New Updates to the Nutrient Management Program
University of Maryland Extension (UME) has launched an enhanced nutrient management planning process designed to adapt to modern farming practices and operations that better align with Maryland’s agricultural regulations and environmental goals.
Moving forward, UME will now administer and coordinate statewide nutrient management planning following the finalization of the agreement between the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Position Announcement
Faculty Specialist (Agricultural Nutrient Management Program Director
The Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (ANMP) Director works collaboratively with the Assistant Director of Agriculture and Food Systems Extension (AgFS) to provide leadership for the ANMP which is dedicated to delivering education, research, and plan writing services in the field of agricultural nutrient management throughout Maryland.
Responsibilities Include:
- Oversee and coordinate ANMP proposal and budget development, program management, and facilitate both interagency and inter-college collaborations to enhance the capacity of the University of Maryland to provide nutrient management education and services.
- Coordinate and develop the annual ANMP plan of work and budget in accordance with guidelines from the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), within university policies and ANMP goals.
- Strategically plan for ongoing ANMP development and innovative growth including working with University of Maryland Extension (UME) administration, and federal, state, and local community partners.
- Develop and adapt systems for ANMP fiscal management that comply with MDA and EPA guidelines.
- Develop ANMP procedures in accordance with university policies and MDA guidelines, and communicate these policies to campus, county, and state stakeholders and educators for reporting, program development, fiscal management, and supervision of personnel.
- Collaborate with the AgFS Assistant Director to develop the required reports for MDA, EPA, and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with AgFS faculty and staff to develop statewide program design, delivery, and outcomes.
- Supervise ANMP nutrient management specialists and advisors to provide nutrient management training and services.
- Provide daily management of the ANMP office staff on strategies for ongoing support to university and county ANMP efforts in program management, evaluation and reporting, proposal development, training, and growth.
- Coordinate and implement ANMP hiring procedures developed in coordination with College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) Human Resources (and update when necessary) and serve as the Hiring Authority for all ANMP faculty and staff hires.
- Coordinate ANMP evaluation systems and impact assessment by ensuring that ANMP evaluation plans are aligned with MDA and EPA requirements, and UME goals, reporting systems, and impact teams.
- Collaborate with the AgFS Assistant Director, the ANMP Advisory Council, and the ANMP team to develop a marketing plan to communicate ANMP impact to the university community, Extension colleagues, MDA, EPA, and program partners and stakeholders.
- Assist nutrient management advisors and specialists with engaging and providing service to socially disadvantaged and underrepresented farmers.
- Oversee United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Management Evaluation reviews.
Best consideration date: February 18, 2024.
For more information and to apply, go to the ejobs website.
Persistence Creek Farm of Maryland has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®. The award is given to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners across the U.S. in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold.
Kevin and Lauren Warring’s Persistence Creek Farm is a grain, seafood and timber business in Charles County, in the southern part of the state. The Warrings were presented with the $10,000 award at the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention in Cambridge on Dec. 6, 2021.
Click on the full article for more information. Watch their video.
Farming Technical References
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2020 Roots in Research: an inside look at the research taking place at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Upper Marlboro (CMREC-UM). 2019 Edition
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Agronomy News: Published monthly during the growing season and provides timely updates on topics relevant to row crop production
Timely Viticulture: Electronic newsletter that is designed to give those in the grape industry a timely reminder of things they should be considering in the vineyard
Wild and Wooly Newsletter: Quarterly newsletter for sheep and goat producers and anyone else who is interested in small ruminants
Greenhouse TPM/IPM Report: Alert to inform commercial greenhouse and cut flower producers of pest or disease issues during the growing season
Ornamental TPM/IPM Report: Report is for arborists, landscape managers, and nursery managers
Plant Science Food Safety Group: Sign up for their weekly newsletter at Food Safety Newsletter
Urban Agriculture Extension: Monthly newsletter of Urban Ag Extension in Baltimore City
Videos
Who Needs Nutrient Management?
You need a Nutrient Management Plan if you produce $2,500.00 in gross annual income from your agricultural operation annually OR have 8 animal units or more (animal units vary depending on species.) Call: Francis Warring, Nutrient Management Advisor (301) 934-5403 / DC Area (301) 753-8195.
Overview of the Agricultural Nutrient Management Program
UME's Agricultural Nutrient Management Program
Annual Implementation Report forms and instructions
Information about nutrient management training for certified plan writers and voucher holders
Information on laws regulating agricultural nutrient management in Maryland
Stress Management for Farm Families
The University of Maryland Extension Farm Stress Management Team provides education and outreach on topics related to mental and physical wellness for farmers, families, and communities. Specifically, we focus on developing resources to alleviate stressors driven by financial, legal, or mental health issues.
Free Therapy Sessions for farm families. For more information. go to Farm Stress Management.
Other Useful AG Links
For more information, contact:
Hayden Schug
Principal Agent
Agriculture and Food Systems Educator
301-226-7502
hschug@umd.edu
Vacant
Coordinator, Nutrient Management Advisor
301-226-7500