the Maryland Egg Law, see:
http://mda.maryland.gov/foodfeedquality/Documents/synopeggla
w.pdf
Presenters: Jonathan Kays, University of Maryland
Extension, and Tom Skaggs, Outdoor Underwriters, Inc.
(Webinar sponsored by the University of Maryland
Extension and the Maryland Forests Association).
To read the complete standards for shell eggs, see:
http://mda.maryland.gov/foodfeedquality/Documents/usda_egg_q
ual_std.pdf
Enforcement of the Maryland Egg Law
MDA inspects small egg producers, large egg producers,
wholesale, food service and retail outlets to ensure eggs sold
in the state originate from a registered packer and meet the
standards established for quality, size, refrigeration, microbial
and physical contamination, labeling and record keeping. MDA
removes eggs from sale that do not comply with established
standards and issues violation notices to offenders. Repeated
or severe violations of the Maryland Egg Law can result in civil
penalties, registration revocation and/or criminal prosecution.
Details: Many landowners are interested in leasing their
land or having recreationalist use the property but they are
concerned about liability. Likewise, many hunt clubs and
other recreational groups want to lease or use private
property, but are unsure how liability works and how to use
leases and insurance. Jonathan Kays, Natural Resource
Extension Specialist with the University of Maryland
Extension will cover some basics of landowner liability in
Maryland. The bulk of the program will be presented by
Tom Skaggs of Outdoor Underwriters, Inc., the insurance
5
During FY 2012, MDA found that 86.48% of all eggs
inspected were in compliance, up from 83.9% the year
before.
For more information about MDA Grading Services, see:
http://mda.maryland.gov/foodfeedquality/Pages/grading.aspx
Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law
All wholesalers and egg packers selling eggs in Maryland
must register with MDA annually, and all packers must
document that the flocks producing their eggs are at low
risk of Salmonella enteritidis (SE) by originating from a
hatchery participating in the National Poultry Improvement
Plan, participating in an approved Egg Quality Assurance
Plan or testing by MDA. All registered and approved packers
are listed on the MDA website.
Maryland's new lawn fertilizer law is designed to protect the
Chesapeake Bay from excess nutrients entering its waters
from a variety of urban sources, including golf courses, parks,
recreation areas, athletic fields, businesses and hundreds of
thousands of suburban and urban lawns. Nutrients, primarily
nitrogen and phosphorus, are key ingredients in lawn fertilizer.
When it rains, excess nutrients can wash off the land and into
the streams and rivers that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Once in
our waterways, excess fertilizers fuel the growth of algae
blooms that block sunlight from reaching Bay grasses, rob the
water of oxygen and threaten underwater life. Lawn fertilizer
now accounts for approximately 44 percent of the fertilizer
sold in Maryland. While certain restrictions on fertilizer use
have been in place for farmers since 2001, additional
stakeholder involvement is needed if Maryland is to meet new
nutrient reduction goals outlined in its Watershed
Implementation Plan (WIP) to restore the Bay. Maryland’s
new lawn fertilizer law affects fertilizer manufacturers and
distributors, lawn care professionals and homeowners.
This inspection and registration system also allows MDA to
trace where an egg came from in the event of an eggrelated food borne illness.
For more information about the program, see:
http://mda.maryland.gov/foodfeedquality/Pages/egg_inspection
.aspx
Maryland Egg Quality Assurance Program
The Maryland Egg Quality Assurance Program is a voluntary
program for producers and processors who agree to
implement specific management and monitoring practices
that have successfully prevented Salmonella enteritidis (SE)
contamination of table eggs. Basic prevention practices
include specific ways to conduct rodent control, clean and
disinfect between flocks, monitor pullet and layer houses
and to ensure proper on-farm handling of eggs. Premise
testing is conducted throughout the process to verify
practices are effective. Participation in this program is
required to use the Maryland’s Best seal on the cartons.
MDA provides oversight, technical advice and compliance
inspections for the program.
Fertilizer Manufacturers and Distributors
New phased-in restrictions affect all lawn
fertilizer products sold and distributed in
Maryland. The changes are aimed at helping
lawn care professionals and homeowners
maintain healthy lawns without applying
unnecessary amounts of nitrogen and
phosphorus. Specifically, the law:
• Requires lawn fertilizer products sold in Maryland to
include label directions to ensure that no more than 0.9
pounds of total nitrogen is applied per 1,000 square
feet; at least 20 percent of this nitrogen must be in a
slow release form. The maximum amount of water
soluble nitrogen in lawn fertilizer products applied per
1,000 square feet is capped at 0.7 pounds. Effective
October 1, 2013
For more information about the program, see:
http://mda.maryland.gov/foodfeedquality/Pages/egg_quality_a
ssurance.aspx
MDA Grading Services
Grading Services evaluate commodities to determine
whether they live up to official standards. MDA grades
eggs, poultry, meat, fruit, vegetables and grain for
producers and processors.
• Prohibits lawn fertilizer products from containing
phosphorus with certain exceptions for specially labeled
starter fertilizer and organic fertilizer products.
Effective October 1, 2013
MDA’s Egg Grading Service grades and certifies the quality,
size, weight, as well as the production and processing
practices of eggs at egg packing plants in Maryland.
• Prohibits labeling lawn fertilizer as a de-icer. Effective
October 1, 2013
MDA egg graders are trained and licensed by both MDA and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture to certify eggs according
to both state and/or federal standards. Eggs that are
packed in Maryland bearing the USDA shield are washed,
graded and packed under the continuous supervision of a
MDA grader. MDA’s USDA licensed graders monitor for
compliance with quality and weight standards, sanitation of
the packing facility, wash water temperatures and cooler
temperatures. Consumers who purchase poultry and eggs
identified with the USDA grade shield can be assured of the
quality of the product they are purchasing.
• Requires lawn fertilizer products to contain the following
statement:
Do not apply near water, storm drains or drainage
ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected.
Apply this product only to your lawn and sweep any
product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street,
back onto your lawn.
Enforcement Authority and More Information:
Maryland Department of Agriculture
During FY 2012, MDA certified the grade of 27.9 million
dozens of shell eggs and 229.3 million pounds of poultry.
State Chemist Section
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-841-2721
6
Lawn Care Professionals
not exceed 0.25 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 square
feet with an annual maximum of 0.5 pounds of
phosphorus per 1,000 square feet. These products may
Beginning October 1, 2013, all lawn
care professionals must be certified in
order to apply fertilizer in Maryland.
The rules apply to professionals for
hire as well as individuals responsible
for turf management at golf courses,
public parks, airports, athletic fields,
businesses, cemeteries and other non-agricultural
properties.
not be applied when soils test at "optimum to excessive"
for phosphorus levels.
•
Enhanced efficiency controlled release products may
be applied at no more than 2.5 pounds per year,
with a maximum monthly release rate of 0.7 pounds
of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Penalties
Training
Violators are subject to civil penalties of up to $1,000 for the
first violation and $2,000 for each subsequent violation.
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is developing a
training manual to prepare individuals to take the
certification exam. Training classes will be available fall
2012.
Enforcement Authority and More Information
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Nutrient Management Program
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-841-5959
Certification
Individuals and companies hired to apply fertilizers
must be certified by MDA or work under the direct
supervision of an individual who is certified. MDA will
offer fertilizer applicator certification exams beginning
fall 2012 and will publish a list of certified professional
fertilizer applicators on its website.
Homeowners and Other Residential Users
Beginning October 1, 2013, homeowners
and do-it-yourselfers will be required to
follow University of Maryland
recommendations when fertilizing lawns.
Mandatory restrictions, similar to those
imposed for lawn care professionals, apply:
Licensing
Licenses will be required for all businesses engaged in
commercial fertilizer applications. Each business will be
required to employ at least one certified fertilizer
applicator. Licenses to qualifying firms will be available
beginning fall 2012.
•
•
Fertilizer Application Restrictions
• Lawn care professionals are prohibited from applying
lawn fertilizer to impervious surfaces or frozen
ground.
•
• No fertilizer applications within 15 feet of waterways.
This setback is reduced to 10 feet if a drop spreader,
rotary spreader with deflector or targeted spray liquid
is used to apply the fertilizer.
•
• No lawn fertilizer may be applied between December
1 and March 1. Between November 15 and December
1 only water soluble nitrogen (no slow release) may
be applied to lawns at a maximum rate of ½ pound
per 1,000 square feet.
•
•
•
•
• Professionals must apply fertilizer using University of
Maryland recommendations.
• Soil tests must be taken for each new customer and
once every three years thereafter.
Homeowners must follow University of Maryland
fertilizer recommendations when applying nitrogen to
lawns.
A single application may not exceed 0.9 pounds total
nitrogen per 1,000 square feet and 0.7 pounds of
soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Homeowners are prohibited from applying fertilizer to
sidewalks, driveways or other impervious surfaces.
Any product that lands on these surfaces must be
swept back onto lawns.
No fertilizer applications within 15 feet of waterways.
This setback is reduced to 10 feet if a drop spreader,
rotary spreader with deflector or targeted spray
liquid is used to apply fertilizer.
No lawn fertilizer may be applied between November
15 and March 1 and when the ground is frozen.
Fertilizers may not be used to de-ice walkways and
driveways.
Do not fertilize if heavy rain is predicted.
Phosphorus may only be applied to lawns when
indicated by soil test results or when the homeowner
is establishing, patching or renovating a lawn.
Penalties
• A single application may not exceed 0.9 pounds total
nitrogen per 1,000 square feet and 0.7 pounds of
soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, except when
using enhanced efficiency fertilizer.
A county, municipality or MDA may enforce these
requirements for homeowners. This law pre-empts any
existing local ordinances.
Enforcement Authority and More Information
Maryland Department of Agriculture
• Professional applicators may continue to apply natural
organic or organic products containing phosphorus,
but beginning October 1, 2013, each application may
Nutrient Management Program
50 Harry S Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-841-5959
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committed to continuing our work with USDA, researchers,
beekeepers, growers and the public to address this
challenge," said Acting EPA Administrator Bob Perciasepe.
"The report we've released today is the product of
unprecedented collaboration, and our work in concert must
continue. As the report makes clear, we've made significant
progress, but there is still much work to be done to protect
the honey bee population."
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack Regarding World Organization for
Animal Health (OIE) Upgrade of United
States’ BSE Risk Status
In October 2012, a National Stakeholders Conference on
Honey Bee Health, led by federal researchers and managers,
along with Pennsylvania State University, was convened to
synthesize the current state of knowledge regarding the
primary factors that scientists believe have the greatest
impact on managed bee health. Key findings include:
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2013–Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack made the following statement about notification
received today from the World Organization for Animal
Health (OIE) upgrading the United States’ risk classification
for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to negligible
risk:
Parasites and Disease Present Risks to Honey Bees:
“I am very pleased with OIE’s decision to grant the United
States negligible risk status for BSE. This is a significant
achievement that has been many years in the making for
the United States, American beef producers and businesses,
and federal and state partners who work together to
maintain a system of interlocking safeguards against BSE
that protect our public and animal health. This decision
demonstrates OIE’s belief that both our surveillance for,
and safeguards against, BSE are strong. U.S. beef and beef
products are of the highest quality, wholesome and
produced to the highest safety standards in the world.
• The parasitic Varroa mite is recognized as the major
factor underlying colony loss in the U.S. and other
countries. There is widespread resistance to the chemicals
beekeepers use to control mites within the hive. New virus
species have been found in the U.S. and several of these
have been associated with Colony Collapse Disorder
(CCD).
Increased Genetic Diversity is Needed:
• U.S. honeybee colonies need increased genetic diversity.
Genetic variation improves bees thermoregulation (the
ability to keep body temperature steady even if the
surrounding environment is different), disease resistance
and worker productivity.
• Honey bee breeding should emphasize traits such as
hygienic behavior that confer improved resistance to
Varroa mites and diseases (such as American foulbrood).
"Last year, exports of U.S.-origin beef and beef products
totaled $5.5 billion. With our negligible risk classification
from the OIE, we have a strong foundation in place to
continue increasing exports of U.S.-origin beef and beef
products. In doing so, we will continue to press trading
partners to base their decisions on science, consistent with
international standards. U.S. food and agricultural exporters
and consumers worldwide benefit when countries adopt
science-based international standards.”
Poor Nutrition Among Honey Bee Colonies:
• Nutrition has a major impact on individual bee and colony
longevity. A nutrition-poor diet can make bees more
susceptible to harm from disease and parasites. Bees
need better forage and a variety of plants to support
colony health.
USDA and EPA Release New
Report on Honey Bee Health
• Federal and state partners should consider actions
affecting land management to maximize available
nutritional forage to promote and enhance good bee
health and to protect bees by keeping them away from
pesticide-treated fields.
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2013-The U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today
released a comprehensive scientific report on
honey bee health. The report states that there
are multiple factors playing a role in honey bee
colony declines, including parasites and disease,
genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure.
There is a Need for Improved Collaboration and Information
Sharing:
• Best Management Practices associated with bees and
pesticide use, exist, but are not widely or systematically
followed by members of the crop-producing industry.
There is a need for informed and coordinated
communication between growers and beekeepers and
effective collaboration between stakeholders on practices
to protect bees from pesticides.
"There is an important link between the health of American
agriculture and the health of our honeybees for our
country's long term agricultural productivity," said
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "The
forces impacting honeybee health are complex and USDA,
our research partners, and key stakeholders will be
engaged in addressing this challenge."
• Beekeepers emphasized the need for accurate and timely
bee kill incident reporting, monitoring, and enforcement.
"The decline in honey bee health is a complex problem
caused by a combination of stressors, and at EPA we are
8
Additional Research is Needed to Determine Risks
Presented by Pesticides:
Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling
basis. Contact your local NRCS field office for specifics.
• The most pressing pesticide research questions relate to
determining actual pesticide exposures and effects of
pesticides to bees in the field and the potential for
impacts on bee health and productivity of whole honey
bee colonies.
Contact information and details of the program available at:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/pro
grams/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs143_008224
For more information please visit
www.md.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/eqip.html
or contact Joseph A. Haamid, NRCS District Conservationist, at
410-571-6757 (Anne Arundel) and 301-574-5162 (Prince
George’s); or email Joseph.haamid@md.usda.gov
Those involved in developing the report include USDA's
Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP), National
Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Agricultural
Research Services (ARS), Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS), National Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) as well as the EPA and
Pennsylvania State University. The report will provide
important input to the Colony Collapse Disorder Steering
Committee, led by the USDA, EPA and the National
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Guidance on Handling
Poor Quality Small Grains
If you have poor quality grain, in order to
protect your rights under your crop insurance
policy, it is imperative that you always report any damage in
the required timeframes and seek advice from your insurance
company (through your insurance agent) before proceeding
with harvesting or destruction of the damaged crop. Failure to
do so may jeopardize your claim. Crop insurance policies
require that farmers notify their company within 72 hours of
noticing a loss. It is important that farmers be proactive in
checking their fields to determine if there is any damage to
the crop before harvest.
An estimated one-third of all food and beverages are made
possible by pollination, mainly by honey bees. In the United
States, pollination contributes to crop production worth
$20-30 billion in agricultural production annually. A decline
in managed bee colonies puts great pressure on the sectors
of agriculture reliant on commercial pollination services.
This is evident from reports of shortages of bees available
for the pollination of many crops.
The Colony Collapse Steering Committee was formed in
response to a sudden and widespread disappearance of
adult honey bees from beehives, which first occurred in
2006. The Committee will consider the report's
recommendations and update the CCD Action Plan which
will outline major priorities to be addressed in the next 5-10
years and serve as a reference document for policy makers,
legislators and the public and will help coordinate the
federal strategy in response to honey bee losses.
Quality adjustments are available for loss in value for
conditions such as low test weight, damaged kernels, and
shrunken or broken kernels. Discounts made for crop
insurance loss purposes may not be the same as those seen
at the elevator. For example, quality discounts begin when the
test weight is less than 51 pounds, defects are above 15
percent or grade is U.S. No. 5 or worse. RMA discount factors
for wheat are constructed by compiling and using loan
discount data from the Farm Service Agency and national
average loan rates for the past 10 years. These discount
factors remain uniform between the Actual Production History
and Revenue Plans of insurance throughout all counties in
Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
To view the report, which represents the consensus of the
scientific community studying honey bees, please visit:
http://www.usda.gov/documents/ReportHoneyBeeHealth.pdf
Quality adjustments are based on samples obtained by the
adjuster or other disinterested parties authorized by the
insurance provider such as an elevator employee (per 2013
Loss Adjust Manual (LAM) Par. 96 B for grading/analyzing,
page 265 and Par.102, K, page 306 for mycotoxins).
Harvested and delivered production samples taken from each
conveyance and then blended may be accepted under certain
conditions.
Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP) for
Organic Growers
It is very important that producers work with their insurance
provider if they believe they have quality losses.
Summary:
If you have poor quality grain contact your insurance agent
before harvesting and while evidence still intact in the field,
file notice of damage and request an inspection by a loss
adjuster. As you complete harvesting any units with damaged
grain or low production, notice of loss must again to be filed
promptly by unit with the insurance agent.
The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
provides assistance to certified organic producers and those
who are transitioning to organic production. The program
provides financial assistance to address issues such as
improving nutrient management, composting and waste
management, and cropping systems for organic production.
9
If you must harvest and deliver grain to an elevator before
the damage is evaluated by an adjuster, ask your agent to
obtain authority from the insurance company for the
elevator to take a representative sample from each load.
The following process should be followed when your
insurance company has agreed to allow the elevator to pull
representative samples. When you arrive at the elevator,
you will need to let the elevator know whether samples for
quality determinations should be taken for non-mycotoxins,
mycotoxins, or both.
1. The elevator should take a representative sample from
each load and label it with your name, load number, name
of farm and field number/name so that the insurance unit
of origin can be determined from which the grain was
harvested. This sample should be in addition to the quality
determinations that the elevator makes for the purchase or
storage of the grain.
2. The elevator should maintain the sample until an
adjuster makes arrangements to pick up the sample(s) to
make further determinations necessary to adjust your loss.
Note: the sample(s) must stay in the possession of the
elevator until they are picked up by the adjuster.
EPA Report Details How
Development Can Impact
Public Health, Environment
housing, transportation, or environmental issues, this report
can help communities protect public health and the
environment by avoiding harmful development strategies.”
The publication is important and timely because population
growth and demographic changes will substantially alter the
way our nation is developed over the next half century and
beyond.
“Researchers have estimated that as much as two-thirds of
the development that will exist in 40 to 45 years does not
exist today,” the report states, “meaning that decisions we
make about how and where that development occurs could
significantly affect our health and the health of the
environment.”
The report, the second edition of a popular document
published in 2001, summarizes trends in land use, buildings,
travel behavior, population growth, and the expansion of
developed land. It then discusses the environmental
consequences of these trends, such as habitat loss,
degradation of water resources and air quality, urban heat
islands, greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change,
and other health and safety effects. Environmental impacts
linked to building and development patterns include:
• At least 850,000 acres of lakes, reservoirs, and ponds and
50,000 miles of rivers and streams are thought to be impaired
by stormwater runoff.
• Although technology has reduced per-car vehicle
emissions, an approximate 250-percent increase in vehicle
miles travelled since 1970 has offset potential gains.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency today released its most comprehensive review to
date on how the built environment – the way we build our
cities and towns – directly affects our environment and
public health. The report was announced by EPA Acting
Administrator Bob Perciasepe during a national Twitter
Town Hall meeting in Washington, DC with Maurice Jones,
Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing, and
Development (HUD), and John Porcari, Deputy Secretary of
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Transportation is responsible for 27 percent of U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions; residential and commercial
buildings contribute 18 percent and 17 percent, respectively.
The publication, Our Built and Natural Environments: A
Technical Review of the Interactions among Land Use,
Transportation, and Environmental Quality, provides
evidence that certain kinds of land use and transportation
strategies – where and how we build our communities -can reduce the environmental and human health impacts of
development.
Through the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities,
EPA, HUD, and DOT coordinate federal investments in
infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for
communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.
Perciasepe, Jones, and Porcari held the town hall to
commemorate the fourth anniversary of the HUD-DOT-EPA
Partnership for Sustainable Communities and talk with
communities about how the federal government can be of
assistance.
“Although findings might differ on the magnitude of the
effects of different practices, the evidence is overwhelming
that some types of development yield better environmental
results than others,” the report asserts.
“This report will be useful for communities across the
country looking to make smart development decisions,” said
EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe. “Whether it’s
The report concludes by describing ways to reduce such
effects. Strategies include safeguarding sensitive areas;
focusing development in built-up areas and around existing
transit stations; building compact; mixed-use developments;
designing streets that are safe for all users, including walkers
and bikers; and using green building techniques.
More information about the report and an upcoming webinar:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/built.htm
More information about the Partnership for Sustainable
Communities: www.sustainablecommunities.gov
10
Types of Pesticides
Pesticides are often grouped according to the type of pest
they control or by chemical or source.
type of pest, chemically-related
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions from the public.
June 18, 2013
EPA Launches New FIFRA Section 18
Emergency Exemption Online Training
Resource
The EPA is announcing a new online training resource for
the Section 18 Emergency Exemption Program under the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes the EPA to allow an
unregistered use of a pesticide for a limited time if we
determine that an emergency condition exists and risks
from the proposed use are acceptable.
The primary goal of this online resource is to assist state
and federal agencies in determining situations where it is
appropriate to request a section 18 emergency exemption
and, when doing so, how to submit a complete and
accurate application to facilitate a timely and effective
review by the EPA.
Fact Sheets
Search general interest and technical fact sheets.
health and safety, regulatory actions, specific chemicals
Information Sources
Additional information of general interest.
General information, hotlines, information centers, databases
Pesticide Program Reports
Reports produced by the Office of Pesticide Programs
Annual Reports, Performance Management & Accountability,
Pesticide Industry Sales and Usage, Progress Reports,
Restricted Use Products Reports
Pesticide News Stories
Pesticide related articles appearing in news media
Publications | Glossary | A-Z Index |
The multimedia resource focuses on the following four
types of exemptions available under section 18 of FIFRA:
specific, quarantine, public health and crisis. Highlights of
the resource include:
•
section 18 application requirements,
•
overview of the EPA review process,
•
other options available to address significant pest
problems, and
•
interactive exercises to review the important
concepts covered.
The training was developed through the Pesticide
Regulatory Education Program cooperative agreement with
the University of California-Davis Extension, with funding
provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on the new online tool, please contact
Dea Zimmerman at zimmerman.dea@epa.gov. For
information on section 18 exemptions, please contact
Tawanda Maignan at maignan.tawanda@epa.gov.
EPA Site Quick Finder
About EPA's Pesticides Program
Overview of EPA's program
evaluating potential new pesticides and uses, providing for
special local needs and emergency situations, reviewing
safety of older pesticides, registering pesticide producing
establishments, enforcing pesticide requirements,
pesticide issues in the works, overview of risk assessment
in the pesticide program
SMADC Releases
2013 Farmers' Market Guide
The 2013/14 edition of the So. Maryland, So Good Farmers'
Market Guide is now available through the Southern Maryland
Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC). The guide
features 32 farmers’ markets in Southern Maryland, and other
markets in the Washington DC Metro area and Virginia which
include farm products grown and produced in the 5 counties
of Southern Maryland (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince
George's and St. Mary's counties).
The free, full color guide details market locations, hours of
operation, contact information and websites, plus a harvesting
chart (specific to the region’s growing season) to help
consumers find out when Southern Maryland’s fruits and
vegetables will be available at their markets throughout the
year.
The guide also highlights which markets host vendors who
are authorized to accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program
(FMNP) checks and FVC fruit and vegetable coupons, and also
select markets in Southern Maryland which have EBT
machines (which operate much like an “ATM”) to facilitate the
redemption of SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) for
recipients of federal nutrition assistance programs. An added
benefit of EBT machines is that the general public can also
use them to purchase tokens with their credit cards to buy
products at these markets.
11
Download the digital version of the 2013/14 So. Maryland,
So Good Farmers' Market Guide at
www.somarylandsogood.com ; or find a copy while stocks
last at Southern Maryland’s farmers’ markets, regional
public libraries and visitor’s centers. To see a complete list
of pick-up sites visit the ‘What’s New’ page at
www.smadc.com
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission
(SMADC) is committed to: a) a market-driven and sustainable
farming future as Maryland transitions away from tobacco. b) a
Maryland where farmland preservation, and environmental
stewardship positively impact the quality of our air and water and
c) cultivating awareness among consumers and leaders of the vital
role our farms play in a balanced community, safe, nutritious food
and a cleaner and healthier environment. To learn more about
additional programs and resources, contact SMADC, P. O. Box 745,
Hughesville, MD 20637; phone: 301-274-1922, Ex. 1, fax: 301274-1924; email cbergmark@smadc.com; or visit www.smadc.com
Nutrient Management Update
Krista Mitchell
Nutrient Management Advisor for
Anne Arundel & Howard Counties
This will be my last “Nutrient
Management Update” for Anne
Arundel County, as I will be
leaving the county at the end of
June to work part-time at the
Howard County Extension office.
After almost 13 years in this
county, I will certainly miss being
here and working with all of the
great farmers of Anne Arundel County. Francis Warring
will be the nutrient management advisor to ask for when
you call our office.
During the summer, your nutrient management advisor is
available to assist you with manure spreader calibrations,
tissue sampling, and yield checks. The MD Department of
Agriculture (MDA) requires producers to document
equipment calibrations, in order to determine the rate of
nutrient applications, as well as keep yield records for all
crops. For assistance and equipment needed to document
your manure spreader’s rate of application, uniformity of
application, or for a corn yield check, contact your nutrient
management advisor today. Manure spreader calibration
instructions, as well as information on corn yield checks,
and plant tissue analysis are also available on the University
of MD Extension’s Agricultural Nutrient Management
Program website: www.extension.umd.edu/anmp.
Existing operations that utilize commercial fertilizer only (no
manure applications to fields), especially equine operations,
that need plan updates should have their 2014 nutrient
management plans developed over the summer and early
fall. In order to accommodate all of our clients, plan
updates for different types of operations need to be spaced
out over various times of the year. We anticipate being fairly
busy with FSNT’s this fall (see below) so it is highly
recommended that producers request 2014 plans prior to this
time. A wait list usually begins in November, so it is highly
recommended that commercial fertilizer only producers try to
get their plans completed before this time. After this time,
plan-writing focuses on operations that utilize manure as a
nutrient source, which require a manure sample collected as
close to application time as possible. Nutrient management
plans should be completed prior to planting and nutrient
applications.
FSNT (Fall Soil Nitrate Test)
According to new nutrient management regulations, producers
who wish to apply fall nitrogen to their wheat or barley crops
planted this fall will need to have a Fall Soil Nitrate Test to
determine residual soil nitrate prior to planting. If residual soil
nitrate levels are low enough, a nitrogen recommendation will
be provided in the nutrient management plan. The University
of MD Extension Nutrient Management Advisor can do the
FSNT analysis at the Extension office for no cost. Producers
should make arrangements ahead of time with their nutrient
management advisor, if they wish to have a FSNT, and to
obtain soil sampling instructions.
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR FRUIT
GROWERS:
If your operation has tree fruit, brambles or blueberries, the
small window of time to take plant tissue samples for your
2014 nutrient management plans is coming up.
Timing for plant tissue sampling:
Grapes: at full bloom
Blueberries: 1st week of harvest
Fruit trees: July 15th - September 1st
Brambles: August 1st - 20th
Contact your county’s nutrient management advisor for
sampling instructions and a list of approved labs (also
available on Nutrient Management Program website
mentioned previously) that conduct plant tissue analysis. Soil
samples should also be taken in the same area, in conjunction
with the tissue sample.
Lastly, a reminder that all operations that make or exceed
$2,500 gross annual income, or that have 8 or more animal
units, are required to have and implement a current nutrient
management plan. Nutrient management plans are written
for a maximum of 3 years for operations that utilize
commercial fertilizer only and for producers that know what
their crop rotation will be for the next 3 consecutive years.
Operations that utilize manure or other organic nutrient
sources should have their plans updated annually. The
University of MD Extension provides no-cost nutrient
management plans to producers, minus the cost of analyses.
12
Branching Out, Maryland’s Forest Stewardship Education
newsletter, is published four times per year by University of
Maryland Extension. Branching Out provides educational
information, current news and events and is intended to
reach anyone interested in forest stewardship including
landowners and natural resource professionals. We
encourage you to share this free newsletter with others
and invite them to subscribe and review past newsletters
by visiting the Branching Out Newsletter Page at:
CDMS
Pesticide Labels and MSDS On-Line at:
http://www.naturalresources.umd.edu/Newsletter.html
http://www.cdms.net/
County Website Features:
Anne Arundel County Extension website:
http://extension.umd.edu/anne-arundel-county
MEP-300
"Raising Your
Home Chicken Flock"
Ag Newsletter Production Pointers
The current and past agricultural newsletter additions are
available for viewing or copy at:
https://extension.umd.edu/anne-arundelcounty/agriculture/anne-arundel-county-agnrnewsletter#
has been added to the UME
publication list.
Ag Bulletins
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/Extension/agriculture
/SmallFlock/files/Raising%20Your%20Home%2
0Chicken%20Flock_FINAL.pdf
An agricultural bulletin page is also available for viewing or
copy under our hot topics section at:
https://extension.umd.edu/anne-arundelcounty/agriculture/agriculture-bulletins
Ag Web Modules
New website features in Anne Arundel County -
Agricultural Program Teaching Modules:
http://extension.umd.edu/anne-arundelcounty/agriculture/farm-production-web-modules
The American Vegetable Grower eNews
highlighted the recently published
1. Pasture Management
National Commodity-Specific
Food Safety Guidelines for
Cantaloupes and Netted Melons
or also known as the
National Cantaloupe Guidance.
2. Pasture Herbicides
3. Handling Tall Fescue Toxicity Events
4. Modern Vegetable Production Technology for
Early Market
5. Vegetable Herbicides for Controlling the Top 10
Weeds of Southern Maryland
This 40-page document contains the
recommended GAPs and GHPs developed by a
committee made up of large farmers, marketing
organizations, food store chains, and university
personnel. Jeff Stoltzfus from Lancaster Co. PA is the
closest member of the committee. Available at the
following link:
6. Sustainable Low Input Strip-Till & No-Till
Vegetable Planting Tactics
7. Fruit Establishment Tactics to Maximize Our
Coastal Plain Advantage
8. Vineyard and Orchard Weed Control
http://www.cantaloupeguidance.org/sites/default/files/docs/032913%20Natl%
20Cantaloupe%20Guidance%20V1.1.pdf
9. Vineyard Establishment Supplies & Equipment
13
Commercial 2013
Vegetable Production
Recommendations
Maryland EB 236
Farmer School
On-Line Farming
Education Series
“Tomorrow’s Farmers” Web Modules”
On-Line at:
http://mdvegetables.umd.edu/files/EB236_2013RecGuide.pdf
Also available in a new very interactive format at the
Delaware Extension site at:
http://extension.udel.edu/ag/vegetable-fruitresources/commercial-vegetable-productionrecommendations
https://extension.umd.edu/anne-arundelcounty/agriculture/tomorrows-farmer-web-modules
Module 1: Introduction to Farming & Course
Orientation: “Tomorrow’s Farmers”
Module 2: The Science and Stewardship of Soils
Module 3: Fundamentals of Farm Machinery
Module 4: Plants that Farmers Grow
Module 5: Integrated Pest Management
4-H News
Amanda Wahle, 4-H FEA
University of Maryland
Are you between 8 and 18 or know someone who is?
If so have you considered joining 4-H?
The Anne Arundel County 4-H program is growing
and is always looking for new members and
volunteers. The program has community clubs
located throughout Anne Arundel County but is also
looking for volunteers and members to lead new
groups. There are a variety of projects members can
participate in including animal science, environmental
sciences and human sciences. We are also looking
for adults to do seminars or presentations to help
4-Hers learn how they can further their projects.
To receive more information, please contact Amanda
Wahle in the Anne Arundel Extension Office at 410222-3900 or at: awahle@umd.edu
Future Module Topics:
Farm Business and Enterprise
• Development Modern Vegetable Farmer
• Modern Fruit Farmer
• Grain Farming
• Pasture and Hay Management
• Livestock that Farmers Raise
Whether you grew up on a farm or
not, the web modules will open your
eyes to the world of farming. A
course designed for the young and
old alike. It just may make a farmer
out of a “city kid” or a “hayseed.”
After viewing the series in its entirety take the Final Exam.
All participants receiving a final Exam Grade of 70% or
above will receive a “Certificate of Farming Competency,”
compliments of the Anne Arundel County Extension Office.
Gardening questions? Pest Problems?
The Home and Garden Information
Center can help!
Consultants are available by phone
Monday -Friday, 8 AM to 1 PM.
Call 1-800-342-2507 or 410-531-1757
or visit the HGIC website at
www.extension.umd.edu/hgic
14
Thanks for Partnering
Thanks for partnering with the University of Maryland
Extension, and supporting our programs. I also hope
you enjoy this newsletter. If you are no longer interested
in receiving this newsletter, please call or write the office
for the removal of your name from the mailer.
Gambrills
R. David Myers, Principal Agent
Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of Maryland Extension
Anne Arundel & Prince George’s Counties
Anne Arundel County Extension
97 Dairy Lane
Gambrills, MD 21054
410 222-3906 Fax 410 222-3909
AnneArundelCountyExtension
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/AA
CoflyerUME%20Update.pdf
Prince George’s County Extension
6707 Groveton Drive
Clinton, MD 20735
301 868-8783
4‐HYouthDevelopment
For more information, contact Amanda Wahle at
awahle@umd.edu or call 410-222-3900
Family&ConsumerSciences
For more information, contact Georgeann Browning
gbrownin@umd.edu or call 410-222-3903
Agriculture&NaturalResources
For more information, contact Dave Myers
myersrd@umd.edu or call 410 222-3906
Note: Registered Trade Mark® Products, Manufacturers, or Companies
mentioned within this newsletter are not to be considered as sole endorsements.
The information has been provided for educational purposes only.
MasterGardenerProgram
For more information, contact Mike Ensor
mensor@umd.edu call 410-222-3906
NutrientManagement
For more information, contact Krista Mitchell at
kristaw@umd.edu or call 410-222-3906
SeaGrant
For more information, contact Matt Parker at
mparke11@umd.edu or call 410-222-3906
15
Farmer’s Share of Retail Food Dollar
Did you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 15.8* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend on
food at home and away from home?
According to USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing
account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.
Bacon
1 Pound
Top Sirloin Steak
1 Pound
Bread
1 Pound
Fresh Carrots
5 Pounds
Beer
6-Pack Cans
Retail: $5.69
Farmer: $0.92
Retail: $7.99
Farmer: $2.01
Retail: $2.99
Farmer: $0.18
Retail: $4.39
Farmer: $1.53***
Retail: $6.49
Farmer: $0.06
Cereal
18 Ounce Box
Tomatoes
1 Pound
Eggs
1 Dozen
Flour
5 Pounds
Boneless Ham
Price per Pound
Retail: $5.49
Farmer: $0.12
Retail: $2.99
Farmer: $0.58***
Retail: $2.79
Farmer: $1.17
Retail: $3.09
Farmer: $0.89
Retail: $3.99
Farmer: $0.92
Lettuce
1 Head (2 Pounds)
Milk
1 Gallon, Fat Free
Potato Chips
Lays Classic, 10.5 oz
Fresh Potatoes
Russet, 5 Pounds
Soda
Two Liter Bottle
Retail: $2.79
Farmer: $1.03***
Retail: $4.39
Farmer: $1.70
Retail: $4.29
Farmer: $0.23**
Retail: $5.49
Farmer: $0.40**
Retail: $1.49
Farmer: $0.12
Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2013.
Retail based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted.
*Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service
**Reflects April 2013 prices.
*** March 2013 prices.
www.nfu.org
May 31, 2013