Publications

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is a promising perennial biomass crop that offers a sustainable solution for marginal lands affected by saltwater intrusion, intermittent flooding, and deer damage. Our research, conducted over two harvest seasons, evaluated the performance of giant miscanthus in a 10-acre commercial field exposed to these challenges. Despite the harsh conditions, the crop established well, with only a small yield penalty compared to miscanthus grown on prime land, demonstrating its resilience where traditional crops like corn and soybeans struggle. One of the most notable findings was giant miscanthus’s ability to tolerate high salinity, an increasing concern for farmland impacted by rising sea levels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The crop survived even in areas submerged for over a month, with total loss occurring only in sections that remained flooded year-round. Additionally, our research confirmed its strong resistance to deer browsing, as deer largely avoided the tough, fibrous stems and leaves. With minimal inputs after establishment and an annual harvest, giant miscanthus is a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative for biomass production. Its adaptability to marginal land makes it a viable economic and environmental solution for farmers facing challenging growing conditions. Authors: Sarah Hirsh, Haley Sater and Jonathan Moyle; Title: Growing Giant Miscanthus on Marginal Land: A Sustainable Solution for Challenging Conditions (FS-2024-0735).

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) is a perennial, warm-season biomass crop that can thrive on both prime and marginal land. It grows up to 12 feet tall, develops deep roots, and has a lifespan of 15–30 years. Once established, it requires minimal inputs and reaches peak biomass production in its third year, yielding 10–15 tons per acre. Unlike other Miscanthus species, giant miscanthus is a sterile hybrid, meaning it does not spread by seed, reducing its invasiveness. It expands slowly through rhizomes and generally remains within its planted boundaries unless disturbed by erosion. It is well-adapted to various soil types and can tolerate wet or salty conditions with some yield loss. Rhizomes are typically planted in early spring or fall, depending on the field site and climate. Giant miscanthus requires minimal fertilization and weed control after establishment. It is resistant to deer browsing and has shown little susceptibility to pests and diseases. In Maryland, it is harvested annually from November to March using standard forage equipment. The biomass can be used for bioenergy, animal bedding, and industrial applications, with additional benefits for erosion control and carbon sequestration. Farmers should secure a market before investing in this long-term crop. Authors: Haley Sater, Sarah Hirsh, and Jonathan Moyle; Title: Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus): A Perennial Biomass Crop (FS-2024-0734).

This publication highlights the impact of the 2023-2024 UMD Extension (UME) Winter Agriculture Production Meetings, focusing on participant engagement, preferred learning methods, and the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. Survey results demonstrate how these meetings support farmers in improving crop production, pest and nutrient management, weed control, precision agriculture, and on-farm research participation. Authors: Shannon Dill, Sarah Hirsh, Serena Newton, Hemendra Kumar, Kurt Vollmer, Nicole Fiorellino, and Andrew Kness, Title: University of Maryland Extension Winter Meeting Data 2023-2024 (FS-2024-0744).

Cover crop planning according to cover crop purpose, cover crop window within cash crops, and realistic expectations can greatly increase the benefits that cover crops provide, making the overall farming system more productive, sustainable, and profitable. Author: Sarah Hirsh, Ph.D., Haley Sater, Ph.D, and Dwayne Joseph, Ph.D.; Title: Cover Crop Planning (FS-2024-0743).

This publication focuses on the financial and economic factors that lead farmers to hire custom services for field operations, such as limited capital and insufficient labor. It explains that custom work charges are determined by the interplay of demand and supply, typically negotiated between farmers and custom operators. The main goal is to provide information on custom work charges in Maryland and offer data to aid farmers in making informed decisions about purchasing equipment. Authors: Shannon Dill and Nate Bruce; Title: Custom Work Charges in Maryland and Delaware (FS-683)

This publication highlights the impact and effectiveness of the UMD Extension (UME) winter meetings held during 2022-2023. It provides insights into participant engagement, preferred learning methods, and the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. The survey results included in the publication demonstrate how these meetings support farmers in implementing improved crop production, pest management, and nutrient management strategies. It outlines key priorities for Extension programming and reports satisfaction with the UME Nutrient Management program. Authors: Shannon Dill, Serena Taylor Newton, Andrew Kness, Erika Crowl, Sarah Hirsh, and Jennifer Rhodes; Title: University of Maryland Extension Winter Meeting Data 2023" (FS-2024-0731).

This comprehensive guide, developed by experts from the University of Maryland Extension and University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, provides agricultural employers in Delaware and Maryland with essential insights into crafting a legally sound and effective employee manual. Covering key topics such as employment policies, workplace culture, legal compliance, and best practices, this resource helps farm owners and managers foster clear communication, improve employee relations, and ensure regulatory adherence. With practical templates, legal considerations, and expert-reviewed content, this publication is a must-have for agricultural operations seeking to enhance workforce management and operational efficiency. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Sima Majnooni, and Holly Russo; Title: Guidelines for Delaware and Maryland Ag Operations on Writing an Employee Manual (EB-2024-0725).

This paper examines how financial education significantly influences individuals' ability to make informed decisions, enhancing their economic stability and social mobility in today's economy. By reviewing literature, such as Anderson (2023) and Walstad et al. (2017), the paper highlights the benefits of early financial education for young people in managing adult financial responsibilities. Despite progress, the study notes persistent limitations in financial education accessibility across states, leaving many households vulnerable due to inadequate financial literacy. Key goals of financial education include understanding personal finance, recognizing good and bad debt, and acquiring practical budgeting skills. The paper emphasizes the need for educational leaders to implement robust financial programs and mandate financial literacy classes in high schools. By developing benchmarks for measuring financial education effectiveness, the study underscores the necessity of widespread financial education to foster a financially savvy population capable of tackling economic challenges. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson; Title: The Concept of Financial Education (FS-2024-0704).

The Beginning Farmer Resource Guide is a compilation of business, financial, regulatory, crops, and livestock information. County-specific information is given for Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard Counties. Author: Kelly Nichols; Title: Beginning Farmer Resource Guide for Frederick, Howard, & Montgomery Counties, Maryland (FS-2023-0691).

The Maryland oyster aquaculture industry reported a record harvest of 94,286 bushels in 2023, an increase of 29 bushels from the previous record in 2022. Bay scallop harvest also increased by 44.9% compared to 2022, and there was a very modest hard clam harvest reported for the first time since 2017. (The quantity and value of the bay scallop and clam harvests are not reported to maintain business privacy since there are fewer than three growers of each in the state.) The average price of single oysters remained steady while the average price for oysters sold as bushels increased slightly, as determined from grower-reported sales information standardized by volume. The estimated dockside value of the oyster aquaculture industry in Maryland for 2023 was $7,381,482. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) received 16 new shellfish aquaculture lease applications and issued 14 new shellfish leases in 2023 (Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 2024). Authors: Matthew Parker, Donald Webster, and Rebecca Thur; Title: Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Industry: 2023 At A Glance (FS-2024-0732).