Publications

As the demand for water grows, the amount of water will remain the same, making it important to find new and reliable sources of water for agricultural production. One possibility is using highly treated effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants, also known as reclaimed or recycled water. This guide is a review of the Maryland Department of Environment Guidelines for Use of Class IV Reclaimed Water: High Potential for Human Contact and what it means for farmers interested in using reclaimed water on their farm. Authors: Mayhah Suri, Paul Goeringer, and Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein; Title: How Do I Use Reclaimed Water on My Farm? A Review of Maryland Class IV Reclaimed Water Guidelines (FS-1100)

This resource will help homeowners keep important septic system information in one location. In addition, important maintenance practices are described to help maintain effective treatment, reduce environmental and public health risks, and prolong the system's life, thereby saving money. Author: Andrew Lazur; Title: Homeowner Septic System Guide and Record Folder (EBR-2022-0644)

4-H volunteers play a key role in helping youth with college and workforce preparation because they regularly create educational experiences that foster the development of life skills such as time management, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. Authors: Ashley Travis, Jessica Mellon, Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Chris Rein, Beckey Ridgeway, Mark DeMorra, and Thomas Hutson; Title: Empowering Volunteers to Incorporate Workforce Readiness into 4-H Programs (FS-2022-0628)

Starting a farm or adding a new farm enterprise can be an enjoyable and attractive business decision. This factsheet lists contacts and resources to explore as you consider a new or expanding farm enterprise. Resources from government agencies and organizations provide production information vital for starting and operating a successful farm business. Author: Shannon Dill; Title: Starting a Farm Enterprise in Maryland (EBR-2022-0648)

This fact sheet demonstrates how the average consumer, with a simple set of tools, can calculate the real-world capabilities of a solar panel. These skills are particularly important when identifying a defective solar panel and/or confirming the output of a solar panel when its output parameters are unknown. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Working on Solar Panels and Power Output (FS-2022-0646)

Simple changes to yard and greenspace management in cities and suburbs can facilitate healthy insect communities and maximize ecosystem services. Considering insect life cycle transitions can ensure that habitat requirements are met throughout the year and throughout all life stages. Authors: Lauren Schmitt, Kelsey McGurrin, Dr. Karin Burghardt; Title: Managing City and Suburban Yards and Gardens to Sustain Insect Communities (FS-2022-0633)

Slugs damage corn and soybean seedlings by rasping holes, with most problems occurring in high residue no-till fields that provide moist habitat. Slug baits are the most effective chemical control and an IPM approach helps reduce yield loss and maximize profits. Authors: Praise-God Igwe, Maria Cramer, David Owens, Galen Dively, and Dr. Kelly Hamby; Title: Managing Slugs in Field Crops Using IPM Principles" (FS-2022-0629)

This fact sheet provides tips on how readers can recognize and overcome internalized stigma related to seeking mental health care. Author's: Alexander Chan, Ph.D., LCMFT and Alicia Luckstead, Ph.D.; Title: Stigma Pollutes Our Thinking (FS-2022-0639)

This factsheet is to help adults and/or older siblings have a quick refresher and activities to help youth learn how to wash different types of produce, knife skills, and measure and weigh dry and liquid ingredients. These are the basic cooking skills towards healthy eating, that can strengthen child development and provide parenting tips in the kitchen. Authors: Samantha Benner and Shauna C. Henley, Ph.D.; Title: Developing Confidence in the Kitchen: How Adults and Older Siblings can Assist Youth (2 years and up) with Washing, Chopping, and Measuring (FS-2022-0639)

Timing, quality, and quantity are three key components of a successful colostrum feeding program. Holstein calves should be fed three liters and Jersey calves should be fed two liters of high-quality colostrum (>50 grams IgG/mL or ≥21% Brix) within the first two hours of life and an additional two liters within 12 hours.; Author: Dr. Sarah Potts; Title: Colostrum: Getting Calves Off to a Good Start (FS-2022-0641)