University of
Maryland Extension
Hello, Harford County!
It may still be early for some, but at my
Harford County Office house we have harvested a boatload of
P.O. Box 663
pumpkins! While many grow pumpkins for fall
2335 Rock Spring Road decoration, I grow them to eat. Pumpkins are
good for more than just pie. Like the acorn and
Forest Hill, MD 21050
butternut varieties, pumpkin is a type of winter
(410) 638-3255
squash, and it can be cooked in a variety of
M—F 8:00 a.m—4:30 p.m. ways.
Pumpkin is a highly nutritious vegetable. As
Extension.umd.edu/harford-county
you may guess from its bright orange color,
facebook.com/HarfordAg
pumpkin is extremely rich in beta-carotene,
Sara BhaduriHauck
an antioxidant that the body converts into
vitamin A. It’s also a good source of B
Ag Extension Educator
vitamins, calcium, and potassium. Like many
sbh@umd.edu
vegetables, it’s low in calories and high in
fiber. One cup of plain pumpkin is only 30
calories!
My favorite way to prepare pumpkin is
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
in a curry. I sauté cubed pumpkin and
potatoes in olive oil with some spices, just
MD Historic Horse
2
until fork tender, and we eat it over rice. I
Trail Launched
Ignite Your Sales with
Sensory Branding
3
Nutrient Management
for Fall Crops
5
Back Injuries and
Production Agriculture
6
Agritourism,
Recreational Use, and
Liability Waivers
8
11th Annual Small
Farms Conference
9
also like to roast cubed pumpkin, sweet
potato, and apples together in the oven for a
sweet autumn side dish. Another of our
family’s favorites is to batter and deep-fry the
plant’s flowers. If I have a surplus, I will add
grated pumpkin to a dish like pasta sauce,
stew, or meatloaf. It stretches the meal and
adds in some extra nutrients.
Since they have hard skins, pumpkins can
be stored whole, under the right conditions,
for several weeks. A root cellar is a prime
place, but if you don’t have a root cellar you
can store them in a cool, dry basement. I,
however, prefer to store my pumpkins readyto-use in my deep freezer. After harvesting, I
gut and peel them and then either cube,
steam and puree, or grate before freezing in
small portions.
If you’ve never eaten pumpkin except in
pumpkin pie, I challenge you to try preparing
it a new way this season!
Sincerely,
For 100 years, the University of Maryland Extension (UME)
has been charged with the responsibility and privilege of
delivering practical, research-based information to the
citizens of Maryland to help improve every aspect of their
lives. The signing of the Smith-Lever Act by Congress in 1914
officially created the National Cooperative Extension Service,
a state-by-state network of educators who extend universitybased knowledge directly to the people. To celebrate the
100th anniversary of this significant milestone in our nation’s
history and the impact on our state specifically, special
events are planned all across Maryland during the month of
October. See more on page 9.
First Maryland Historic Horse Trail Launched
Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture (abridged)
The first Maryland Historic Horse Trail, which includes 11 sites
steeped in equine as well as Maryland history, was unveiled in July
by the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB). The self-guided
“Horses At The Beach” driving tour, which takes place in Worcester
and the southern part of Wicomico counties, can be accessed
through the new website: www.MDhistorichorsetrails.com. An
accompanying brochure is also available at tourism centers.
Eventually a phone app and historic markers will also help guide
visitors along the trail. The trail takes visitors from the Assateague
National Seashore Park, home of Maryland’s famed “Wild Horses,”
the Assateague Ponies, to Glen Riddle Farm, now a popular eatery
that was once the training grounds of Thoroughbred horse racing
legends Man o’War and War Admiral. Other stops include Ocean
Downs, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Calvin B. Taylor
Museum and Holly Ridge Equestrian Center, the area’s first certified
Equine Experience Center where the public can enjoy and learn
about horses firsthand.
Responsible Trail Riding for Horse and Rider
Source: eXtension (abridged)
If you’re spending time with your horse on the
trail, it’s important to do so responsibly. Below
are many ways in which you can be sure that you
ride responsibly.
 Ride single file to reduce trail damage. Spread
out in open country where there are no trails.
Spreading out, rather than following each
other’s footsteps, disperses impact and avoids
creating a new trail.
 At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles
and secure horses in a manner that provides a
safe distance between the horses and passing
traffic.
 Be alert and aware of the presence of other
trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of
the trail when you hear oncoming off-highway
vehicles or bicycles.
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Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you
encounter and keep your distance.
Water animals in areas where stream banks and
water access can withstand hard use and are
downstream from campsites.
Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell
someone of your travel plans.
Pack out what you pack in. Carry a trash bag
and pick up litter left by others.
Wash your gear and support vehicle and check
your animal before and after every ride to avoid
the spread of invasive species.
Add a route with a potable water source so your
horse will be able to drink or loop to the trailer
if riding all day and there are no potable water
sources
Photo: eXtension.org
New Maryland Niche Meats Producers Directory
Looking for locally raised meats and poultry? The Maryland Niche
Meats Producers Directory is designed to help you find locallyproduced, high-quality meats and poultry at a farm conveniently
located near you. This online directory has been organized by product
for easy aggregation of suppliers and ease of online searching. Just
click on the large icon of the type of meat or poultry you‘re looking
for, and a list of Maryland Niche Meat producers for that product will
pop open. To access the directory you can go to extension.umd.edu/
agmarketing then scroll down and click on the directory icon.
New Farm Bill Resource Collection
The University of Maryland Department of Agriculture and Resource
Economics has created a webpage dedicated to information resources
relating to implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. Check it out for information
about crop insurance implications, producer decision-making tools, Farm Bill
dairy provisions, and more. Additional resources will be added regularly. Visit
the page at arec.umd.edu/extension/crop-insurance/2014-farm-bill
Ignite Your Sales with Sensory Branding
By Ginger S. Myers, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, University of Maryland Extension
Sell, sell, sell! That’s the end goal of your
marketing efforts. But getting your product into
the customer’s cart is seldom a direct line from
locating the product to purchasing it. That’s
where promotion enters the marketing equation.
The objective of promotion is to move customers
through the following phases: Unawareness >
Awareness > Beliefs > Attitude > Purchasing
Intentions > Purchase.
Getting the first sale is great, but capturing
repeat customers is the more profitable goal.
Repeat customers don’t require additional
marketing resources. Your marketing goal then is
to establish your “brand” with customers.
Branding is the use of a name, term, symbol, or
design to give a product a unique identity in the
Photo: Edwin Remsberg
marketplace. If your
product comes to mind “Tell me and I forget.
when customers think Show me and I might
about purchasing that remember. Involve me
type of product, it’s and I will understand.”
branded with them. – Benjamin Franklin
Branding is owning a
space in the customer’s mind.
Sensory branding. Most small specialty food
entrepreneurs or direct farm markets don’t have
mega marketing budgets to establish their
brands. However, if you’re marketing a food
product, you have the distinct advantage of
drawing on any of the five sensory cues to help
brand your product. Capitalizing on the sensory
aspects of your products helps accelerate the
purchasing decision process for customers.
Sight. Eighty-three percent of all information
people receive is visual. This means you have to
pay extra-close attention to your product’s
appearance and labeling. It has to be distinctive
and help reinforce your positions. Think of any
national brand of pizza as a good example of
“sight” branding.
Smell. Consider utilizing your food product’s
natural smells. Cut open onions at a market, put
basil out in your farm stand, or open a jar of your
spice mix and let potential customers have a sniff.
Fry up some bacon at the market just to attract a
crowd. Fresh brewed coffee is a great example of
“smell” branding.
Sound. Audible branding can be more
challenging to have coming from the product but
not impossible. The snap of fresh carrots or the
crunch of a crisp apple can provide auditory
branding traits. Sometimes the trait is a jingle or
tune. What comes to mind first when you think of
a Good Humor Ice Cream truck? The distinctive
tune that plays as the truck enters a
neighborhood. Rice Krispies has a classic auditory
brand – “snap, crackle, pop.”
Touch. Pay close attention to this trait in
your product design. Produce needs to be solid
and clean, package seals secure and clean. The
texture and design of baked goods should be both
eye appealing and fresh to the touch. The Pillsbury
Dough Boy is a good example of the “touch”
sensory trait.
Taste. Product sampling and tastings is the
best way to engage customers with your products.
Unfortunately, it is often impractical or not
permitted at markets or retail venues. Be
knowledgeable of the different types of flavors:
salty, sweet, sour, savory, and bitter. Use these
types of descriptor words in your marketing
materials. The potato chip aisle is packed with a
variety of flavored chips with distinctive
descriptions yet all basically just potato chips.
Sensory branding can help customers better
relate to your product and help secure your brand
with them. Your products’ sensory attributes
become touch points with customers, and their
purchasing experience becomes more personal
and memorable. Great buying experiences
translate into more repeat sales and better profits.
MDA Launches Maryland Animal Emergency Network
Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture (abridged)
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Animal
Health Section has launched the Maryland Animal Emergency
Network (MAEN), a group of animal professionals, animal
emergency responders, and other organizations interested in
addressing the needs of all animals – including companion
animals, livestock and horses – in the event of an emergency
or disaster in Maryland. MDA created the Animal Emergency
Network to connect animal disaster response partners in
Maryland and to promote preparedness for animal owners
and animal professionals to mitigate the effects of animal
disasters. Membership in the network is open to any
professional animal group in Maryland, including local animal
control groups, animal emergency response groups, animal
rescue groups, and veterinarians. For more information visit
the MAEN website at https://sites.google.com/site/
marylandanimalemergencynetwork/ Membership is restricted
to organizations. Individuals who wish to help animals in
disasters are encouraged to join their local regional or county
animal response team. Organizations interested in joining or
learning more about the network should contact MAEN
Coordinator Emily Gowin at emily.gowin@maryland.gov.
Nutrient Management for Fall Crops
By Patricia Hoopes, Harford County Nutrient Management Advisor
Are you planting winter wheat or barley grain this fall? Regulations now require a Fall Soil Nitrate Test
(FSNT) for soil nitrate concentrations before nitrogen or manure is applied. FSNT testing is available to
farmers from the University Of Maryland Extension offices by the Nutrient Management Advisors
without charge. This service is available to both farmers who have Extension develop their plans and to
farmers who have their plans completed by others in the community. FSNT testing is also available from
agricultural labs for a fee. Confused? Call the office with question and request Extension Brief EBR-15
describing the Fall Soil Nitrate Test. This information is also available online at extension.umd.edu/anmp
Nutrient Management Planning for Spring 2015
By Patricia Hoopes, Harford County Nutrient Management Advisor
Start planning now! The following checklist is
designed to help organize the information
needed.
 Soil samples: Soil sample analyses are good for
three years. Check to see if all soil analyses are
up to date. Fields high in phosphorus need an
additional test called a DPS.
 Manure samples: Manure samples are needed
each year for each type of manure.
 Manure quantities: This is based on animal
type, the amount of time animals are in an
area where manure is collected, and bedding.
Check to make sure the plan accurately
reflects current management.
 Bedding: The type of bedding and quantities
used in a year must be documented.
 Animals: Are animal types and numbers
correct?
 Crop Rotations: What crops will be planted in
each field? If you have not decided, give
additional possibilities and recommendations
for all crops will be given for them.
 Yields: Check the yields in the plan with
harvest records to determine if the yields
should be changed.
 Properties: NMP’s should be inclusive. Does
this plan reflect the entire operation? Maps
must include all rented land.
 Maps showing distance to water: Do you have
surface water on your property? If so, contact
the Soil Conservation District and request
maps indicating setbacks for crop fields and
pastures with surface water within or adjacent
to them. The District can calculate acreage in
the setback area.
 Maps from NRCS FSA showing HEL lands: NRCS
FSA maps are required to document the HEL
(Highly Erodible Lands) as an exclusion to the
required to till in manure within 48 hours.
 Nutrient applicator license: Anyone who
applies manure must have a current nutrient
applicator license. Check the date on your
license.
When should you review these items? Ideal
timelines vary based on the operation, and
specific needs but the following is a good rule of
thumb. The bottom line is that you need your
Nutrient Management Plan in hand prior to
applying any fertilizer or manure, and the plan
should be kept current.
 Fall: Collect any needed soil and manure
samples. This is suggested to avoid problems
with trying to get soil samples from frozen
ground. Last winter demonstrated that it is
impossible to get a good liquid manure sample
from a frozen lagoon.
 By Thanksgiving: Organize all plan information
outlined above.
 Late fall or early winter: Contact your Nutrient
Management Advisor to develop a plan. Note
that fall/winter plan development allows the
planner time to gather any additional
information needed.
Nutrient Applicator Voucher Trainings Scheduled
If you apply nutrients (commercial fertilizer or manure) to more than ten acres of land located in
Maryland, Maryland Department of Agriculture requires that you maintain a Nutrient Applicator
Voucher. Vouchers are valid for three years. Voucher renewal training sessions are held during the
winter at the Harford County Extension Office. New applicators and those seeking voucher renewal
attend the same training. If your voucher is expiring, or if you need to obtain a new voucher, mark your
calendar for one of the dates below. To register for one of these sessions, please call the Harford
County Extension Office at 410-638-3255.
February 10, 2015
February 25. 2015
As part of the Midwinter Agronomy Meeting
8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Deer Creek Overlook in Street, MD
10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Harford County Extension Office
Back Injuries and Production Agriculture
By Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University, from eXtension.org
Farmers and ranchers are vulnerable to
maintain proper posture.
developing back injuries because of risk factors in
A back injury can develop gradually from a
the workplace such as awkward postures, whole- repetitive activity or suddenly from a single
body vibration, repetitive motions, and forceful
traumatic event, such as improperly lifting a load
exertions, including heaving lifting. According to
or lifting a load that is too heavy. Back
the Occupational Safety and Health
impairments can range from mild and temporary
Administration (OSHA), back injuries are one of
to incapacitating and permanent. Many acute
the leading causes of disability in the workplace
back injuries occur when doing activities, such as
and cause human suffering and loss of
the following, that exceed the capacity of muscles,
productivity and strain the compensation system. tendons, or discs:
The spine is composed of vertebrae, bony
 Reaching while lifting or lifting with bad
blocks stacked on top of each other to support the
posture
trunk and head, allow flexibility, and protect the
 Engaging in unaccustomed work
spinal cord. Discs act as cushions between
 Engaging in repetitive lifting with inadequate
vertebrae and have strong outer shells and jellyrest
like middles. The muscles located on the back,
 Bending or twisting while lifting
abdomen, and buttocks provide stability and help  Lifting objects that are too heavy
 Lifting with improper foot placement
 Prolonged driving of vehicles that cause
whole-body vibration, such as tractors or
trucks, can be a risk factor for developing a
back impairment. Whole-body vibration can
aggravate existing back injuries and increase
pain levels.
Typical treatment for a back injury can
include physical therapy and medication, but
more complex treatments may be necessary for a
debilitating back impairment. Therapy usually
Photo: Edwin Remsberg
involves stretching exercises, walking, and normal
activity, provided that activity is not excessively
Prolonged driving of vehicles that cause whole-body vibration, strenuous. Consult a health care professional for
such as tractors or trucks, can be a risk factor for developing a specific treatment recommendations.
back impairment
Strategies to Prevent Back Injuries
A back impairment can happen in any type of
home, work, or recreational environment. Basic
injury-prevention strategies include staying healthy
and fit, maintaining good posture, and getting
regular exercise. According to WorkSafeBC, using
the following strategies when bending, lifting, and
carrying objects can help reduce the risk of a back
impairment:
 Place your feet apart to improve your balance
and center your body weight.
 Maintain a good grip on the object and use
appropriate gloves when needed.
 Keep a straight back when possible and avoid
awkward postures.
 Hold the object as close to your body as
possible.
Cover Crop Welcome Flyers
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Use smooth, slow motions to lift and carry a
load.
Never twist your back or waist, but rather pivot
with your feet if you need to turn.
When you have the option, push rather than
pull a load.
Prior to lifting, make sure that there are no
obstructions in your intended path.
Get help with heavy, awkward loads.
Responding to Back Injuries
If you are the manager at a farm or ranch and
there is a pattern of back injuries related to a
specific task, you should examine the task and
complete a job safety analysis (JSA) to identify
hazards associated with the task and develop
controls to reduce the risk of injury for workers.
Midwinter Meeting Date
The Maryland Department of Agriculture advises The 2015 Midwinter Agronomy Meeting will
farmers who signed up to plant cover crops this fall to be held on February 10 at Deer Creek
be on the lookout for a Welcome! flyer that includes Overlook. More details and registration
helpful information on planting dates, seeding rates
information will be coming
and payment options available through the 2014soon. As in the past,
2015 Cover Crop Program. Early planting incentive
this meeting will
payments ranging from $5 to $20/acre are
count for Private
available to farmers who plant their fields by
Applicator
October 1 or October 15. Information is also
Pesticide
available online at www.mda.maryland.gov. Click
Recertification
on the Conservation tab at the top menu bar, then
and Nutrient
click on Conservation Grants on the left menu bar
Applicator Voucher
and scroll down to the Cover Crop Program.
Renewal credit.
Pesticide Private Applicator Trainings
Those who wish to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides must be certified applicators with the
Maryland Department of Agriculture. The Harford County Extension Office offers trainings for new
private applicators and recertification for current private applicators. (Private applicators may
purchase and apply pesticides on their own properties. Those wishing to apply pesticides for hire must
obtain a commercial applicator certification.) Private applicators must attend a recertification training
at least once every three years. If your certificate is expiring at the end of 2014, you must attend
training before March 30, 2015 to recertify. Harford County training dates are listed below. To register
for training, please call the Harford County Extension Office at 410-638-3255.
October 28 and March 24
February 10, 2015
Harford County Extension Office
1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. for recertification
9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. for new applicators*
*Return for exam on Nov. 4 or March 31 at 9:00 a.m.
As part of the Midwinter Agronomy Meeting
8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Deer Creek Overlook in Street, MD
Agritourism, Recreational Use, and Liability Waivers
By Ashley Newhall and Paul Goeringer, Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of Maryland
Agritourism operators and other ag producers allowing the
public on their property often worry about liability if a guest is
injured while on the property. Although many of us worry about
these issues, Maryland’s Recreational Use Statute does offer
some protections when the property owner/tenant is allowing
the guest to use the property for no charge. When the guest is
not charged, the statute allows for the guest to be held to the
lowest duty of care (similar to that of a trespasser). The statute
will not apply to you if you are charging guests to enter your
farm (like the majority of agritourism operations). How, then, do
you limit your liability? You may want to consider working with
an attorney to develop a liability waiver. An attorney may also be
able to work with you on other potential ways to limit your
liability. For more information about agricultural law in
Maryland, including details on the statute mentioned above and
a liability checklist to work through before visiting your attorney,
check out Paul and Ashley’s website at www.aglaw.umd.edu.
Flies In and Around the Home
Photo: Cornell
By Mary Kay Malinoski, Extension Specialist, Home and Garden Information Center
House flies are the
most common fly found in
and around homes. The
adults are about 1/4 inch
long and dull gray. The
larvae or maggots are 1/4
to 3/8 of an inch long
when mature. They are
whitish, eyeless, legless and taper towards the front.
Food varies from excrement to human food. Adults
feed only on liquid food and can mechanically transmit
many disease pathogens. Female flies will seek out any
warm, moist material that has sufficient food for larval
development. To control house flies, locate larval
breeding sites and eliminate them. This includes timely
removal of trash and keeping garbage cans as dry and
clean as possible. Use cans with tight fitting lids. To
prevent adults from entering homes, tighten screens,
windows and doors. Seal all holes and entry points.
Make sure all vents are tightly screened. Adult flies can
be trapped with baited fly traps or sticky fly tape.
Spraying is generally not effective inside the home.
Cluster flies resemble
large house flies and may
suddenly appear indoors
around windows or lamps in
the fall, spring or winter.
They often become active on
warm, sunny, winter days or
when heat in the home
arouses them. Cluster flies are 3/8" long, dark gray, and
non-metallic. They are sluggish fliers. These flies are
not garbage or manure related. The larvae are actually
parasites of earthworms. Adult flies usually enter
homes in late August to overwinter and occupy attics
and/or wall voids that are warmed by winter sun
exposure (most often southern). Other attic flies also
resemble house flies but are large. Prevention is the
best control. In summer, seal up access openings. Place
tight screens over vents. Caulk or seal cracks and holes.
Inside the home, swat or vacuum any flies that appear.
Blow flies and bottle
flies are similar in size to
house flies, but are metallic
blue or green. These flies
may breed in dead animals,
feces
and/or
garbage
depending on the species.
If a large number of these
flies are found in the house, they are usually breeding
in the home or in the immediate area. Examples of
breeding sites may be a dead mouse or squirrel in the
attic, or a dead bird in the chimney. The green bottle
flies may be commonly seen on pet feces outdoors. The
life cycle is very short (2-4 weeks). So, as with the
house flies, it is important to locate and eliminate the
larval breeding site. This may involve timely removal of
pet waste from the yard, locating a dead animal or
cleaning up garbage cans. Adult control is the same as
for house flies.
11th Annual Small Farms Conference
November 7-8, 2014
Conference highlights include a
new and beginning farmers track, University of MD Eastern Shore
home food preservation course, a
Princess Anne, MD
USDA Partners and Farm Bill
Update Meeting, and sessions on soil health, aquaculture systems,
direct marketing opportunities, growing fresh market potatoes, and
appropriately scaled farming equipment. Dr. Cindy Ayers-Elliott,
touted as the CEO investment banker who traded in her high heels
for work boots, is the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Bringing
to the conference a refreshing twist, she promises to give real to life
experiences surrounding her transition, her goats and organic
vegetables, and her mission to take care of the earth. Registration
is $30 per person or $50 per couple. All registrations must be
received no later than Monday, November 3. For more information
or to register online, visit www.umes.edu/1890-mce.
100th Anniversary Open House
To celebrate our 100th anniversary,
Harford County’s Extension Open House
11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
will feature a variety of displays including
Harford County Extension Office
an historical photo showcase, antique
tractor display, and dahlia growing workshop as well as children’s activities
including pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, and a petting zoo. Food will
be available, and there will be a special drawing for a big prize! This event is
free and open to all and will be held rain or shine. For more information,
contact the Harford County Extension Office at 410-638-3255.
October 19, 2014
Dear Ag Notes readers,
Thank you for your patience over the summer as we took a brief hiatus
from our newsletter while I was on maternity leave. We plan to return back to our
monthly schedule starting with this October issue. I would also like to let you know
that I have decided to resign from my position with Extension to stay at home with
my new daughter Lucy. I will, however, continue to work in my previous role parttime until University of Maryland Extension is able to hire my replacement. It is
important to me that our core agricultural programs continue and that you receive
high-quality assistance from our office. Please know that while my hours have
decreased, my dedication to serving you remains strong. Don’t hesitate to contact
me or the Harford County office if we can assist you.
Sincerely,
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.