Privacy Issues and the Use of sUAS/Drones in Maryland
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the lawful uses of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or more commonly as drones, are currently limited to military, research, and recreational applications. Under the FAA’s view, commercial uses of drones are illegal unless approved by the Federal government. This will change in the future.
Understanding Agricultural Liability: Premise's Liability
You can take steps to limit your potential liability by understanding your legal obligation or duty to protect visitors and other third parties from foreseeable harm. You also will need to know to whom you owe the duty and what duty others may owe to you. Steps you can take to limit your liability include obtaining insurance, procuring releases, and providing warnings.
Legal Liability of Saving Seeds in an Era of Expiring Patents
2014 marked the expiration of Monsanto’s patent on the first generation Round-up Ready technology. But, this expiration does not mean that farmers using seed from first generation Roundup Ready technology will be able to save harvested seed for planting a subsequent crop. Many seed companies utilizing this technology may consider other federal law protections afforded them.
Biomass Production Study of Hybrid Poplar Grown on Deep trenched Municipal Biosolids
Hybrid poplar trees 2-6 years old were grown on a gravel mine spoil in southern Maryland that had biosolids applied using deer row application. The trees were harvested and processed to determine their biomass on a dry weight basis. The data was analyzed and regression analysis was used to create equations that could predict biomass from tree diameter at breast height.
Farmer-saved Seed: What is Legal? What is Not?
Most wheat and soybean seed sold in Maryland is protected by either U.S. Patent Law or the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). These protections severely limit the age-old practice of “farmer-saved seed” or prohibit it entirely, depending upon the protection the owner of the variety secures.
Considerations for Equine Lease Agreements
Offering a horse for lease can be a good option for an owner who is unable to ride or care for their horse due to physical, time, or financial constraints but still wishes to maintain ownership. A lease can be an alternative to selling the horse, a way to cut maintenance costs, or an avenue to ensure the horse remains in work.
Enterprise Budget for Firewood Business
This information sheet provides an enterprise budget for a small business that will buy, cut and split logs, and deliver in cord quantities, primarily for home heating or fireplace wood. It includes sources of income and expenses using real work values and a downloadable Excel file allows the user to change values for their potential enterprises and determine potential profitability.
How to Report a Foodbourne Illness in Maryland
The purpose of this fact sheet is to 1) give consumers addtional information on whom to contact when sick, 2) how a sick person would be diagnosed, and 3) the questions your health care provider may ask.
Permeable Hardscapes
Permeable hardscapes help manage stormwater (surface water from heavy rains or snow) and are an alternative to hard surfaces.
NIche Marketing-Outside of the Box, but in the Black
The Mid-Atlantic Region, which Maryland anchors, is the 4th most populous region in the country. This offers tremendous direct-to-consumer markets as well as institutional markets such as schools, colleges, and governmental agencies. Direct marketing can give farmers a larger share of the food dollar and a higher return per unit sold.
Manure to Energy Byproducts are Useful Nutrient Sources
Manure is a great fertilizer for nutrient-poor soils. However, when transport costs limit utilization, alternative uses such as energy production become viable. In most cases, manure-to-energy practices produce nutrient-rich byproducts that can be used as a soil amendment.
Maryland Farm Internships and Labor Laws
Many farms across Maryland use interns to lighten the overall farm workload and help young people gain practical farming knowledge. Although interns can be a welcome addition to a farm’s workforce, farm employers need to be aware of how to properly compensate interns and the legal consequences of adding them to the payroll.
Maryland Consulting and Industrial Foresters Directory
The Maryland Consulting and Industrial Foresters Directory lists licensed professional foresters who offer a wide range of services to woodland property owners. Services include forest stewardship plans, timber stand and wildlife habitat improvement, and much more. The Directory is for reference only and is not an endorsement of any forester listed.
Precision Soil Sampling
One soil sample often represents 10-50 acres and works well for whole field nutrient application. For those who use precision agriculture equipment to target nutrients where they are needed, different methods must be used. Two that have been developed include grid and zone sampling. This publication discusses the methods and ideas behind each sampling type.
Stress and Health
We usually associate “stress” with overpowering emotions and out of control situations. It is true in most cases, however, it is not the whole truth. Stress is a body’s respone to a change. It helps in preparing for uncertainty and urgent situations. However, chronic exposure to stress can lead to burn- out, chronic diseases, mental health issues, and lower productivity.
Protecting the Family Farm in Divorce
Divorce can be financially devastating for a family farm. Protecting the family farm from divorce is possible if farmers plan ahead with a valid prenuptial agreement, understand the legal parameters of marital vs.
How to Lease Your Land With a Conservation Easement (FS-1049)
A conservation easement is a right or power which a landowner gives to a third party. Landowners may choose to donate easements for a variety of reasons, including tax benefits and/ or an interest in land conservation for environmental or other concerns. This guide walks through some legal considerations for landowners interested in leasing land with an easement for agricultural use.