Lower Eastern Shore
Agriculture Newsletter
AGNR - AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Nov/Dec 2013
Poultry Management Training for New Growers
Inside this issue:
NEW POULTRY
GROWER TRAINING
1
November 8, 2013 at Wicomico Extension Office
GREENHOUSE
WORKSHOP
1
PROPOSED PMT
CHANGES COMMENT
PERIOD
2
The University of Maryland Extension has created a one-day workshop for new and existing poultry
farmers on Delmarva focusing on poultry farm management. With today's environment, it is important
to learn about the many aspects of poultry farm management.
NEW COMMODITY
CROP
3
MID-ATLANTIC CROP
SCHOOL
4
MPT - AG IN MD
4
PESTICIDE RECERT.
5
ANNIE’S PROJECT
5
UPCOMING EVENTS
6
Topics to be addressed are: farm management, site management and maintenance, best management practices, mortality, manure handling, litter management, windbreaks/vegetative environmental
buffers, financial/recordkeeping, concentrated animal feeding operation regulations, nutrient management, comprehensive nutrient management plans, Environmental Protection Agency inspections and
emergency preparedness. We will share all the information in a binder to take back to the farm for
future reference. Certificate of completion will be awarded to each participant.
To register contact: Sheila Oscar at 410-742-1178 or soscar@umd.edu. This workshop is open to
all. If you need special assistance, please register two weeks before the date.
Registration cost - $30 - includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials.
For more information, contact Jenny Rhodes, jrhodes@umd.edu, 410-758-0166 or Jon Moyle,
jmoyle@umd.edu, 410-742-1178. To be held at Wicomico Extension Office from 8am-3:30pm.
Greenhouse Growing - With a Positive Bend
UME AGRICULTURE CONTACTS
Recertification Credits Being Offered
Sudeep Mathew, Agriculture Educator
Vegetables, Grain Crops
Greenhouse Growing with a Positive Bend is a one day greenhouse growers Dorchester Office, 410-228-8800
workshop being held on November 7, 2013 from 8am to 4:30pm. The
registration fee is $25 if you pre-register by November 1 and $30 Jon Moyle, Regional Poultry Specialist
after November 1. Cost of the meeting includes a light breakfast and Poultry
lunch. Participation in this meeting will satisfy: 3 credits for Maryland Nutrient LESREC Office, 410-742-1178
Management, Maryland Private Applicator recertification and Commercial
Applicator Category 3B (Ornamental Plant - Interior). If there are any questions, Jessica Renshaw, Agriculture FEA
please contact Shannon Dill, 410-822-1244 or sdill@umd.edu. The workshop will Livestock, Forage, Equine & Poultry
be held at Chesapeake College, Higher Education Center Room 110.
Worcester Office, 410-632-1972
Equine Workshop
ESMT Demonstration To Be Given
Ginny Rosenkranz, Horticulture FEA
Commercial Horticulture
Wicomico Office, 410-749-6141
Join UME to learn how with proper nutrition and muscle conditioning, an equine sports massage therapy
session can help benefit your horse’s performance. A demonstration by Annie Trice, certified ESMT, will
be given. Selecting the correct feed and types of hay for the performance horse will also be discussed.
The cost for this program is $5.00 per person with 4-H members being free! Program to be held on
November 14, 2013 from 6-8pm at Windy Way Horses in Hurlock, MD. For more information and to
register visit https://lowershoreequine2013.eventbrite.com/ or contact Jessie Renshaw at 410-632-1972.
“University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all people and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression .”
Page 2
Lower Eastern Shore Agriculture Newsletter
MDA PROPOSES CHANGES TO PHOSPHORUS MANAGEMENT TOOL
30-Day Public Comment Period Open through November 18
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 18, 2013) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced that proposed
changes to the Maryland Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) were published in today’s Maryland Register. MDA will
offer a 30-day public comment period on the proposed changes ending November 18.
“I appreciate that so many farmers attended and participated in the three public briefings about the Phosphorus
Management Tool and look forward to receiving public comments through November 18,” said Maryland Agriculture
Secretary Buddy Hance. “If people have concerns, we want to hear about it. If people can provide examples and data
on how the new tool will impact them, we need to hear that too. We remain committed to implementing the new tool in a
way that is responsive to various concerns and ensuring our farmers have the technical and financial resources they need
to comply with new regulations.”
The Phosphorus Management Tool replaces the Phosphorus Site Index to reflect more than 10 years of new research by
University of Maryland scientists in collaboration with regional and national experts. It only applies on farms where soil
phosphorus has a Fertility Index Value (FIV) of 150 or more. This environmental risk assessment tool is used to identify
areas where excess phosphorus is present in the soil and a high potential for phosphorus loss exists. It allows users to
evaluate management options that can reduce the risk of phosphorus losses from agricultural fields to nearby waterways.
Revising and updating the tool is an element of Maryland’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), the federally
mandated document that outlines specific steps the state will take to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay. The PMT is
included in the Maryland Nutrient Management Manual and incorporated by reference into COMAR 15.20.08.
The proposal published today reflects the most recent changes made after an earlier version was met with concerns from
the agriculture and environmental communities. The PMT was originally published in the Maryland Register on January
25, 2013. MDA had petitioned the committee on July 11 to request emergency status for the proposed changes to the
PMT regulations so that they would be in place for the fall planting season. The Emergency Request was within drawn in
late August, leading to the current proposal.
The proposal as submitted to AELR, along with the Extension Bulletin to be incorporated by reference in the Maryland
Nutrient Management Manual are available on MDA’s website at: http://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/ProposedRegulations.aspx. A fact sheet “AgBrief: Phosphorous Management Tool - An Overview of the Proposed Regulations” is
also available online at: http://mda.maryland.gov/Documents/ag_brief/AgBrief_PMT_092013.pdf
Comments may be sent to Earl F. Hance, Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway,
Annapolis, Maryland 21401, or email to Earl.Hance@maryland.gov, or fax to 410-841-5914. Comments will be
accepted through November 18, 2013. A public hearing has not been scheduled.
Ag Leasing Workshop
December 3, 2013 at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, 8:30am to 1pm
Farm lease agreements are an important and common topic among farmers and
landowners. As Maryland urbanizes, farmland becomes more competitive and land
transfers to the next generation there is an increasing need for resources and
materials regarding written lease agreements and Maryland’s real property law.
This workshop will provide considerations for written leases, agriculture law
information, property rights and sample leasing documents. A survey will be
administered during the workshops to gain an understanding of a participant’s
knowledge gained of leasing laws and practices from the program and to gain an
understanding of the types of leasing practices currently being utilized in the state.
Registration fee is $10 per person. This fee includes the workshop materials,
continental breakfast and lunch. Register online at http://
www.agleasingworkshop.eventbrite.com or contact Jenny Rhodes at 410 -7580166. Registration is due November 28th. This workshop is open to anyone. If you
have any special needs for the conference please contact the Extension Office.
Page 3
Lower Eastern Shore Agriculture Newsletter
New Commodity Crop to Benefit Interested Landowners and Nature
An innovative use of a perennial grass native to the Delmarva Peninsula could help bolster the bottom line for farmers and
landowners and will also improve water quality throughout the region. The Nature Conservancy is offering a cash incentive
to farmers and landowners willing to establish switchgrass, which can be harvested after three years and used as natural
bedding material for chickens in approved houses, or sold to other markets.
The University of Delaware and The University of Maryland and several poultry growers in Delaware and on Maryland’s
Eastern Shore participated in preliminary field demonstrations that found that switchgrass is, indeed, a suitable alternative
to traditional chicken house bedding. “Our field demonstrations have helped us learn the importance of proper storage,
processing and handling of switchgrass and how to properly recondition this bedding material between flocks,” said Bill
Brown, Poultry Extension Agent with University of Delaware Extension. In two separate trials in Amick Farms houses that
compared birds grown on switchgrass versus birds grown on traditional bedding, there was no difference in paw condition
or bird performance. It’s also cost effective. “Switchgrass can be processed into bedding at 60 to 70 percent of the cost of
traditional bedding material while providing a secondary revenue stream,” Brown added.
Because switchgrass can be grown locally and doesn’t have to be transported, it reduces costs to farmers. The crop has a
number of other benefits: It can be planted in non-irrigated areas of a field that otherwise have marginal crop yield and
can act as an effective wind break, therefore reducing erosion. It is also an ideal crop to grow in buffer areas because it
doesn’t require the use of fertilizer, but may provide an income for land that would otherwise not be used.
Switchgrass is also a particularly attractive bedding source because it can improve water quality without taking land out
of production. Switchgrass filters water by removing excessive nitrogen and significantly reducing nutrients.
“Most farmers on the lower shore have acreage that would classify as marginal for row crop production,” said Paul Spies,
of the Chester River Association. “Many times these acres are also the acres that have the most direct impact on water
quality. By converting these acres from row crops into switchgrass, farmers can capture increased profits while decreasing
the farms’ impact on local waterways.”
The Nature Conservancy is offering an incentive to farmers and landowners of $200
per acre of switchgrass planted and will provide the supply of seed to establish the
crop. The incentive is intended to offset the loss of income from another crop and the
cost of maintenance for the first three years. After that, farmers will be able to
harvest the switchgrass and use it as bedding in approved houses or sell it to other
markets. Most Delmarva broiler contracts provide litter, so interested poultry farmers
should work with their company.
The Conservancy will work with participating farmers to determine the best place on
their land to plant switchgrass that both works with the farming operation and most
effectively intercepts nutrients before they enter local ditches and streams. The
Conservancy aims to establish a total of 100 acres of switchgrass on the lower shore
across about 10 farms in the first year.
These efforts will also result in a network of farmers and local markets interested in
exchanging information on growing, harvesting, processing and selling switchgrass. The
Conservancy and partners including the University of Delaware Poultry Extension,
University of Maryland Extension, Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. and the Chester River
Association are working with poultry companies and local farmers, to refine techniques
for establishing and harvesting the grass, as well as identifying existing and potential
markets for the valuable crop.
“We are very encouraged and interested in furthering the use of switchgrass to have
the product meet its full potential for both growing chickens with locally supplied
bedding and providing water quality benefits,” said Mike Pugh, Grow out Manager
with Amick Farms.
Page 4
Lower Eastern Shore Agriculture Newsletter
2013 Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School
November 19 - 21, 2013
The Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School offers a 2 1/2-day format with a variety of breakout sessions. Individuals
needing training in soil and water, nutrient management, crop management and pest management can create their own
schedule by choosing from 5 session options offered each hour. The Crop Management School will be held at the
Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel & Conference Center located at 91st Street in Ocean City, MD.
Visit www.mdcrops.umd.edu to register. Registration on or before Thursday, October 31, 2013 is $275 with registration
after Thursday, October 31, 2013 is $325. All registrations must be paid for via the online registration process by
credit card. Please contact us if you are unable to process your registration via credit card. At 301-314-7884.
Agriculture in Maryland ~ Maryland Public Broadcasting
Tuesday, November 19, 2013, 7:00 p.m. On MPT
Maryland Public Television and the Maryland Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of programs about
agriculture in Maryland that will premier on Maryland Public Television (HD) on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00
p.m. All 13 segments of the series will air on Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. and then be repeated on MPT2 as
follows:
Thursdays, 11:30 p.m. Sundays, 6:00 a.m. Fridays, 6:00 p.m.
The program will run for thirteen weeks, rest for thirteen weeks, repeat for thirteen weeks, rest for thirteen weeks
and then possibly have a premiere for season 2 in November 2014. The Maryland Farm Bureau has posted a 3
minute pro-motion for the series on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=7mxM_ tCuFtw&feature=youtu.be
2013 Lambing & Kidding School
The 2013 Lambing & Kidding School will be held Saturday, December 7, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, at the
Western Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville. The school will include separate,
concurrent educational tracts for youth and adult participants. The school is intended for beginning
producers as well as experienced ones. The youth program is suggested for youth ages 12 and
above. Speakers and facilitators include Dr. Mara Mullinix, DVM, Susan Schoenian, University of
Maryland Extension Sheep & Goat Specialist; Dr. Nelson Escobar, Small Ruminant Specialist at the
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES); Chris Anderson, youth animal science specialist; and
Shannon Uzelac, 4-H program assistant in Washington County. The cost of attending the Lambing &
Kidding School is $40 per person; $25 per youth (age 18 and under). It is also possible to
pre-register and pay online at https://13lkschool.eventbrite.com. The deadline for pre-registration
is Friday, November 22.
2014 MD Farm Bureau Farm Trucking Forums
Discuss the issues facing farmers on rural roads and state highways. Hear firsthand how the latest trucking rules and
regulations can effect your business. Have a question about IRP’s, permits, tags, and weight limits? For more information,
contact Matt Teffeau at Matt.mdfb@verizon.net or 410-924-4525.
January 6th: Salisbury, MD (Wor-Wic Community College) 9am-11am
January 20th: Easton, MD (Talbot County Ag Center) 9am-11am
Page 5
Lower Eastern Shore Agriculture Newsletter
Farm Estate Planning Workshop
Nov. 6, 2013 at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD
You’ve worked hard to build your assets - your farm, home, personal property - and to provide a level of financial
security for your loved ones. Doesn’t it make sense to work just as hard to protect them in the event something should
happen to you?
Come learn how to start that all important line of communication, with resources that will help you along the way. A
highlight of this workshop will include an in-depth panel discussion on “best practices” to preserve your life's holdings,
ensure their efficient transfer to your beneficiaries and meet family objectives. Attendees will learn: Wills, Living Wills,
Powers of Attorneys - What they do- and don’t do; When to update?, How to protect your assets from death taxes and
nursing home care costs, Your options for paying for home care and assisted living care, Keeping the peace: Ideas for
reducing conflict among family members, What is new with the IRS- reducing tax liability, Special issues unique to farmland
and farming businesses, What you can start doing now to prepare for the possibility of your death or disability. Speakers
include University of Maryland Extension, a Certified Public Account (CPA) and a Lawyer that specializes in farm estate
planning here locally and a Lawyer specializing in agriculture law.
The workshops are targeted to farmers and owners of farm and other rural land. Individuals involved in farm estate
planning, other businesses serving farmers, and state and local governments would also find this workshop helpful. Cost is
$10 per person and includes lunch and materials. To register, visit http://farmestateplanningworkshop.eventbrite.com/
Pesticide Recertification Classes being Offered This Fall
All classes will be followed by nutrient management voucher training. Pre-registration is required
November 19, 2013
December 17, 2013
Snow Hill Lions Club
Wicomico Extension Office
6:00-8:00pm
6:00-8:00pm
Contact 410-632-1972
Contact 410-749-6141
If you are involved in an Ag Business, don’t miss this opportunity to take a good look at your business and plan for the
future through our Annie’s Project or Managing for Today or Tomorrow business focused classes. For class information,
and to register visit the website: www.extension.umd.edu/annies-project. Registration begins November 11, 2013.
Join over 400 other farm women from Delaware and Maryland since 2008 and become an Annie’s Project Graduate!
Annie’s Project is designed to empower women in agriculture to manage information systems used in critical
decision-making processes and to build local networks throughout the state. The target audience is women in agriculture
with a passion for business and involvement in the farm operation.
Eastern Shore Locations:
Wor-Wic Community College
Salisbury, MD
Chesapeake Community College
Wye Mills, MD
Cost: $75.00 per person - includes lunch/dinner and all materials.
Managing for Today and Tomorrow is designed to empower women to grow their agriculture business’ legacy into the
future. The class will focus on succession, business, estate and retirement planning. Through this six session program,
professional and up to date resources will be available to all participants.
Eastern Shore location:
Chesapeake Community College
Wye Mills, MD
Cost: $60.00 per person - includes lunch/dinner and all materials.
For further information contact: Shannon Dill at sdill@umd.edu; 410-822-1244.
SAVE THE DATE!
2014 Lower Shore Agronomy Day
January 29, 2014 from 9am-3pm at Christ United Methodist Church, Salisbury, MD
Topics for 2014 meeting will include latest farm research, PMT update, insect pest management, farm liability
issues and other related information. To register, contact Carole Bevan at 410 -651-1350 or cbevan@umd.edu
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Somerset Ext. Office ~ 30730 Park Drive ~ Princess Anne, MD 21853 ~ 410-651-1350 ~ Fax 410-651-0806
Wicomico Ext. Office ~ P.O.Box 1836 ~ Salisbury, MD 21802 ~ 410-749-6141 ~ Fax 410-548-5126
Worcester Ext. Office ~ P.O.Box 219~ Snow Hill, MD 21863 ~ 410-632-1972 ~ Fax 410-632-3023
Want to receive this newsletter electronically? E-mail jrenshaw@umd.edu and type LES AG Newsletter into the subject line.
University of MD Extension
Worcester County
PO Box 219 - 305 Bank Street
Snow Hill, MD 21863