AGLINE This Issue Tri-County

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AGLINE

Tri-County Newsletter—Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1 This Issue

Annie’s Project P. 1

Cecil Co. Ag Meeting P. 1

New AG/FEA Kent Co. P. 1

Upcoming Events

Centreville Farmers Market Planning Lunch

Q.A.’s Co. Ag Day

Setback Deadline

Women In Ag Conf.

P. 2

P. 2

P. 3

P. 3

P. 3

MD Ag Pesticide Conf. P. 4

Taste of MD Agriculture P. 5

Write Your Own

Nutrient Mgmt. Plan

P. 5

Small Flock Poultry Expo P. 5

MD Dairy Convention P. 6

ANNOUNCING

Kent Ag/FEA!

Emily Joyce

UME Kent County is pleased to announce an addition to their team! Emily Joyce will join the Kent County faculty and staff in mid-January as their new Ag Faculty Extension Assistant.

Emily was born and raised in

Alloway, NJ; fell in love with agriculture during her high school years at Woodstown

High School in Woodstown,

NJ. She followed her passion for agriculture to Delaware

V a l l e y C o l l e g e i n

Doylestown, PA where she earned a B.S. in Ornamental

Horticulture. She worked for

Tuckahoe Nurseries, managing a container production operation in Southern New

Jersey; Agrium Advanced

Technologies as a Horticultural Sales Rep in Southern

New Jersey and then went into genetic research for

DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred in

Newark, DE.

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 and Tomorrow business focused classes!

Join 413 other farm women from Delaware and Maryland since 2008 –

Be an Annie’s Project Graduate!

2014 REGISTRATION Begins November 11, 2013

For class information and to register visit the website: www.extension.umd.edu/annies-project

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.

Locations:

Anne Arundel County, MD

Cecil County, MD

Eastern Shore, MD

Baltimore County, MD

Howard County, MD

Washington County, 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, professionals and up to date resources will be available to all participants. Locations:

Cecil County, MD, Elkton. MD, Feb. 5, 12, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 2014, 6-9 p.m.

Eastern Shore, MD, Chesapeake College, Feb 5, 12, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 6-9 p.m.

Learn about organic grain, forage, and vegetable production and marketing. New this year will be breakout sessions on soil health, crop production and marketing on grain, forage and vegetable production by University of Maryland Specialists, and industry experts. Meet and share best practices with other local organic farmers and organic business sponsor who will have booths set up in the lobby area.

Beginners and experienced farmers welcome.

$30 includes continental breakfast and lunch

Georgetown, Delaware, Carvel R&EC, Feb. 5, 12, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19,7-9 p.m.

Harford County, MD (Bel Air), Jan. 16—Feb. 7, 6-9 p.m.

University of Maryland Extension –

Cecil County

Winter Extension Agronomy Meeting,

January 21, 2013

Calvert Grange, 2357 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911

8 :30 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. Pesticide Topics

FOR MORE INFORMATION

& TO REGISTER,CALL 410-

996-5280; ASK FOR DORIS Scott Rowe, Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)

9:30 a.m. Sorghum Production

James Lewis - University of Maryland Extension (UME)

10:00 a.m. Kudzu Bug; The New Insect or PATTY

Dr. William Lamp - University of Maryland, Dept. of Entomology

10:30 a.m. Using Cultural, Chemical and Biological Control Tactics for Managing

Insects and Weeds in Corn and Soybeans

Dr. Cerruti Hooks - University of Maryland, Dept. of Entomology

11:30 a.m. Nutrient Management Topics, Darren Alles - MD Department of Agriculture

12:00 LUNCH

12:45 p.m. P Index or P Management Tool?

Dr. Josh McGrath - UMD, Dept. of Environmental Science and Technology

1:15 p.m. New Yield Improvement Products- Should You Use Them?

Scab in Small Grains, and Aflatoxin Problems in Corn

Dr. Robert Kratochvil, UMD, Dept. Plant Science & Landscape Architecture.

2:00 p.m. Right to Farm issues, and Seed Saving Issues

Paul Goeringer, University of Maryland, Dept. of Ag and Resource Economics

2:45 p.m. Workshop Evaluation and Closing Comments

Doris Behnke – University of Maryland Extension, Cecil County

3:00 p.m. First Time Nutrient Applicator Card Training, Darren Alles, MDA

V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1 P A G E 2

JANUARY 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan. 7, 2014

Grain Marketing , 6:30 a.m., Sudlersville Methodist Church Hall,

103 N. Church Street, Sudlersville, MD. $10 breakfast buffet.

Jan. 16, 2014

Poultry Mortality Composting Short Course & Demo , Poultry

Research Ctr., UMES, Princess Anne, MD, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Feb. 22, 2014

Maryland Dairy Convention, 8:30 a.m.; Registration, 9:20 a.m.;

Program, 6:30 p.m. MD Dairy Shrine social time and banquet,

Holiday Inn and Conference Center at the FSK Mall, Frederick, MD.

Theme of the event hosted by the Maryland Dairy Industry Association is "Working Smarter for More Profits." For more information, call 301-349-0750, e-mail secretary@maryland dairyindustry.org or visit marylanddairyindustry.org.

Jan. 17 18, 2014

Future Harvest CASA’s 15th Annual Farming for Profit and

Stewardship Conference, UMUC Inn/Conf. Ctr., College Park.

Jan. 18, 2014

Mid-Atlantic Small Flock Poultry Mini-Expo . Chesapeake

College, Wye Mills, MD. Register & details at: www.smallflockpoultryexpo.eventbrite.com

See details: http://extension. umd.edu/ poultry/small-flock-production/mid-atlantic-small-flock-poultry-expo

Jan. 21, 2014

Feb. 26, 2014

2014 Bay Area Fruit Meeting , 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Pesticide and

CCA credits offered. For program questions contact Mike Newell, mnewell@umd.edu; 410-827-7388

Feb. 28, 2014

Queen Anne’s Co. Agronomy Day, 8 a.m.—1 p.m. 410-758-0166.

Get your Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification and renew your Nutrient Management Voucher Certificate!.

MARCH 2014

Cecil County Agronomy Day, 8:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m., Calvert

Grange, 2357 Telegraph Rd., Rising Sun, MD. Call 410-996-5280 and ask for Doris or Patty.

Jan. 21, 2014

Grain Marketing , 6:30 a.m., Sudlersville Methodist Church Hall,

103 N. Church Street, Sudlersville, MD. $10 breakfast buffet.

Jan. 21, 2014

AgrAbility Workshop , Cecil Co., Elkton, MD. Register by calling

410-996-5280 and ask for Doris or Patty.

Jan. 21, 2014

Crop Improvement Association Meeting, Holiday Inn, Grasonville, MD, Kent Narrows. Call Bobbi at 410-758-1936.

Mar. 8, 2014

Mid-Atlantic Small Flock Poultry Mini-Expo, Pylesville, MD..

Register & details at: www.smallflockpoultryexpo.eventbrite.com

See details: http://extension. umd.edu/poultry/small-flock-production/mid-atlantic-small-flock-poultry-expo

Mar. 11, 2014

Organic Grain, Forage & Vegetable Workshop , 8:30 a.m., Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD. Contact Jenny Rhodes: 410-758-

0166; Register: Call Chesapeake College 410-827-5850. Learn about organic grain, forage, and vegetable production and marketing. New this year will be breakout sessions on soil health, crop production & marketing on grain, forage and vegetable production by UMD Specialists, and industry experts.

Meet and share best practices with other local organic farmers and organic business sponsor who will have booths set up in the lobby area. Beginners/experienced

Jan. 23, 2014

Centreville Farmer’s Market: Lunch Planning Meeting , 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Centreville. Details

Jan. 29, 2014

Lower Shore Agronomy Day, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. Call Wicomico

Co. Extension Office for details: 1-410-749-6141. farmers welcome. $30 includes continental breakfast & lunch.

2014 Centreville Farmer’s Market: Lunch

Planning Meeting set

January 23rd

Jan. 30, 2014

AgrAbility Workshop , Cecil Co., Elkton, MD. 8:30 a.m.-Noon,

Cecil Co. Admin. Bldg., Elk Room, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton,

MD. Register by calling 410-996-5280 and ask for Doris or Patty.

FEBRUARY 2014

Feb. 4, 2014

MD Agricultural Pesticide Conference , Legends Restaurant in the Frederick Hampton Inn. Details enclosed.

Feb. 04, 2014

Grain Marketing , 6:30 a.m., Sudlersville Methodist Church Hall,

103 N. Church Street, Sudlersville, MD. $10 breakfast buffet.

Feb. 6, 2014

Taste of MD Agriculture , 6:30 p.m., Glen Burnie, MD. Details enclosed.

Feb. 8, 2014

Mid-Atlantic Small Flock Poultry Mini-Expo, UMD Montgomery

Co Office, Derwood, MD. Register & details at: www.smallflockpoultryexpo.eventbrite.com

See details: http://extension. umd.edu/ poultry/small-flock-production/mid-atlantic-small-flock-poultry-expo

Feb. 18, 2014

Grain Marketing , 6:30 a.m., Sudlersville Methodist Church Hall,

103 N. Church Street, Sudlersville, MD. $10 breakfast buffet.

Feb. 20, 2014

Women In Ag Regional Conference , Dover Downs Hotel and

Casino, Dover, DE. Details enclosed.

A luncheon planning meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23 rd from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Queen Anne’s Co. Office of

Planning & Zoning, 160 Coursevall Dr., Centreville. Lunch is on us! The meeting begins at 12:15 p.m. in the large conference room.

The meeting will include an evaluation of the 2013 seasonal market as well as an opportunity for perspective vendors to learn about the Centreville Farmers’ Market and submit an application for the 2014 Farmers Market. The meeting is open to new and existing market farmers and vendors as well as those interested in volunteering on the market advisory group. Farmers new to the Centreville Farmers’ Market are encouraged to attend, as well as bread vendors and farmers who produce eggs, and organic vegetables and fruits. This year, the market will also reach out to agriculturally-oriented organizations or organizations focused on healthy eating who are interested in doing periodic educational demonstrations or vendor tables at the market. The 2013 Centreville Farmers’ Market saw significant growth, but we need your ideas and participation to keep the momentum going. Please

RSVP to Carol D’Agostino, Main Street Manager, no later than

Tuesday, January 21. If you can’t attend the meeting, but would like to learn more, please contact Carol at (410) 758-1180 or maintreet@townofcentreville.org.

The 2013 Centreville Farmers’ Market saw significant growth, but we need your ideas and participation to keep the momentum going. Please RSVP to Carol D’Agostino, Main Street Manager, no later than Tuesday, January 21. If you can’t attend the meeting, but would like to learn more, please contact Carol at (410) 758-

1180 or mainstreet@townofcentreville.org.

V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1 P A G E 3

University of Maryland Extension –

Queen Anne’s County

Agronomy Day

Feb. 28, 2013 , 8:00 a.m.

— 2:00 p.m.

Queen Anne’s County 4 -H Park, Centreville, MD 21917

Note times may vary…..

8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m. - Registration & Visit with Sponsors

Coffee, Donuts, Snacks, Fruit

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m. - 2013 Weed & Herbicide Control Up-Date

Dr. Ron Ritter, Retired

Retired, University of Maryland, Professor & Extension Specialist

9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m. - 2013 Disease & Fungicide Update

Dr. Arvydas Grybauskas

Retired, University of Maryland, Associate Professor, Diseases of Field Crops Specialist

Break 15 minutes

10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. - Update on Soil Fertility Research

Dr. Josh McGrath, University of Maryland, Associate Professor, Laboratory for Ag and

Environmental Studies, Dept. of Environmental Science and Technology

11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.- New Yield Improvement Products: Should You Use Them? & Soybean Maturity Choice for Planning

Dr. Bob Kratochvil – Dept. Plant Science and Landscape Architecture - UMCP

12:00 p.m.– 12:15 p.m.- Nutrient Management Regulation Update

Howard Callahan, Sr., MDA, Nutrient Management Specialist

12:15 p.m.–12:45 p.m.- Pesticide Update

Jenny Rhodes, Ext. Educator, Ag. & Natural Resources, U of MD Extension Q.A. Co.

12:45 p.m.–1:00 p.m. - Clicker Evaluation

1:00 p.m. - Lunch Provided FREE courtesy of your local Ag Supplier sponsors

SPONSORS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS THROUGHTOUT PROGRAM

JANUARY 1

st

IS SETBACK DEADLINE

The deadline is fast approaching for farmers to establish 10 to 35 ft. setbacks next to waterways and install practices that protect streams from livestock. Soil Conservation Districts (SCDs) are available to help farmers determine setback requirements and pasture management techniques that satisfy this requirement. Farmers who are not yet in compliance should contact their SCD for free technical and financial assistance .

Women across the Region

coming together to grow their passion for Agriculture!

FEBRUARY 20, 2014 will mark our 13th Annual Mid-Atlantic

Women In Agriculture Regional Conference

The conference goals are to offer women who are involved with agriculture an opportunity to come together to learn about current issues and topics so they can make informed decisions concerning their agri-businesses and family lives.

Sessions will cover topics in marketing, financial, production and health insurance.

Location: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Dover, DE *room rates available* Cost is $45.

Registration deadline is February 5, 2014. Cancellations after Feb. 5, 2014 will not be refunded.

2014 REGISTRATION Began October 15, 2013

For conference information and to register visit the website: www.extension.umd.edu/womeninag For further information contact: Shannon Dill sdill@umd.edu; 410-822-1244.

WIA Student Discount!

Organization Name

50% off the registration fee

By entering “student” in the Promotion code box

WIA Student Discount!

Organization Name

50% off the registration fee

By entering “student” in the Promotion code box

V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1 P A G E 4

2014 MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE CONFERENCE

You are invited to attend the 2014 Maryland Agricultural Pesticide Conference , an educational program conducted by the University of Maryland Extension for custom pesticide applicators, dealers, distributors, sales representatives, growers, agency representatives and Extension workers. The 2014 conferences will be presented on Tuesday, February 4th at the Legends Restaurant in the Frederick Hampton Inn and on Thursday, February 6th at the 4-H Park in Denton, MD (see enclosed directions) . The Maryland Department of Agriculture will accept attendance at either full-day session for recertification in the following categories: 1A-Agricultural, Plant; 1B-

Agricultural, Animal; 4-Seed Treatment, 9 – Regulatory, 10-Demonstration and Research. Also, the Delaware Department of Agriculture will accept attendance at either full-day session as five hours recertification of category:

1A-Agricultural, Plant

A pre-registration fee of $35 for Frederick and $30 for Denton is required for attendance to the conference. Registration includes lunch, break, handouts, registration materials and conference costs and must be received by Friday, January 17th .

Please mail the form with your check or money order to the correct address listed on the form. **We are accepting credit card payments again this year!** Please use the following link to visit the website Eventbrite and follow the instructions to make your credit card payment : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-maryland-agricultural-pesticide-conferencetickets-9358943853 However, you must be sure to complete the registration form and mail it to us to reserve your spot.

Registrations received after January 17th will be $50.00, no exceptions.

Confirmation of registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. on both days. The 2014 conference will be chaired by me in

Denton and by Dave Martin in Frederick. If you have any questions about the Denton Conference, call Jim Lewis, Caroline County Extension Agent at (410) 479-4030. If you have questions about the Frederick Conference, call Dave Martin, Baltimore County Extension Agent at (410) 771-1761. Hope to see you at one of the conferences.

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, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

DIRECTIONS: Please contact your local Extension Office for directions.

2014 MD AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE CONFERENCES

Registration Deadline: January 17th, 2014

FIRST NAME

BUSINESS OR AGENCY PHONE NUMBER

BUSINESS STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

MIDDLE INITIAL LAST NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

1. Choose payment method:

CELL # or HOME # (in case of cancellation)

Check or money order payable to: University of MD

Credit Card Payment via Eventbrite website

(You will still need to send form with registration number from credit card authorization.)

FRS# Authorized Signature:

2. Indicate the location of the conference you wish to attend:

Frederick - February 4th ($35) Denton - February 6th ($30)

3. Mail this completed registration form and payment to: UME Caroline County, 9194 Legion Rd., St. #4, Denton, MD 21629

Note that this form and payment must be received by be $50. conference! Thank you.

January 17th, 2014, registrations received after this deadline will

If you send them to any other address, they may not be received in time and you will not be pre-registered for the

R E G I S T R A T I O N R E C E I P T

NAME

CONFERENCE LOCATION:

2014 MD AG PESTICIDE CONFERENCES

DATE

PAYMENT: Check/MO#

Credit Card Reg#

Frederick Denton

Cash:

Jim Lewis, Extension Agent, Caroline County

____

Amount:

David Martin, Extension Educator, Baltimore Co.

____

V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 2

P A G E 5

TASTE OF MARYLAND AGRICULTURE ~ A LEGISLATIVE EVENT

The “Taste of Maryland Agriculture” legislative event sponsored by the Maryland Agriculture Council, Inc. will be held on

Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Michael’s 8th Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity for the agricultural community to visit with legislators and decision makers early in the legislative session.

Gail Yeiser manages the reservations for the agricultural community on behalf of the Maryland Agriculture Council. Reservations are due by January 10th . She can be reached at gyeiser@umd.edu 301-405-2434; cell 410-353-3069. For product donation or Taste of Maryland Agriculture event sponsorships, please contact: Susan Summers, Maryland Agriculture Council Executive Secretary 301-865-1045 ssummers@comcast.net Please call your local Extension office for more details and for registration form.

FARMER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

Winter 2013

-

2014 “Write Your Own Nutrient

Management Plan”

The Farmer Training and Certification course provides an opportunity for farmers to learn how to write nutrient management plans for their own operations. As a producer, you have firsthand knowledge of your own crops, animals, and equipment. Who better to write your nutrient management plan than you? This course will teach you how to do it!

You will receive:

 A comprehensive training binder – the training binder will be used during the class, serve as a reference during the exam, and as a valuable resource when you write future plans for your operation.

 Certification – producers who pass the exam will be certified by MDA to write their own nutrient management plans.

 Voucher training credits – this class will fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.

 Complete a nutrient management plan for your operation that meets MDA regulations.

In order to work on your own plan, you need to begin gathering information now. You will need a map or sketch of your operation, soil tests that are less than two years old, and a recent manure analysis (if manure is applied to your land). Contact your county Extension office if you need assistance with this.

Registration Information

 Space is limited and registrations are accepted on a first come basis; therefore, register early . Paid registrations must be received 10 days be-

#2 Crop Operations using

Manure and Fertilizer

University of Maryland Wye

Research and Education Center

January 28 (snow date January 31 ) and February

10 (exam and plan writing) (snow date February 14)

#3 Crop Operations using

Manure and Fertilizer

University of Maryland Extension

- Washington County Office

February 18 (snow date February 21) and March 3

(exam and plan writing) (snow date March 7) fore the first class. For more information, please call 410 841 5959. Classes will be cancelled if there is lack of interest.

Evening Classes 5:30–9 pm ($20) Day Classes 9:30 am–4:30 pm (

$35, includes lunch on first day)

Keep this portion for your records ................................................................................................................................................

Return this portion with your payment.

Please register me for class #

Name

Mailing Address

County

Telephone

City

. Enclosed find my payment for the class.

State Zip Code

E

-

mail

Special accommodations needed?

Submit a separate form for each person. Make check payable to Maryland Department of Agriculture . Mail completed form and payment to: Nutrient Management Program, Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S

Truman Pkwy, Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Mid-Atlantic Small Flock Poultry Mini Expo

The University of Maryland Extension will host a Mid-Atlantic Small Flock Poultry Mini Expo at 3 different locations from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the following dates:

January 18, 2014 - Chesapeake College

Eastern Shore Higher Education Center, Rm. 110, 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679

February 8, 2014 - University of Maryland Extension—Montgomery County Office

18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD 20855

March 8, 2014 - North Harford High School

211 Pylesville Road, Pylesville, MD 21132

REGISTER ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE

The mini expos will feature at least 10 educational seminars on urban poultry keeping, feeds & feeding, breed characteristics, rules and regulations, disease prevention and control, production basics, predator control, poultry first aid, poultry production for profit, breeding & incubation, egg grading and handling.

Door prizes will be awarded!

Extension Specialists and Educators will be available to answer technical questions about production practices.

Vendors will be available with poultry equipment and supplies.

Registration is required: Adults: $35 and Children under 18 years: $15. Registration fees include lunch. To register online go to: smallflockpoultryexpo.eventbrite.com

NO on-site registration is offered! For additional information about the Mid-Atlantic Small Flock Poultry Mini Expo please email Susan Barnes at sbarnes6@umd.edu or visit the web site at http://extension.umd.edu/poultry/small-flock-production/midatlantic-small-flock-poultry-expo

If you have a disability that requires special assistance for your participation at one of our expo locations, please contact the location you are attending at least two weeks prior to the program to receive assistance. Chesapeake College: (410) 758-0166

● University of Maryland Extension—Montgomery County Office: (301) 590-9638

● North Harford High School: (410) 638-3255

NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE PD

PERMIT NO 157

CHESTERTOWN, MD

University of Maryland Extension

Kent County

709 Morgnec Rd., Ste. #202

Chestertown, MD 21620

University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against any 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.

Contact your local UME Agriculture Educator:

Cecil County ~ Doris Behnke at 410-996-5280 or dbehnke@umd.edu

Queen Anne’s County ~ Jennifer Rhodes at 410-758-0166 or jrhodes@umd.edu

Kent County ~ Emily Joyce at 410-778-1661...arriving mid-January 2014.

MARYLAND DAIRY CONVENTION

"Working Smarter for More Profits" is the theme of the Maryland Dairy Convention, set for Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Holiday

Inn and Conference Center at the FSK Mall in Frederick. Registration and the trade show begin at 8:30 a.m., with the program starting at 9:20 a.m. All dairy farmers, supporters and industry people are invited to attend an exciting day program hosted by the Maryland Dairy Industry Association and evening event hosted by the Maryland Dairy Shrine. The day program features dynamic speakers, Dairy of Distinction and scholarship honors, and the awarding of two Nexus 7 16GB (or similar) tablets as door prizes, one for adults and one for youth participating in the junior dairyman contest. The tablets are sponsored by Digital Age Solution of Frederick.

Dr. Michael Hutjens of the University of Illinois kicks off the day with his morning keynote address, "Are You Leaving Money on the Table?" A variety of breakout sessions will go into more detail on topics pertinent to today’s dairy operations, including milk quality indicators, fine-tuning the transition for higher milk production and the expanding role of alternative forages.

After the mid-morning break, Dan Hess of the KonTerra Group, based in Washington, D.C., will discuss the rewards, challenges and new directions encountered as part of living and working on the family farm. The afternoon program features information on the secure milk supply project and Dr. Hutjens covering "Managing the Feed Supply for More Milk and Profit."

For dairy youth ages 8 to 21, a free junior dairyman contest is planned, which could include but is not limited to, feedstuff identification, milking equipment identification, reproductive tract identification/ dissection, sire selection and DHIA sheet evaluation. The program will equip youth with practical knowledge and follow the same timeframe as the main daytime program. Following the contest, components will be reviewed for additional learning experience. Juniors are invited to the evening banquet for the awards presentations. All youth who participate receive an award. The Maryland Dairy Shrine will host the evening banquet, starting at 6:30 p.m. with social time and silent auction. Shining stars of the industry will be inducted into the shrine, while outstanding students will be awarded scholarships.

Room rates at the Holiday Inn are $99 per night, mention Maryland Dairy Convention. G tendees three

days before group a rrival and three roup

rates will be honored for at-

days after group departure based on

tendees

should

contact the hotel directly at 301-

694-7500 for individual reservations.

availability. At-

For more information on the convention, call 301-349-0750, e-mail secretary@marylanddairyindustry.org or visit marylanddairyindustry.org.

In the interest of conserving our environmental resources, we would like to send our monthly newsletter via email. If you are able to receive our email electronically, please contact your county office and share your email address. Thank you for helping to preserve our environment.

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