By Mayhah Suri
Governor Hogan Inducts Farm Family into Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame Governor Larry Hogan and Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder inducted the Swann Family of Calvert County into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame tonight, making the family the 47th recipients of the prestigious recognition. Accepting the honor from Governor Hogan were J. Allen and Patricia Swann, Jody and Donna Swann, and Joe-Sam and Kelly Swann. The family was inducted in front of nearly 700 agricultural leaders and legislators from across the state during the annual “Taste of Maryland Agriculture” event, held at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie. Congratulations to the Swann family. For the full story, please visit: http://smnewsnet.com/archives/399102/governor-hogan-inducts-farm-family-into-governors-agriculture-hall-of-fame/
Crop Insurance Primer Now Available Howard Leathers and Paul Goeringer have finalized a new crop insurance publication to help beginning farmers or those unfamiliar with the crop insurance program to understand the basics. The publication runs readers through the basics of how revenue and yield insurance operates and other aspects of the program. A Primer on Crop Insurance is available at http://go.umd.edu/CIPrimer Maryland Ag Department Announces Animal Health Requirements for Fairs The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that its health requirements for the 2016 fair and show season prohibit all poultry exhibitions prior to May 15. After that date, poultry egg shows will be permitted for one day only. All poultry, both in-state and out- of-state, must be tested for avian flu within 10 days prior to entry or originate from a clean or monitored flock. Waterfowl, wild bird displays, poultry petting zoos and private sales of poultry are also prohibited. For more information, please visit: http://www.lancasterfarming.com/Md–Ag-Dept–Announces-Animal-Health-Requirements-for-Fairs#.Vrn35RgrIdU A Mobile Agricultural Science Lab is Coming to Montgomery County Schools Montgomery County Office of Agriculture, in partnership with the Montgomery County Farm Bureau, Montgomery County Public Schools, the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF) and the Montgomery Countryside Alliance are working collectively in bringing a Mobile Science Lab to Montgomery County Elementary Schools. The theme for this mobile science lab is entitled Food, Fiber and you. The Mobile Science Lab will provide a variety of hands-on experiences in County schools to further engage students in learning about agriculture. The County will utilize the mobile lab programs and services provided by the MAEF to deliver specialized education to the students in the elementary schools of MCPS through the Food, Fiber and You. To learn more, visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/agservices/Resources/Files/Mobile%20Lab/Mobile_lab.pdfprogram.
Maryland Chicken Farmers Seek Relief From Manure Regulations Small Maryland farms are pleading for relief from the state’s new chicken-poop regulations, saying it’s too much of a burden for them to have to store and dispose of excess waste. The farmers are chafing against Gov. Larry Hogan’s rules, imposed last year, to cut phosphorous runoff into the Chesapeake Bay. The manure from chicken operations is a major source of that runoff, but small contract farms say they can’t handle the burden and are asking the costs be foisted onto someone else. Read the full story at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/feb/2/maryland-chicken-farmers-seek-relief-new-manure-ru/
Annie’s Projects Announces 2016 Programs This year in addition to the Regional Conference and Annie’s Project, Annie’s suppers will also be included to provide additional educational opportunities with a more flexible schedule. Annie’s Project focuses on the many aspects of farm management and is designed to empower women in overall farm decision making and to build local networks throughout the state. To see more information visit https://www.morningagclips.com/annies-project-announces-2016-programs-2/