Education

On May 6, 2021 Xerces Society Webinar on Supporting Pollinators Over Time.

1:00 Eastern Time Integrating habitat onto farms and other landscapes can support pollinators and the pollination services they provide. However, flower-rich plantings often require ongoing management to maintain wildflower diversity for pollinators over time. Come learn about a framework for selecting the most appropriate management techniques, and learn how landowners we work with are managing their pollinator plantings. To Register

Thrips Damage to Greenhouse and High Tunnel Vegetables Widespread and Serious This Year.

Over the past few weeks we have seen several greenhouses and high tunnel vegetable operations from around Maryland having problems with thrips, affecting basil, tomato, lettuce, peppers and spinach. There are several species of vegetable thrips with the most common being the Eastern flower thrips, Tobacco thrips, Western flower thrips and Onion thrips. For More Information

February 2021

#1 Last Call! Conservation Buffer Initiative Closes February 5 #2 AIRs Due March 1 #3 Fertilizer Calculator #4 Nutrient Management Exam is February 9 #5 There’s Still Time, Winter Crop Production Meetings  #6 Rooted in Agriculture Virtual Event #7 Recertification Training Offered #1. Last Call! Sign-up for the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Buffer Initiative ends Friday, February 5. Farmers are encouraged to check out this special opportunity to apply for attractive grants to plant streamside buffers on farms to improve water quality. The program offers many unique features including a buffer option for field ditches, flexible site management, and shorter contract terms. #2. Farmers: Complete your Annual Implementation Reporting Form today. Forms are due to the Nutrient Management Program by March 1. New this year, you can complete your form online using Maryland OneStop. #3 Let Me Calculate That For You… MDA’s Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program has a new fertilizer calculator on its website to help applicators determine the correct amount and rate of fertilizer to apply to lawns that they manage. The calculator requires Microsoft Excel and can be downloaded for desktop application. Get the calculator here: www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer #4 Testing, 1, 2, 3…MDA’s Nutrient Management Program will offer a certification exam on February 9 for individuals who want to prepare nutrient management plans for farmers. #5 There’s Still Time to sign up for a Winter Crop Production Meeting. Get the latest research and data to guide your 2021 growing decisions. These meetings qualify for nutrient management voucher credits and other industry credits. #6 Join the Harford Soil Conservation District and its partners for a Rooted in Agriculture Virtual Event on March 20. This event has something for everyone...young, old and every age in between. #7 Professional Fertilizer Applicators should check out MDA’s new list of online recertification opportunities. The training satisfies the program’s continuing education requirement and will be offered via Zoom. To Learn More About the Buffer Initiative Go To: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/conservation-buffer-initiative.aspx Continue reading “MDA February 2021 Highlights” »