Hello, Harford County!
University of
Maryland Extension
Harford County Office
P.O. Box 663
2335 Rock Spring Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050
(410) 638-3255
M—F 8:00 a.m—4:30 p.m.
Extension.umd.edu/harford-county
facebook.com/HarfordAg
Sara BhaduriHauck
Ag Extension Educator
sbh@umd.edu
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Hot Water and
Pressure Canning
Workshop
2
Hydroponic Fodder:
Is It a Viable Feed
Option?
3
Responsible Horse
Ownership Week
Webinars
6
Sensitive Crop
Locator Launched
7
Emerald Ash Borer
Control Meeting
8
4-H Position Open in
Baltimore City
9
The Extension Office will be
The warm days of spring are upon us—and
closed on May 27 in
now so are the stink bugs! Like many others I
observance of Memorial Day.
know, my house was the perfect overwintering
site for many of these little critters who are
What pesticides are effective? Per
now waking up and getting ready to march laboratory research conducted by University
back into the fields.
of Maryland Department of Entomology,
Stink bugs have been a pest of concern to several commercially-available pesticides
farmers and homeowners alike. Many are exhibited significant control activity when
wondering if 2013 will be a mild year, like direct-sprayed onto BMSBs: insecticidal soap,
2012 was, or if we should prepare for carbaryl, horticultural oil, acetamiprid, and
permethrin. Significant control via contact
another year like 2011 or 2010.
I had the opportunity to attend a with dry residue was achieved only using
regional Brown Marmorated Stink Bug acetamiprid and permethrin. No significant
(BMSB)
Conference in April, where control was found using neem oil, spinosad,
researchers from USDA and several Mid- herbal essential oils, or capsaicin. Field trials
Atlantic universities presented their are still needed to support these results.
How can I keep them out of my
findings. Although there is still more to be
done, the past few years’ work has yielded house? As many of us know, BMSBs
overwinter in homes. (Recent research
some enlightening results.
Are traps effective? Most traps that proves that they also overwinter in standing
are currently available use a pheromone dead oak and locust trees.) The bugs we see
from a different species of stink bug to inside now entered in the fall, were dormant
attract BMSBs. In research trials, traps through winter, and are becoming active now
containing this pheromone were only in response to warmer temperatures. The key
effective in late season (after mid- to keeping your home BMSB-free is to
August). Researchers have identified and prevent an influx when the bugs are looking
successfully synthesized a BMSB-specific for places to overwinter. Scout your yard for
pheromone, which has proven to trees and shrubs that attract BMSB;
successfully attract BMSB all season. researchers have identified several favorites.
However, it will not be available Remove or treat these specific host plants in
the fall. The idea is to keep BMSBs away from
commercially until 2014.
your home, during the fall, until they have
Another research study showed that
found another place to overwinter.
fields with traps had significantly more
Finally, to answer the question or this
damage than fields without traps, even
year’s
infestation level—get ready for a
though the traps did catch a large number
of BMSBs. This is likely because the challenge. Six times more BMSBs went into
pheromone actually attracts more BMSBs overwintering in 2012 than did in 2011.
into the field. Thus, it may be advisable to Hopefully what science has taught us will
locate traps in a “sacrifice area” in order to help us protect this year’s crops!
Best of luck for a safe, successful season,
contain damage to one spot. This will also
make it easier to treat with pesticide since
most of the BMSBs will be congregated in
one area.
New Fruit and Vegetable Headline News Available
Fruit and Vegetable Headline News is published by
University of Maryland Extension bi-weekly during the
growing season. Check out the latest edition for stories on:
Tree Fruit Disease Update
High Density Apple Variety Fire Blight Resistance Trial
Vegetable Transplant Height Control in Vegetable Crops
Contact the Extension Office by phone or e-mail to receive a
copy.
Maryland Grain Producers Scholarship
Given the dynamic changes in agriculture today, the advances in biotechnology, global positioning
systems, biofuels, environmental protection, and crop and livestock production, Maryland’s grain
farmers believe it is very important to encourage students to consider careers in agriculture by
supporting their educational needs through scholarship. Eight awards in the amount of $2,500 will be
presented to deserving applicants in 2013. Applicants must be a resident of Maryland and be enrolled
or accepted to a 4-year institution working toward a B.S. degree, or enrolled or accepted to a 2-year
institution within an agricultural program. The applicant or the
applicant’s immediate family must be involved in the production of
grain in Maryland. Applications are available online at
www.marylandgrain.com. Completed applications will be accepted in
hard copy or via e-mail to marylandag@gmail.com. The deadline is
June 1. Winners will be announced, and are expected to participate,
at the annual meeting on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the Queen
Anne’s 4-H Park on Route 18 between Queenstown and Centreville.
Questions may be directed to 410-956-5771.
Hot Water Bath and Pressure Canning Workshop
A “Grow It, Eat It, Preserve It” program presented by UME Carroll County
Attention 4-Hers: learn how to preserve your garden’s bounty, and go
home with a project you can enter in the fair! The morning session will
focus on hot water bath canning (9:30 to 12:00), and the afternoon session
9:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Harford Extension Office will focus on pressure canning (12:30—4:30). Please bring your own
packed lunch. Sign up now! The class is limited to the first 15 paid
Forest Hill, MD
registrants. Registration is $15 per 4-Her. Adults may also attend the entire
workshop for $65 or one session only for $35. Registration includes a copy of the publication It’s So Easy
to Preserve. To register, call 410-386– 2760 or 1-888-326-9645.
June 8, 2013
Hydroponic Fodder: Is It a Viable Feed Option?
By Susan Schoenian, UME Sheep and Goat Extension Specialist (All photos courtesy of Susan Schoenian)
Although the methods of hydroponic fodder
production date back to the 1930's, there is renewed
interest in hydroponic fodder as a feedstuff for sheep,
goats, and other livestock. Hydroponics is a method of
growing plants without soil. Only moisture and
nutrients are provided to the growing plants. There
are many advantages to hydroponics. Hydroponic
growing systems produce a greater yield over a shorter
period of time in a smaller area than traditionallygrown crops.
There is a reduction or exclusion of pesticides and
herbicides because the plants are in a more protected
growing environment. Hydroponics is a year-round
growing system that produces a consistent quantity
and quality of plant material, regardless of outside
weather.
Fodder (livestock feed) can be grown
hydroponically much the same as vegetables, flowers,
and other plants. Hydroponic fodder systems are
usually used to sprout cereal grains, such as barley,
oats, wheat, sorghum, and corn, or legumes, such as
alfalfa, clover, or cow peas. Barley is the most
commonly grown forage, because it usually gives the
best yield of nutrients (4). Forage mixtures are another
option.
A hydroponic fodder system usually consists of a
framework of shelves on which metal or plastic trays
are stacked. After soaking overnight, a layer of seeds is
spread over the base of the trays. During the growing
period, the seeds are kept moist, but not saturated.
They are supplied with moisture and nutrients, usually
via drip or spray irrigation. Holes in the trays facilitate
drainage and the waste water is collected in a tank for
recycling.
The seeds will usually sprout within 24 hours and
in 5 to 8 days have produced a 6 to 8 inch high grass
mat. After the mat is removed from the tray, it can go
into a feed mixer or be hand-fed to livestock. Livestock
will eat the whole thing: seeds, roots, and grass. There
is minimal waste.
Livestock may not
eat
the
fodder
initially because it is
novel, but they soon
learn to eat it with
relish.
While
it
is
possible to grow
hydroponic fodder in
any
building,
including a garage or
basement,
a
greenhouse is ideal
because temperature,
light, and humidity can
be precisely controlled.
Efficient,
year-round
production of green
fodder is not possible
unless environmental
conditions are optimal:
approximately 70°F, 60
percent humidity, and 16 hours of light. For this
reason, hydroponic growing systems usually require
significant investment.
Hydroponic fodder systems come in a range of
sizes and capacities. Large fodder sheds may produce
several tons of fodder per day, whereas a mini-fodder
system may produce only 125 lbs. per day (3). It is
possible to build your own system or a "turn-key"
system can be purchased from a commercial company.
Investments range from a few hundred dollars to six
figures.
As feed for livestock
Fodder sprouts are tender and young, the
equivalent of fresh spring grass. As such, they are
highly palatable and nutritious to all types and classes
of livestock. On an as-fed basis, hydroponic fodder
compares favorably with other nutritious feedstuffs.
At the same time, sprouting changes the nutritive
characteristics of the grain. Enzymes breakdown
storage components into more simple and digestible
fractions; for example, starch to sugars, proteins to
amino acids, and lipids to free fatty acids. There is an
increase in fiber and some vitamins and a decrease in
phytic acid, an antinutritional compound (11).
There is a reduction in total energy. The increase in
protein percentage is due to the dry matter loss . In
fact, the downside to hydroponic fodder is its high
moisture content. According to various forage analysis
reports (3), the dry matter content of hydroponic
fodder is only 12 to 15 percent, compared to almost
90 percent in (unsprouted) grains and hays (1). Even
corn silage and haylage have considerably more dry
matter
than
sprouts
(1).
If you do not consider its high moisture content,
the per pound price of hydroponic fodder seems very
economical, around $0.06 per pound (or $120 per ton)
(3). Without further analysis, this sounds like a great
way to reduce the cost of feeding livestock. But when
the wet cost is converted to a dry matter basis, feed
cost becomes very high. At 12 percent dry matter
(DM), wet feed that costs 6 cents per pound actually
costs 50 cents per pound of dry matter. This is
considerably more expensive than most other
feedstuffs, as shown in the tables below.
the high moisture content of the feed, the high cost of
the feed, and the scale which would be needed to
produce sufficient dry matter (11).
Animal performance
The companies that market hydroponic fodder
Comparative costs of different feed costs (as-fed)
systems make all sorts of claims about green fodder as
Feedstuff
Cost
Unit
$/lb
a superior livestock feed: better gain, improved
fertility, earlier heat cycles, improved fleece quality,
Barley sprouts
$0.063
pound
0.060
improved
immunity,
better
behavior
and
Orchardgrass hay
$60
700-lb bale
0.086
temperament, less manure, etc. Few of these claims
have been substantiated or proven to be repeatable in
Alfalfa hay, mid
$250
ton
0.125
experiments (5,11).
bloom
Over the years, in many different countries, and
Barley grain
$6
bushel
0.125
with different species (mostly cattle, pigs, and poultry),
research trials have been conducted to assess the
Soybean meal
$480
ton
0.240
performance of livestock fed hydroponic green fodder
(11). Across the many trials, there has been no
Cost per pound of dry matter (DM)
consistent advantage to including green fodder in the
Feedstuff
$/lb
% DM1
$/lb DM
diet of livestock, especially when it replaces highly
Alfalfa hay
0.125
89
0.14
nutritious feeds, such as grain (5,7). Even if there are
benefits to hydroponic fodder, the benefits are usually
Barley grain
0.125
89
0.14
outweighed by the costs. Research is conflicting as to
Orchardgrass hay
0.086
88
0.20
whether sprouting improves or reduces dry matter
Soybean meal
0.24
91
0.26
digestibility as compared to the raw grain. In a 2012
journal article, Iranian researchers reported no
Barley sprouts
0.06
123
0.50
increases in quantity or quality of dry matter and
Because of its low dry matter content, the cost of nutrients with sprouting (10). While the companies
nutrients in hydroponic fodder is also considerably claim that you'll get a 6 to 10-fold increase in weight
more expensive than other feedstuffs.
from a pound of unsprouted grain, they fail to mention
Nutritional requirements of livestock are based on that the increase (in weight) is almost all water (5,11).
dry matter intake. If fed to livestock at a rate of 2
At the same time, there is a strong need for more
percent of their body weight (a common trials to determine the potential feeding value of
recommendation), hydroponic fodder will only meet a hydroponic fodder, particularly with sheep and goats.
fraction of most animals' nutritional requirements, Studies conducted in Italy in 2009 produced conflicting
especially the higher producing ones. Thus, the fodder, results with regards to milk production and animal
while excellent feed, is only a nutritional supplement welfare (2,8). Another aspect that needs to be
and an expensive one at that.
investigated is potential changes in the final product
Full feeding of sprouts is usually inappropriate due to (meat and milk) as a result of replacing some of the
animals' traditional diet with
Energy (TDN) requirements met by feeding 2% fodder (as-fed)
green fodder.
Animal, stage of
TDN requirements lb TDN supplied by
% TDN requirements met by
Other challenges
lb DM/day1
fodder at 2% BW
fodder
production
One
of
the
biggest
154-lb. ewe, maintenance
1.36
0.52
38
challenges
to
producing
hydroponic fiber, especially
Late gestation, twin lambs
2.66
0.52
20
commercial quantities, is mold
Lactation, twin lambs
2.88
0.52
19
(5, 11). Moldy sprouts can
132-lb. doe, parlor milked
decrease animal performance
5.50
0.45
8
(10-14 lb milk/day)
and result in animal deaths (5,
Growth, 66-lb. lamb
11). Pre-treatment of seed with
2.18
0.22
10
(4 mos. old, 0.66 lb/day)
a
sterilizing
agent
(e.g.
Growth, 44-lb. Boer buck
hydrogen peroxide) is one
1.41
0.15
11
( 0.44 lb/day)
strategy for preventing mold.
TDN supplied by fodder at 2% body weight was determined by multiplying body weight by 0.02. This figure was Good hygiene in the system is
multiplied by the dry matter content of the fodder (0.12), then divided by the %TDN (0.71). Example: [(154 x
also important. The growing
0.02) x 0.12] ÷ 0.71 = 0.52 lbs. TDN
trays should be cleaned between crops with a
chlorine based cleaning solution (11).
Hydroponic fodder production requires a lot of
labor. Time is needed to soak the seed, make up the
nutrient solution, transfer the grain to the trays, load
the trays onto the shelves, check the fodder daily for
growth, remove the sprouted grain from the trays,
wash and sterilize the trays, and feed the green feed to
the livestock. Automation will reduce labor
requirements, but may substantially increase
investment costs.
In order to create a controlled growing
environment, it can require considerable energy to
grow hydroponic fodder (5). Solar power could be used
to provide electricity, especially in remote, rural areas
or third world countries.
Advantages of hydroponic fiber
Hydroponic fodder has several environmental
advantages over conventionally-produced fodder.
Hydroponic fodder makes very efficient use of water
(4,5,11). There is little waste water, as animals
consume the recirculated water along with the feed.
Since production is hydroponic, there is no leaching of
nutrients into the environment. Hydroponic fodder
production requires considerably less land to produce
livestock feed.
While hydroponic fodder is not likely to become a
major source of feed for commercial livestock, it may
be feasible under certain circumstances.
Dry and drought-prone regions. Hydroponic fodder
production is probably best-suited to semi-arid, arid,
and drought-prone regions of the world. By growing
fodder indoors, crop failures would no longer be a risk.
Good quality forage could be produced year-round.
Feed supplies would be insured. Scarce water
resources could be allocated more efficiently (4).
Limited land. In places where land values are
extremely high or land is simply not readily available,
hydroponic fodder has obvious advantages, as it can be
produced in a small footprint. Because the fodder is
produced continuously, there is no need for long-term
feed storage and no nutrient losses that can be
associated with feed storage.
High alternative feed costs. While this article clearly
shows that hydroponic fodder is considerably more
expensive than conventional feedstuffs, it assumes that
conventional feedstuffs are available and priced
competitively. There are many locations in which this is
not the case and hydroponic fodder could be more
competitively priced, especially if animal performance
is improved, due to unknown nutritional factors in the
green fodder.
Small-scale producers. Requiring smaller amounts
of fodder, small-scale producers may be able to build
their own fodder systems for a few hundred dollars.
When the investment is low and labor is unpaid, the
cost of hydroponic fodder is more reasonable.
Non-ruminants. Hydroponic fodder may be bestsuited to non-ruminants (horses, rabbits, pigs, and
poultry) who would benefit more from the changes in
the feed due to sprouting (e.g. less starch, more
sugars) as compared to ruminants (sheep, goats, and
cows) who are less efficient at digesting high quality
feed (6). Hydroponic fodder seems ideal for horses,
though the research is lacking. A study with rabbits
showed no detrimental effect to replacing up to 50
percent of the commercial diet with green fodder (9).
Organic. Hydroponic fodder production seems
particularly well-suited to organic producers (6), who
already pay high prices for feed or have difficulty
sourcing organic feedstuffs. Cereal grains can easily be
sprouted in accordance with USDA's Certified Organic
Program.
In the future
As competition for land and water increases and
feed prices continue to rise, hydroponic fodder could
become a viable option for more livestock producers.
References
1
Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants (2007) - National Research
Council
2
Evaluation of animal welfare and milk production of goat fed on
diet containing germinating seeds (2009) - Italian Journal of Animal Science
3
Fodder Pro (FarmTek) (2012)
4
Green fodder production and water use efficiency of some forage crops
under hydroponic conditions (2011) - ISRN Agronomy
5
Hydroponic fodder production: an analysis of the practical
and commercial opportunity (2011) - The New Zealand Merino Company
6
Hydroponic fodder systems for dairy cattle (2013) - Iowa State University
7
Performance of feedlot calves fed hydroponics fodder barley (2011) - J. Ag.
Sci & Tech
8
Improvement of sheep welfare and milk production fed on diet containing
hydroponically germinating seeds - (2009) Italian Journal of Animal Science
9
Productive response of rabbits fed with green hydroponic oats forage
as partial replacement of commercial concentrate (2011) - Acta Agronomica
10
Productivity and nutritive value of barley green fodder yield in
hydroponic systems (2012) - World Applied Sciences Journal
11
Review of hydroponic fodder for beef cattle (2003) - Meat & Livestock
Australia
Responsible Horse Ownership Week Webinars
May 13-17, 2013
Mark your calendars for the University of Maryland
Webinar series! As part of Responsible Horse
Join us each day at noon! Ownership Week, sponsored by the Maryland Fund
for Horses, a variety of topics will be presented at 12:00 pm each weekday. All
webinars will be recorded and placed on our website at extension.umd.edu/
horses/resources/recorded-webinars for future viewing.
May 13: “What Supplements Does My Horse Need?” by Dr. Carey
Williams, Rutgers University
May 14: “Broodmare Nutrition” by Dr. Tania Cubitt, Performance
Horse Nutrition
May 15: “Managing Your Horse’s Joint Health for Lifetime Soundness”
by Dr. Linda Dahlgren, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
May 16: “Parasite Control and Resistance” by Dr. Harold McKenzie,
Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center
May 17: “Understanding the Horse’s Hoof” by Mike Poe, Associate
of the Company of Worshipful Farriers and Certified Journeyman Farrier
Registration is free and open to anyone; a computer with high-speed Internet
access is required to view the webinars. Register in advance by visiting
agnr.umd.edu/seminars in order to receive login instructions. Questions may be
directed to Jennifer Reynolds at jenreyn@umd.edu or 301-405-1547.
“Focus on Corn” Resource
The phrase “nip the problem in the bud” probably had its beginnings in
agriculture, and it certainly applies in early season corn management! Across
the U.S., early season weed management is critical to stand establishment
and protecting yields. And in the Mid-Atlantic region, where more growers
are practicing no-till, slugs are becoming a major issue. As part of its mission
to enhance the health, management, and production of corn crops through
quality, science-based information, the Plant Management Network has
published two new early season management webcasts in its “Focus on
Corn” resource: “Slug Management on Corn,” by Dr. Ron Hammond, and
“The Importance of Early Season Weed Management in Corn,” by Dr. Mark
Loux, both from the Ohio State University. These presentations are open
access through the end of June, 2013. These and other “Focus on Corn”
Presentations can be viewed at www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/foc.
Crop Insurance Early and Final Planting Dates
These 2013 dates are specific for Harford County, provided by USDA-RMA.
Corn
Soybeans
Early
April 11
Final
June 10
Early
April 15
Final
June 20
Harford County Weed Control Program
The Harford County Weed Control Program, in cooperation
with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, is available to
assist farmers in controlling noxious weeds on their
properties. Noxious weeds in Maryland include thistles,
Johnsongrass, Shattercane, and multi-floral rose; by law,
these weeds must be controlled. The Harford County Weed
Control Program will provide hand gun spot spraying for
these weeds in pastures, crop fields, fence rows, building lots,
and non-crop areas. The spray charge for farm properties is
$45.00 per hour plus material. For more information, contact
Nathan Anderson, coordinator, at 410-776-1526 or Jim Calao,
MDA Representative, at 410-841-5920.
MDA’s Sensitive Crop Locator Launched
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has launched a new
online mapping application, called a “Sensitive Crop Locator,”
where pesticide applicators can see locations of crops sensitive
to pesticide damage so they can take extra precautions to
prevent drift, especially from herbicides, when spraying on
nearby properties. Crops sensitive to damage include grapes,
tomatoes, organic farms, tobacco, livestock, nurseries, and
vegetables, among others. The map can be accessed from the
MDA website, www.mda.maryland.gov, under “Hot Topics.”
The map includes the name and address of the grower; the
type of crop/commodity produced; contact information; and
the specific location where each crop is grown. Commercial
growers who want their crop and/or commodity listed can
submit an application to MDA for each field to be listed on the
website. For more information or to obtain an application,
contact MDA’s Pesticide Regulation Section at 410-841-5710.
Buffer Zone Calculator for Soil Fumigant Applicators
An electronic Buffer Zone Calculator is now available in
EPA’s online Soil Fumigant Toolbox. The EPA developed
this new tool to help soil fumigant applicators,
growers, and enforcement personnel determine the
buffer zone distances now required by soil fumigant
product labels per label changes that became effective
on December 1, 2012. The Buffer Zone Calculator is
specific to each fumigant product and is based on lookup tables on the product labels. A guide for applicators
explaining how to calculate buffer zones manually is
also available in the Soil Fumigant Toolbox. To access
these online tools, visit http://www.epa.gov/
pesticides/reregistration/soil_fumigants/index.htm.
Woodland Webinar
The next webinar in the
Woodland Stewardship
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m. Education, Woodland
Wildlife Series will be
“Ecology and Management of Young Forest Wildlife,”
presented by Tom Mathews, habitat biologist from
The Wildlife Management Institute. The decline in
young forests and early successional environments has
led to a decline in several important species, such as
the American Woodcock. A high-speed Internet
connection is required to participate. It is suggested
to connect 10-15 minutes
before the webinar begins:
con n ec t. mo o.u md. ed u/
umeforestry and log in as a
guest.
May 9, 2013
Photo: Bruce Yolton
Emerald Ash Borer Meeting
May 7, 2013
“Planning
for
the
Invasion:
Con trol
Measures for Emerald
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Ash Borer” will show Robinson Nature Center
municipal and county
Columbia, MD
officials why they need
to begin the EAB planning process as the invasion
continues to spread throughout the state. The
workshop will feature a hands-on demonstration of
control techniques. This meeting will count for MD
pesticide applicator recertification (categories 2 and
3A) and 5 MD/DE Master Logger CE credits. For more
information, complete agenda, and registration, visit
eabcontrol.eventbrite.com.
Registration is $30/person.
Photo: Canadian Food Inspection Facility
Pre-Sidedress Soil Nitrate Testing: Crucial for Corn!
By Patricia Hoopes, Nutrient Management Advisor
When growing corn grain or corn silage, soil nitrogen
levels are very important for crop health and yields.
Fertilizer recommendations, generated for a field
that had a previous forage legume crop or manure
application,
assume
a
significant
nitrogen
contribution from the previous crop or manure
application. Nitrogen is not a stable compound and
there are many factors that can affect the amount
that is actually present when the plant needs it.
2) Manure or biosolids have been applied this year or
in the past two years, OR a forage legume was grown
in the previous year.
3) Less than 50 pounds of commercial fertilizer
nitrogen per acre was applied prior to testing.
Do your crop recommendations depend on a nitrogen
credit from an organic application or a previous forage
legume crop? Are you applying less than 50 pounds of
nitrogen per acre in your starter fertilizer? If this
scenario describes your corn field, it is highly
recommended that you schedule a PSNT study to
evaluate the nitrogen levels at this critical time.
test done to ensure the advisor’s availability. It is also
recommended that growers alert their advisors prior
to the 6 inch stage. Corn grows quickly during this
critical time, and scheduling can be challenging.
PSNT is not applicable when:
1) More than 50 pounds of commercial fertilizer
nitrogen has been applied to the field.
2) Commercial fertilizer has been the only nutrient
The PSNT test takes the guess work out of nitrogen source.
availability. This test determines how much nitrate 3) Irrigation is used.
nitrogen is present in the soil at a critical time. When When should this test be done?
the results indicate that the nitrogen level is This test must be run when the corn is between 6 and
satisfactory, the grower is saved from any more 12 inches tall. If the corn is over 12 inches tall the test
financial inputs. However, when nitrogen levels are cannot be completed because results will be invalid. It
found to be too low, nitrogen can be side-dressed at a is recommended that you let your nutrient
rate to ensure an adequate crop.
management advisor know now that you will want this
Qualifications for PSNT testing:
1) Corn silage or corn grain is being grown.
For questions on the PSNT test or to schedule testing
for your fields, call Tricia Hoopes, Nutrient
Management Advisor, at the Harford County Extension
Office, 410-638-3255.
4-H Position Open in Baltimore City
University of Maryland Extension is hiring a Faculty Extension Assistant for 4-H programs in
Baltimore City. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering,
math, youth development, or education. Preference will be given to applicants who have
experience with volunteers and youth. The base salary for this position is $32,640. All candidates
must apply online at ejobs.umd.edu; search for faculty position number 117685. Applications will
be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.
Harford Soil Conservation District Supervisor Sought
Nominations for an appointment to the Harford Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors are being
accepted by the Maryland State Soil Conservation Committee. The appointment will be for a term to expire
October 17, 2016 and will fill the unexpired term of Michael S. Birch. Nominations should be sent to: State Soil
Conservation Committee, Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Room 306, Annapolis, MD
21401. Any interested individual or organization may submit a recommendation. Nomination forms are
available at the Harford County Extension Office. Forms may also be picked up at the
Harford Soil Conservation District Office, 19 Newport Drive, Ste. 103, Forest Hill, MD
21050 or online at www.mda.maryland.gov (click on Conservation, then Committees).
Nominations should be received by the State Soil Conservation Committee by May 30,
2013. A supervisor must be a resident of the district. District boundaries are the same as
county boundaries. Anyone recommended should be able to attend monthly meetings of
the Board of Supervisors and have a knowledge of and sincere interest in proper land use
and the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.
Farmers Market Listing
The 2013 Maryland Farmers’ Market listings of locations
and hours for each of the state’s markets is now available
through the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)
website. This year, some 131 markets will be open with at
least one in every county and Baltimore City. To view the
2013 Farmers’ Market Directory, visit mda.maryland.gov/
maryland_products/Pages/farmers_market_dir.aspx.
A searchable database of farmers’ market locations, hours,
and producer/vendor and product listings is available on
the Maryland’s Best website
at www.marylandsbest.net.
The print version of the
2013 Maryland Farmers’
Market Directory will be
available in mid-May from
MDA’s Marketing Division at
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
in Annapolis, 410-8415770.
Jeff Myers
Area Extension Director
Harford, Baltimore,
and Carroll Counties
Sara Meagher BhaduriHauck
Faculty Extension Assistant
Agriculture and
Natural Resources
Dairy Breed Field Days
The 2013 Dairy Breed Field Day schedule and
entry form document is now available online
(dairy.umd.edu) in a fillable PDF format.
Questions regarding the shows or the entry
form can be directed to Kiera Finucane at
kieraf@umd.edu or 301-405-1392.
sbh@umd.edu
harford.umd.edu
facebook.com/HarfordAg
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