Publications

Cooking food to a safe minimal temperature, using a food thermometer is an important behavior to reduce foodborne illness among consumers. However, data from FDA observed 67% of consumers owning a food thermometer, and this has not changed in 10 years. Using a food thermometer all the time for roasts, poultry, and hamburgers can range between 10-38%. This fact sheet helps address how to safely calibrate a food thermometer, and hot to best store and use it to keep the meals Marylander's prepare less risky.

This Fact sheet is to show educators how to recycle plastic or foam board into an educational tool, that can be used for nutrition and food safety purposes.

A successful farm operation requires thoughtful property selection, whether you are leasing or purchasing land. When looking at properties, you need to consider how the property will support the goals in your business plan. Will the farm be productive? Will the location and regulatory environment fit into your marketing strategies, or can you adjust your strategies to suit your income needs? Is the price of the farm reasonable and realistic given your financial goals? Are there any zoning, covenant, easement, or plat restrictions that might prevent you from producing or selling what you want, where you want? Authors: Ben Beale, Greg Bowen, Paul Goeringer, and Margaret Todd; Title: Considerations for Acquiring a Farm: Selecting the Best Farm Property (FS-1094)

Farmers who use pesticide products must use the product in accordance with the label and are responsible for taking certain steps to prevent pesticide exposure and mitigate any pesticide related health consequences for themselves and their employees, co-owners, and family members working on the farm. The Worker Protection Standard requires that when farmers use a pesticide with a WPS-label, they take certain protective measures to reduce the risk of illness or injury associated with exposure to pesticides. Not only is complying with the WPS a legal requirement for farmers who use a WPS-labeled pesticide, but research has shown that the practices required by the WPS benefit the health of farmers, farmworkers, and their families. Organic farmers may not realize that they are subject to the WPS. To comply with federal law and reduce pesticide related risks, all farmers should follow pesticide label instructions and implement the recommended practices. The WPS responsibilities can be broken down into three categories: inform, protect, and mitigate. This factsheet includes a summary of the main WPS provisions.

Knowing the amount of sodium in your drinking water is important for your health, especially if you have high blood pressure. Sodium is an essential mineral for maintaining a healthy fluid balance and is important for brain function and muscle contractions, but consuming too much sodium can elevate your blood pressure. This publication provides guidance on sodium intake from food and drinking water.

Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a native summer annual weed of many cropping systems in the mid-Atlantic. It is often encountered as weed in agronomic crops as well as vegetable, orchards, roadsides, and abandoned fields. Common ragweed can thrive in lower fertility soils and is often more severe in reduced or no-tillage situations. In Maryland, populations of glyphosate resistant common ragweed were first confirmed in 2014. Resistance to ALS herbicides was also confirmed the same year. In most areas of Maryland, common ragweed has two-way resistance to both glyphosate and ALS chemistry. In 2017, pockets of three way resistant common ragweed plants were confirmed in parts of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland to PPO, ALS and glyphosate. Herbicide resistant common ragweed can be very difficult to control in agronomic crops, particularly soybeans. Authors: Benjamin Beale, and Matthew Morris; Title: Managing Herbicide Resistant Common Ragweed (FS-474)

Home sickness is a very common occurrence at summer camp, and camp staff are trained and ready to help children in any way they can to have a successful time. However, preparing your child for an amazing summer starts from the moment you decide to send them to camp. Here are a few tips to help parents and children prepare for homesickness as you ready for camp. Author: Amanda Wahle; Title: Homesickness Tips for a Successful Summer Camp Experience (FS-1088)

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) conducted an agricultural needs assessment for the nine counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 2015. This survey will help UME understand issues concerning Eastern Shore agriculture, identify agricultural and educational needs and focus UME agricultural training and resources. The survey was conducted in 2015 and included four sections: 1) industry priorities, concerns and viability; 2) research and education needs; 3) education and training preferences; and 4) demographic and farm information. Results were received from 295 farmers through paper or online surveys.

Groundwater is the largest supply of freshwater on earth, and the biggest source of drinking water for the U.S. Protecting groundwater is both an important public health and environmental issue and concern. By understanding how we impact this resource and following simple practices, we all can be better stewards of our groundwater.

Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri, is a new invasive weed in the pigweed family that has become a major challenge for farmers across the U.S. for much of the last decade. Native to the Sonora Desert of Arizona and Northern Mexico, Palmer amaranth is well adapted to the hot Maryland summers. It was first discovered in Maryland during the mid-twentieth century, but the presence of herbicide resistant Palmer amaranth was not confirmed until 2014. Since then it has spread to most regions of the state including Eastern, Southern, and Western Maryland. The spread of Palmer amaranth has been hastened by the movement of contaminated equipment, feed, and seed from infested areas.