Agriculture Natural Resources

Somerset County

Agriculture and Natural Resources

"A WAY OF LIFE"

Overview

Somerset County is the southernmost county in Maryland's Eastern Shore. Only 26% of the land-base is classified as agricultural, however, agriculture is the largest industry in the County. 288 farm businesses encompass 54,823 acres of farmland with the average farm size of 190 acres. Production of corn, soybeans, broilers, vegetables and livestock rank the County 2nd in agriculture value in the State of Maryland. Various agricultural programs are offered throughout the year. The Somerset County Extension Agricultural Agent maintains routine contact and collaborates with outside agencies and civic organizations such the Somerset County Soil Conservation District, Somerset County Farm Bureau, Somerset County Young Farmers, and Somerset County Fair Board . Each year the Somerset County Fair features a wide variety of educational material and information on Agriculture in Somerset County and throughout Maryland. There are many items in the display available to the public, such as contact information, numerous fact sheets, soil test kits for field and home and garden, and information for agricultural producers and homeowners.

Private Pesticide Applicator Training and Recertification

Private pesticide applicator recertification training is given yearly. Objectives of the recertification training are to make applicators aware of potential problems related to pesticide drift, review pesticide recordkeeping requirements and review basic pesticide handling practices. Private applicators attend this training every three years in order to keep their private pesticide certification current. A private pesticide certification training and exam is also available to those desiring a private pesticide applicator license. The objective of this program is to educate farmers and those who use pesticides in the proper use, handling and safety of pesticides and prepare them to take the private pesticide applicator exam given by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. To learn more click Pesticide Regulation Section

Nutrient Management

Nutrient Management plans continue to be an important service to Somerset County farmers. Farmers are informed that they must have a nutrient management plan for their operation in order to be in compliance with the 1998 Water Quality Improvement Act. Two Nutrient Management Advisors serve Somerset County: Maegan Perdue, mperdue@umd.edu, or call 410-651-1350 for more information.

Horticulture

Ginny Rosenkranz, Extension Educator in Commercial Horticulture serves the tri-county area of Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset. She provides commercial growers with assistance and help in the science and art of growing fruit, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants. You may contact her at the Wicomico County Extension office at 410-749-6141 or email rosnkrnz@umd.edu The homeowner may find information gardening and other related subject at the Home and Garden Information Center

Delmarva AgrAbility Project

"When disability strikes a farm family, everything changes except
perhaps the desire to continue farming."

Agriculture is considered one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, annually, there are 850 deaths and 140,000 disabling injuries. When disability strikes a farm family, everything changes except perhaps the desire to continue farming. Recognizing that drive and the critical need for farmers, the National AgrAbility Project was established with approval of the 1990 Farm Bill. The goal is to inform, educate and assist farmers and farm workers with disabilities as well as their families, so they can continue to lead successful careers in agriculture and contribute to their families, communities and nation. It is estimated that more than one in every six Delmarva Farmers has a disability. For more information contact the AgrAbility Case Manager, 500 N. Dupont Highway, Suite 100, Georgetown, Delaware 19947 or phone toll free, 1-877-204-3276.

For more information about agricultural programs in Somerset County, contact Richard Nottingham, County Ag Agent, 410-651-1350.

Other sites of interest are:

MCE Cropping Systems

MCE Natural Resources-Wildlife and Forest Management

MCE Publications

MCE Weed Science

Ag & Resource Economics Department

MD Department of Natural Resources

MD Natural Resources Conservation Service

For more information, contact Richard Nottingham

Last updated: 03/13/2009