Publications

On May 22, 2012 Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed a bill into law to ban the use of arsenic additives in poultry feed. This is the first such ban passed in the United States. The Maryland State Legisiature requested researchers from the University of Maryland to conduct a literature review on the Environmental Concerns of Arsenic Additives in Poultry Litter. This proved useful to the legisiators in their discussions of banning the use of arsenic in poutlry feed. This report provides a short summary of the findings of the reviews.

This factsheet contains a listing of important resources as you consider developing a new farm enterprise.

The horse trailer is only half of the towing rig; selecting the appropriate vehicle to haul your trailer is just as important as selecting the trailer itself.

Horse trailers come in a variety of configurations and sizes. From tagalong one-horse trailers to self-propelled horse vans to semi-driven rigs, the choices can be daunting. Learn about the factors to consider when determining which type of trailer is best for you.

From choosing the right trailer and towing vehicle to proper preparations prior to traveling, this publication outlines the important factors to consider before transporting your horse. The most important decision in selecting a trailer is the comfort and safety of the animal. Choose a towing vehicle with an adequate tow rating for your trailer. Use the pre-trip safety checklist included in this fact sheet to go over the trailer, towing vehicle and equipment needed before trailering and in case of emergencies. Proper preparation and practice for trailering your horse will avoid many problems while traveling.

Water is a valuable resource. Many homeowners are concerned about natural gas development associated with the Marcellus Shale formation and their private water supply. This informational sheet is designed to provide citizens with private water supplies an understanding of potential water quality impacts, pertinent water testing parameters, general water quantity and quality monitoring procedures, and laboratory resources related to natural gas development.

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) promotes, supports, and regulates risk management solutions for America’s agricultural producers by providing federal crop insurance programs. In addition, the agency provides education and outreach programs in risk management. The RMA develops the premium rate, administer premium and expense subsidy, approve and support products, and reinsure private sector companies via Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC).

Farm to Hospital -Selling Farm-Raised Meats and Poultry in Maryland (FS-929) Fact Sheet is to assist livestock and poultry producers in developing products and marketing tools to increase meat and poultry sales directly to hospitals and extended care facilities or to distributors who handle hospital food purchasing accounts. By Ginger S. Myers, Marketing Specialist, University of Maryland Extension and Director of the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center.

A pesticide is defined as any material that is applied to plants, soil, water, harvested crops, structures, clothing, furnishings, or animals to kill, attract, repel, regulate or interrupt the growth and mating of pests, or to regulate plant growth.

GAPs address: Water, Worker Health and Hygiene, Sanitary Facilities, Field Sanitation, Packing Facilities, Manure Application, Transportation and Trace Back.