Farmer Education/Resource
Day Planned for Fall

-Terry Poole Column

Reprinted with the permission of The Frederick News-Post and
Randall Family, LLC as published on September 11, 2006

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Everyone is invited to attend a new educational event, "Farmer Education/Resource Day," presented by the Maryland Small Farm Cooperative and sponsored by Maryland Cooperative Extension.

This is every farmer's opportunity to learn something new and valuable in a day of quality educational lectures and panel discussions.

The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Frederick County Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. The $8 registration fee includes the cost of lunch.

The program topics to be presented are as follows:

• Maryland Nutrient Management Program Updates and Maryland Department of Agriculture On-Site Inspections

An overview of changes to the Maryland Nutrient Management Program plus a presentation on what farmers can expect during both farm plan and on-site inspections.

• Producer Panel and Discussion

Local agriculture producers will discuss and answer questions about farm enterprises, marketing techniques/strategies, labor issues, insurance, biosecurity, suppliers, custom work, equipment and facilities, and more.

• Review of Best Management Practices and Cost-share Programs

An overview of the strategies and practices farmers can use in the state of Maryland to protect topsoil and water quality. The discussion will also include a review of cost-share programs available to Maryland farmers to help them implement these BMPs.

• Biological Risk Management

An overview of BRM approaches to managing the risk of disease introduction and spread on farms. BRM is designed to help livestock and poultry producers identify disease risks and manage them through practical measures for common infectious diseases as well as new or unexpected ones.

This program has been approved by MDA to provide two continuing education credit hours to certified farmers (write their own nutrient management plans) and recertification for nutrient applicator vouchers.

If you would like more information on the program or for a registration form, call Andy Highland at 301-845-2614 or e-mail your request to wwmfarm@fred.net.

Click here for a flyer with the agenda and registration form.