Agricultural Nutrient Management Program (funded by 3 separate contracts with Maryland Department of Agriculture)

Dr. Patricia Steinhilber is the PI. This program is funded by 3 separate contracts with Maryland Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the Agricultural Nutrient Management Program is to develop nutrient management plans for Maryland farmers via Extension nutrient management advisors and to provide training and technical assistance to consultants and producers who are themselves developing nutrient management plans for Maryland farmers. The Agricultural Nutrient Management Program has 2 distinct foci: 1) the development of nutrient management plans by Extension nutrient management advisors located in county MCE offices who work under the direct supervision of Extension Ag educators, and 2) the provision of fundamental and continuing education for and on-going technical support to certified nutrient management consultants (CNMCs) and, since FY 2003, certified farm operators (CFOs) by Extension nutrient management specialists.

The impacts of this program have been numerous. Between 1998 and 2007, Extension advisors developed nutrient management plans for an average of 300,000 acres of Maryland farmland per year. Technical support in plan development and software use and continuing education are provided to more than 1,000 CNMCs and 230 CFOs annually.

For more information, contact Dr. Patricia Steinhilber

Last updated: 02/7/2008