Hello, Harford County!
University of
Maryland Extension
Have you ever noticed how some
Harford County Office
months “Ag Notes” is chock-full of
P.O. Box 663
upcoming event notices, and some months
there’s barely any goings-on to mention?
2335 Rock Spring Road
Just as there is seasonality in farming tasks,
Forest Hill, MD 21050
there is a definite season for events and
(410) 638-3255
M—F 8:00 a.m—4:30 p.m. classes targeted at farmers. Since the
demands of the farm are usually at their
Extension.umd.edu/harford-county
lowest in the winter, most farm-related
facebook.com/HarfordAg
programs are scheduled for this time of
year.
Sara BhaduriHauck
This is definitely the case this year,
Ag Extension Educator
as you’ll notice while you read this issue
sbh@umd.edu
of “Ag Notes.” We are advertising so
many upcoming events there is barely
space to include anything else this
month!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
No matter your commodity or
interest, there is an educational
Poultry 101: Starting
2
program for YOU happening this winter.
Your Small Flock
And although we are all busy, even in
this least busy time of year, I urge you
Harford Midwinter
3
to take advantage of learning
opportunities and attend.
Meeting
The most successful people
never
stop learning, and meetings
Laundering Clothing
4
provide a myriad of learning
After Pesticide
experiences. They can provide you with
Applications
technical knowledge about new
research and new technology in
Hops Production 101
6
Workshop
What is a “Natural”
Food?
7
Ag Tire Recycling
Program
9
The Extension Office will be
closed on January 18 in
observance of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day.
farming. They also offer opportunities to
network, meet new people, and discuss
ideas with others. Personally, I find the
interaction with colleagues and friends at
meetings just as valuable as the information
being
communicated
through
presentations.
Finally, learning is an active process.
Sitting in on seminars and listening to
lectures is only the first step in learning. To
truly learn, we need to be engaged with the
content. That means the work of learning
doesn’t end when you leave the venue and
return to the farm; rather, that’s when the
learning really starts! In the days and weeks
following a meeting, reflect on your
experience and how you’re incorporating
what you learned into your farming
operation. Are you utilizing the knowledge?
Are you using it to make changes and
improvements? What other questions or
possibilities has your new knowledge
opened your eyes to? Remember that true
learning occurs when we apply, synthesize,
and engage with knowledge.
Sincerely,
Poultry 101: Starting Your Small Flock
January 29, 2016
Are you thinking about starting a small
flock this spring but don’t know where to
3:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
begin? Look no further! This workshop
Baltimore County Ag Center will introduce you to everything you need
to know to successfully begin raising
Cockeysville, MD
poultry. Topics will include zoning and
legal restrictions on keeping poultry, housing needs, protection from
predators, how and when to source chicks, brooding peeps, nutrition and
feeding, dealing with manure, preventing disease, and regulation on the sale
of poultry products. Presenters will include Dr. Jon Moyle, University of
Maryland Poultry Extension Specialist; Dr. Brigid McCrea, Delaware State
University Poultry Extension Specialist; Deanna Baldwin, Maryland
Department of Agriculture; and Jennifer Reynolds, University of Maryland
Poultry Extension Coordinator. Registration is $30 per person and includes a
hot dinner. Registration is required prior to January 18 and is limited to the
first 30 registrants. Register online at poultry101workshop.eventbrite.com
(processing fees apply) or by calling the Harford County Extension Office and
paying by check. For more information or to register over the phone, call
410-638-3255 or contact Sara BhaduriHauck at sbh@umd.edu.
Toxic Plant Profile: Rhododendron and Azalea
By Sara BhaduriHauck, University of Maryland Extension—Harford County
Accidental poisoning of livestock is statistically
most likely to occur from ingestion of plants in pasture
or hay, but poisoning can also occur from ingestion of
ornamental plants. One common ornamental in our
area – rhododendron – is toxic to livestock and can be
fatal.
Rhododendron is a genus of more than 1,000
species of woody plants that are common in the
Appalachian region. Rhododendrons are small shrubs
that may be evergreen or deciduous and bloom with
attractive flowers from late winter through early
summer. Flowers are typically white, pink, red, yellow,
or orange. Azaleas are part of the rhododendron
genus.
Rhododendrons and azaleas contain toxins called
grayanotoxins. These toxins bind to the receptor sites
on cell membranes that are responsible for activation
and inactivation of the cell and inhibit normal function.
The same toxins are found in mountain laurel, which is
also toxic. Rhododendron and mountain laurel are
both part of the heather family (Ericeceae).
The first signs of poisoning include gastroenteric
signs such as salivation, vomiting (in capable species),
diarrhea, colic, and bloat. If a larger quantity of the
plant was consumed, additional signs may include
abnormal heart rate and rhythm, loss of coordination,
and/or convulsions, followed by coma and death.
The toxic dose is 0.2% body weight of green leaves,
which equates to about 2 pounds for a 1,000 pound
horse or cow, 0.3 pounds for a 150 pound sheep or
goat, and less than a quarter ounce for a 5 pound
chicken. Rhododendron is also toxic to dogs and cats
although they are less likely to consume it than
livestock. All parts of the plant are toxic, but the leaves
contain a higher percentage of the toxic. Dried plant
parts are also toxic. Clinical signs are usually observed
within a few minutes to three hours of ingestion.
The severity of the poisoning depends on the
amount of plant tissue consumed. There is no
antidote, so prompt veterinary care to provide
supportive care is paramount. Some animals that
consumed only a small amount will recover without
treatment.
As is the case with most toxic plants, prevention is
key. If you have rhododendrons or azaleas growing on
your property, take precautions to ensure animals
cannot access them. Hungry or curious animals may be
able to reach ornamental plants near barns or fence
lines. Plant residues or yard trimmings dumped into
animal pastures can be problematic if they include
toxic ornamentals. Free ranging animals – especially
small ones like chickens – can easily be poisoned by
consuming toxic ornamentals in your yard or garden.
Horseback riders with mounts who like to nibble
should also be aware as mountain laurel is commonly
found along trails.
(con’t…)
Grayanotoxins can also be present in honey made from rhododendron and azalea nectar. Affected honey is
known as “mad honey” and causes “mad honey disease” in humans with symptoms ranging from low blood
pressure and blurred vision to hallucinations and seizures. Most known cases of mad honey disease are traced to
the Black Sea region or from honey that originated there, as rhododendrons are very prolific in that area.
However, local beekeepers should be aware of the potential and take care in placing beehives.
RHODODENDRON
AZALEA
MOUNTAIN LAUREL
Photos: University of Florida Extension (left); Washington State University (center); University of Georgia Extension (right).
MD Horse Industry Board Seeks Member Nominations
The Maryland Horse Industry Board is seeking nominations to fill three board
member positions representing licensed veterinarians, the general public, and the
Maryland Horse Council. The Board is a program within the Maryland Department
of Agriculture and serves as a commodities board for the state’s equine industry.
Responsibilities include licensing, inspection and enforcement of commercial
lessons, boarding, rental and rescue horse establishments and promotion of the
development and uses of horses in the state. To be considered, applicants must
be Maryland residents and have experience in the field they are interested in
representing. For the veterinarian position, the applicant must be a duly qualified
and licensed veterinarian. Appointments are made by Governor Larry Hogan, and
each member is eligible to serve a four-year term. Board members are required
to attend at least 50 percent of the board’s monthly meetings at various locations
throughout the state. The Board generally meets the second Wednesday of each
month from 10 a.m. until noon. For more information and application forms,
contact Ross Peddicord at ross.peddicord@maryland.gov or (410) 841-5798. All
applications must be received by February 1, 2016.
Harford Midwinter Educational Meeting
Save the date for the 2016 Harford County Midwinter Meeting! Agronomic crop
producers won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear from University specialists
about current issues and the latest research. This year’s topics will include non8:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
label pesticide application practices, killing cover crops mechanically, easements
Deer Creek Overlook
in Maryland, lime requirements and lime alternatives, and detecting and
Street, MD
correcting soil micronutrient deficiencies. The day will also feature updates from
community agriculture agencies and Maryland Department of Agriculture representatives on behalf of the
nutrient management and pesticide regulation departments. Representatives from local agribusinesses will
also be in attendance. This meeting will satisfy requirements for pesticide private applicator re-certification
training and nutrient applicator voucher renewal. Morning refreshments and a hot lunch will be provided.
Please register in advance by calling the Harford County Extension Office at 410-638-3255 or e-mailing Robin
Wigley at rwigley@umd.edu with your name and phone number. Registration is $12 for those who pay in
advance and $15 for those who pay at the door.
February 10, 2016
Nutrient Applicator Voucher Training
January 13, 2016
Those who apply nutrients (manure
or commercial fertilizer) to 10 or
10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
more acres in Maryland are required
Harford County Extension Office
by the Maryland Department of
Forest Hill, MD
Agriculture (MDA) to obtain a
nutrient applicator voucher by attending an approved training session.
Voucher holders must attend a renewal training at least once every three
years to maintain a current voucher. This training will satisfy requirements
for voucher renewal. Those that need a first time voucher may also attend
but will stay until 12:30 for additional information. MDA now requires that a
copy of your voucher be included as part of your nutrient management plan;
if you are planning to have a new nutrient management plan written this
spring, NOW is the time to make sure your nutrient applicator voucher is
current. The session is free, but registration is required in advance as space is
limited. To register, call the Harford County Extension Office at 410-638-3255
and specify whether you will attend for a new voucher or for renewal.
Nutrient Trading Symposium
January 8, 2016
In recent years, nutrient trading has emerged as a promising strategy for bringing costeffectiveness and market-driven efficiency to the achievement of nutrient reduction
goals. Nutrient trading is an option envisioned in Maryland’s Phase II Chesapeake Bay 9:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), which allows the urban/suburban stormwater Chesapeake College
and septic system sectors to meet part of their responsibilities by paying for lower-cost
Wye Mills, MD
alternatives elsewhere. The public is invited to attend this day-long symposium which
will address the basic concepts of trading and the role of trading in Bay restoration efforts, including accelerating
nutrient and sediment reductions, lowering the high cost or reaching and maintaining loading caps, providing
funding for conservation practices, and generating supplemental farm income and other financial benefits. There
will also be presentations on the State’s current approach to trading and its future plans, and the agenda affords
significant time for questions. This event is sponsored by the MD Departments of the Environment and
Agriculture in collaboration with the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation,
and the Maryland Grain Producers. The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes continental breakfast and
lunch. Attendees can receive 3 agricultural nutrient management CEUs for this symposium. For more information
or to register, contact Nancy Nunn at 410-827-8056 or nnunn@umd.edu.
Laundering Clothing After Pesticide Applications
By Sara BhaduriHauck, Univ. of MD Extension—Harford County
After completing a pesticide application, it’s important
to follow the correct procedures for removing and cleaning
personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing. While
you should always read and follow any cleaning directions
on the pesticide label, most product labels do not give
specific information for washing clothes. Follow these tips
when laundering clothing you wore while making a pesticide
application.
Not all clothing can be decontaminated. Clothing that is
highly saturated with pesticide, or clothing that has had a
highly concentrated pesticide spilled on it, should be
disposed of. Dispose of these items in the same way you
would dispose of a full pesticide container. Some items, like
(con’t…)
leather and elastic bands, will absorb pesticide and
cannot be properly cleaned or decontaminated. These
types of items should be covered during the pesticide
application with PPE that can be effectively cleaned.
Not all items can be laundered. Some pieces of PPE
cannot be washed in a washing machine and/or dried
in a dryer. If non-launderable, wash the item with
soap and water and let air dry, in the sun if possible.
Wash clothing after every application. Remove the
clothing as soon as you are done applying pesticide.
It’s a good idea to shower before putting on clean
clothes. The clothing you removed should be washed
as soon as possible. Don’t use the same clothing, such
as the same pair of coveralls, for multiple applications.
It’s harder to remove residues that have accumulated.
Consider all clothing as potentially contaminated
and handle accordingly. When you remove your
clothing, don’t put them on your family’s laundry
hamper, on your bed, or on the floor. Residues from
clothing can potentially be left anywhere the clothing
touches. Either put removed clothing directly into the
washing machine or in a disposable plastic bag. Close
and label the bag so others know to be cautious with
the clothing inside. Make sure the person who will
launder the clothing knows how to safely handle and
effectively clean them.
Pre-wash or pre-rinse. Clothing can be pre-washed
or –rinsed outdoors or in your washing machine.
Outdoors you can use a pail of hot water or simply
rinse the garments off. Be sure to do so in a safe area
away from gardens and where children or pets play.
It’s best to dispose of the rinsate in your septic system
(down the drain) rather than letting it soak into the
soil. Some washing machines have specific pre-wash
cycles. You may run a quick wash, small load, or other
similar cycle, depending on the make and model of
your washing machine. Your machine’s manual should
explain the best cycle to use.
Load the washer safely. Open the washer door,
add the detergent, set the cycle, and then load
clothing into the washing machine. It’s a good idea to
wear gloves when handling clothing, as you should
consider all clothing as potentially contaminated.
When you’re done touching the clothing, wash your
hands before you close the door to the machine.
Pesticide clothing should always be washed separately
and not with your family’s laundry.
Don’t over- or under-fill the machine. Clothing
needs sufficient agitation and enough circulating
water to effectively remove pesticide residues, both of
which can be inhibited if the load is too full. If you are
using a high-efficiency (HE) machine, ensure you are
not under-filling the machine. Front-loading HE
washing machines do not have a center agitator so
the clothing in the machine is what provides agitation.
HE machines generally clean best at 2/3 to 3/4 full;
read your machine’s manual for details on the specific
model. If your load is small, you may need to bulk the
load to achieve adequate agitation. It’s best to bulk
with small items like hand towels or bath towels cut
into smaller pieces. Any items you use to bulk the load
should be designated to this purpose only and never
used around the house or farm. Once clean, bulking
items should be stored in a closed, labeled container
or bag.
Use the right detergent. If the pesticide label
doesn’t specify otherwise, use liquid detergent if you
have applied liquid pesticide or powdered detergent if
you have applied powdered pesticide. If the garments
are highly soiled, use 1 ½ to 2 times the amount of
detergent specified on the package. Don’t use more
than 2 times the recommended amount as it can
create excessive suds which can restrict agitation.
Use the correct laundry additives. Bleach does not
help remove pesticides. You may use bleach to
launder pesticide clothing unless the clothing has also
been contaminated with ammonia fertilizer. (When
bleach mixes with ammonia, it creates deadly chlorine
gas.) Use of fabric softener does not help or hinder
removal of pesticide residues. Starch applied to
clothing before making a pesticide application can
help make fabrics less permeable and make removal
of pesticides during washing more effective. If you are
washing clothing that has been starched, use 25%
more detergent. Starch must be reapplied after each
washing.
Choose the best cycle. They key to effective
removal of pesticide residue is water, water, water.
Use the longest wash cycle on your machine. The
wash cycle should be at least 12 minutes long. Use the
hottest water you can – at least 140-160 degrees
Fahrenheit. You may need to turn up your water
heater if it is set lower. Use the highest water level
your machine allows, and turn on the extra rinse if
your machine has one. If the clothing was heavily
soiled, you may need to wash it more than once.
Decontaminate the washer once your clothes are
finished washing. Run a regular wash cycle with hot
water and detergent. This is necessary to make sure
you’ve removed any pesticide residue from your
washing machine before you launder your family’s
clothing in the machine.
Dry your clothing outside if you can, in the sun if
possible. Hang for at least 24 hours. If weather
doesn’t permit outside line drying, dry your clothing in
the dryer. It’s not recommended to line dry pesticide
clothing in the house. If you use the dryer, make sure
you’ve closely followed all the steps to proper
laundering and are confident that your clothes are
decontaminated. Dryers cannot be decontaminated,
should contaminated clothing leave residues inside.
Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention
February 2-4, 2016
The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention
has become the premiere grower meeting in the
Hershey Lodge and
Northeast combining three days of six or more
Convention Center
concurrent educational sessions with a large
Hershey, PA
industry trade show and numerous networking
opportunities – all designed to enable fruit,
vegetable, and berry growers as well as direct marketers to stay on the
cutting edge of their industries. About 2,200 people from throughout the Mid
-Atlantic region and beyond attend each year. The day before the Convention,
there will be a farm market bus tour plus workshops on hard cider production
from seed to sip, pruning by the numbers, hops production 101, farm
transitions, and tools for farm food safety planning. For more details and
registration information, visit the convention website at www.mafvc.org.
In recent years, more and more folks
have become interested in brewing beer
and growing hops. As is commonly the
case with newly trending enterprises,
Extension’s ability to provide resources
has lagged behind our clients’ interest
and demand. Fortunately, Penn State
has started a Hops Extension Project!
You can follow their progress on
Facebook at facebook.com/
pennstateextension4hops. If you’re
serious about getting started producing
hops, plan to attend their preconference workshop on February 1.
Hops Production 101 Workshop
February 1, 2016
The demand for local hops is creating a
renewed interest in growing hops. This
Hershey Lodge and
workshop will feature some of the most
Convention Center
knowledgeable hops researchers and
Hershey, PA
educators on the East Coast. The one-day
session on hops production is designed to
educate hops growers and prospective hops growers on site
selection, nutrient management, pest management, harvesting
and processing of hops, and how to work with local brewers to
market hops. Registration is $90 and includes lunch. Preregistration is required. For a complete agenda and registration
form, visit the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention
(MAFVC) website at www.mafvc.org and click on the pre-conference workshop link
for “Hops Production 101” (in the third paragraph on the main page). This workshop
is part of the MAFVC pre-conference. Attendees need not register for the main
conference to attend this workshop.
Learning to Heat With Wood and Pellets Webinar
January 12, 2016
Do you heat with oil, propane, or a heat pump but want to
know more before heating with wood or pellets? Is the
7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
high price of oil and propane and the prediction of another
cold winter getting you down? University of Maryland Extension will offer a two-hour
introductory webinar on heating with wood and pellets. The workshop will start with
an overview of the advancement in wood and pellet technology and will also cover
the wood grant program offered by the Maryland Energy Administration. An
experience wood stove retailer will address common questions asked by customers,
followed by the opportunity for participants to ask questions. Finally, a brief
presentation on best practices for outdoor wood boilers will cover current
regulations and issues. The webinar can be viewed from your home computer;
alternatively, you can attend a viewing of the webinar at the Cecil County Extension
Office in Elkton. Those who attend in person will receive a packet of resources.
Register by January 8 by visiting umeheatwithwoodandpellets.eventbrite.com. For
questions, contact Jonathan Kays at jkays@umd.edu or 301-432-2767x323.
15th Annual Mid-Atlantic Women in Ag Conference
The 2016 Mid-Atlantic WIA Conference will be held February 11 at Dover Downs
Hotel and Casino with a pre-conference day offered on February 10. This year’s main
conference will feature keynote presentations from Kelly Jackson, owner and
8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
operator of Emily’s Produce (emilysproduce.com); Amy Cawley, Maryland Food Dover Downs Hotel and Casino
Bank; and Krysta Harden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, USDA. Breakout session
Dover, DE
topics will include: landowner liability and agri-tourism issues, legal implications of
farm titling and zoning designation, farm transition and estate planning, specialty crops and farm diversification,
retirement, market access, soil pH management, personal finance, digital photography, hiring and firing employees,
farm loans, web analytics, sustainable landscaping, and grain marketing. The pre-conference day will feature
workshops (1:00 – 5:00 p.m.) in GMO 101 and employee management, plus an evening harness racing reception (6:00
– 8:00 p.m.). Registration is $55 after January 1, 2016; pre-conference registration is $35. For more details and a link to
online registration, visit extension.umd.edu/womeninag/2016-annual-conference. The WIA special guest room rate is
$139 per night if made by January 11. To receive the discounted rate, contact Dover Downs’ reservation department at
866-473-7378 and provide the code GWAG16.
February 11, 2016
Due to a variety of factors, we will be taking a break
from offering Women in Ag programs in Harford
County during winter 2016. In the absence of local
classes, why not attend the regional conference this
year? It’s a great opportunity to broaden your
horizons and network with other women from
throughout Maryland and surrounding states. Sara
and Nicole highly recommend it!
We all have cupboards full of products claiming to
be “natural,” “all natural” or “100% natural,” but what
do these terms really mean? The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) recently issued a request for public
comment on why a binding and comprehensive
definition of the term “natural” is necessary and what
that definition should be. The FDA is seeking public
comment because it received citizen petitions asking
both that the agency define the term “natural” and that
the term be prohibited. Additionally, there has been
litigation over the issue of whether foods labelled as
“natural” can contain genetically engineered ingredients
or high fructose corn syrup.
In 1993, the FDA issued a non-binding guidance
document indicating it considered the term “natural” to
mean that nothing not normally expected to be in a
food, artificial or synthetic (including all color additives
regardless of source) had been included or added
to that food. According to the FDA, the term “natural”
was not intended to address food production methods,
such as the use of genetic engineering or other forms of
genetic modification, pesticides, or specific animal
husbandry practices. Nor did it explicitly address food
processing or manufacturing methods, such as thermal
technologies, pasteurization, or irradiation. The FDA also
did not consider whether the term “natural” should
describe any nutritional or other health benefit.
Under section 403(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 343(a)(1)), a
food shall be deemed misbranded if its labeling is false
or misleading in any way. The lack of clarity in the
What is a “Natural” Food?
By Sarah Everhart, Legal Specialist
University of MD, Francis King Carey School of Law
definition of “natural” has forced many food
manufacturers to guess as to what qualifies as a
“natural” product and then to face legal claims that they
have misbranded food as “natural.”
Specifically, the FDA wants to hear from the public
about:
 Whether it is appropriate to define the term
“natural,”
 If so, how the agency should define “natural,” and
 How the agency should determine appropriate use
of the term on food labels.
An example of the type of input on this topic
received by the FDA is from the Grocery Manufacturers
Association, which requested that FDA find it is neither
false nor misleading to label a food as “natural” or
similar terms solely because the food is or contains a
food derived from biotechnology. By way of contrast,
the Consumers Union has requested that FDA prohibit
use of the term “natural” on food labels altogether
because of the difference between FDA's current policy
for use of the term “natural” and what people think the
“natural” label should mean.
So this holiday season, as you make conversation
with family members while avoiding the typical taboos
of religion and politics, why not ask Aunt Ida what she
thinks the term “natural” means and then send her
thoughts and yours to the FDA to help them resolve this
labeling juggernaut. The FDA will be accepting public
comments until February 10, 2016. Details on how to
submit your comments can be found at: www.fda.gov/
Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm471919.htm
Maryland Buyer-Grower Expo
January 20, 2016
Rising consumer demand for locallygrown and produced fruits, vegetables,
10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
meats, and specialty items is sparking
Navy Marine Corps Memorial more interest in Maryland products
Football Stadium
from commercial purchasing agents.
Annapolis, MD
With this in mind, the Maryland
Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host this wholesale local food
trade show to provide an opportunity for Maryland farmers and
processors to connect with buyers from grocery retailers, restaurants,
schools, food distributors and other venues. You should attend this
event if you are: a Maryland grower, producer, or processor interested in
finding new markets for your products; a buyer from a grocery store,
restaurant, hospital, school, or other venue looking to purchase
Maryland grown or produced products; a service provider in agriculture
or local food (such as a food writer). The types of local products that
buyers will typically find at this meeting are: fruits and vegetables; meats
(such as beef, turkey, and bison); cheeses (both cow’s and goat’s milk);
seafood (such as crabmeat and oysters); and specialty products
(including locally made ice cream, soups, flour, wine, beer and more). To
register or for more information, visit marylandsbest.net and select the
“2016 Buyer-Grower Expo” link. Growers, producers, and processors will
be charged an exhibitor’s fee of $40. There is no fee for buyers to
attend. The registration deadline to be included in the 2016 Directory is
January 5 For questions or help registering, contact Stone Slade at (410)
841-5779 or stone.slade@maryland.gov.
Photo: Univ.
of Lincoln—Nebraska
Farm Trucking Forum
Join the Maryland Farm Bureau for a discussion
on the issues facing farmers on rural roads and
state highways. Participants will hear firsthand
9:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
about the latest trucking rules and regulations Baltimore County Ag Center
and how they can affect your business. Have a
Cockeysville, MD
question about IRPs, permits, tags, or weight
limits? Representatives from the State Highway Administration, Maryland State
Police, and Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will be on hand to answer
these questions and more. The snow date for this program is February 1 (same
time and location). Donuts and coffee will be served. For more information,
contact Matt Teffeau at mteffeau@mdfarmbureau.com or 410-924-4525.
January 25, 2016
Maryland Agricultural Commission Seeks Nominations
The Maryland Agricultural Commission, which serves as an advisory body to the Secretary of Agriculture, is seeking
nominations to fill eleven positions. The open positions represent: agri-tourism, at large (2 positions), ag services
(2 positions), dairy, forestry, livestock, poultry, tobacco, and viticulture. The Commission represents all major
commodities in the state. As a group, Commission members address legislative and policy issues that affect
Maryland agribusiness. Applicants must be Maryland residents and have experience in the field they are
representing. Appointments are made by Governor Larry Hogan, and each member is eligible to serve two threeyear terms at the Governor’s discretion. The Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month from 8:30
a.m. until noon. For more information or for an application, contact Jessica Armacost
at jessica.armacost@maryland.gov or (443) 883-0217. All forms must be received by January 25, 2016.
Agricultural Tire Recycling Program
The Maryland Farm Bureau has announced that farmers in the Harford County area will
have the opportunity to drop off used tires at the Scarboro Landfill from January 8 –
January 23. There is no limit to the number of tires; any size tires, on or off rim, are
accepted. Passenger, light truck, and agricultural tires from farms will be accepted at no
charge with no special permits required. All farmers are welcome to participate, but you
must present a copy of the Farm Bureau Agricultural Scrap Tire Drop-Off Event letter to
demonstrate your eligibility to participate. If you did not receive a letter in the mail and are
a farmer, contact Alice Archer in the Harford County Farm Bureau office at 410-836-7773 or
harfordfb@gmail.com. The drop off is being coordinated as a joint effort between Harford
County Farm Bureau, Harford County Government, and state officials at the MD
Department of the Environment and MD Environmental Services. For questions about what
is accepted or when and where to drop off, contact Melissa Filiaggi, Harford County
Recycling Program manager, at 410-638-3417 or mcfiliaggi@harfordcountymd.gov. Harford
County Farm Bureau is currently working with Harford County Government and state
officials to coordinate another agricultural plastics recycling drop-off for this winter or
spring. Details will be published in a future issue of “Ag Notes” once they are available.
Maryland Young Farmers Board Seeks Nominations
The Maryland Young Farmer Advisory Board is seeking nominations to fill three vacancies. The Board represents
the state’s young farmers and serves as an advisory body to the Maryland Agricultural Commission and Secretary
of Agriculture. As a group, the board members address legislative and policy issues that affect Maryland Young
Farmers. Applicants must be Maryland residents who are interested in the preservation and development of
Maryland’s agricultural community. Applicants must also be under the age of 45 at the beginning of their term
and derive at least 50 percent of their personal income from farming or agricultural activities. The Maryland
Young Farmers Advisory Board meets the third Wednesday of January, April, July and October from 11:00 a.m. –
3:00 p.m. For more information or an application form, contact Jessica Armacost
at jessica.armacost@maryland.gov or (443) 883-0217. All forms must be received by January 25, 2016.
Brew University
The Maryland Agricultural Resource Council (MARC) has teamed up with some
of Baltimore County’s most accomplished beer aficionados, judges, and brewers
to offer a six-week exploration of beer styles.
7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
Sign up for single classes or the whole series. Baltimore County Ag Center
Classes will be held January 21 (introduction to
Cockeysville, MD
beer styles and evaluation), January 28 (a taste
of Germany), February 18 (battle of the pale ales – English, Belgian, American/
Imperial), February 25 (UK beers: porters, stouts, Scottish, and Irish ales),
March 24 (classic wheat beers), and March 31 (beers of Belgium). The cost is
$25 per class or $125 for the entire series. Registrants must be 21 years of age
or older. For more information or to register, visit marylandagriculture.org/
brew-university or call MARC at 410-887-8973.
Thursdays this Winter
Jeff Myers
Area Extension Director
Harford, Baltimore,
and Carroll Counties
Sara Meagher BhaduriHauck
Faculty Extension Assistant
Agriculture and
Natural Resources
sbh@umd.edu
Extension.umd.edu/Harford-county
facebook.com/HarfordAg
The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color,
sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. The
information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University of Maryland Extension is implied.