Publications

When disposed of improperly, pet waste can be a source of water pollution because it contains diseases and bacteria. When precipitation falls on pet waste, bacteria and diseases are picked up and carried to local waterways and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. The pollution caused by unscooped pet waste affects both wildlife and humans – diseases associated with pet waste can cause illness and even death in people with weakened immune systems.

Impervious surfaces* such as roofs, increase runoff by preventing rain water from being absorbed into the ground. In precipitation events, stormwater runs over impervious surfaces and picks up pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorous, suspended sediments, organic chemicals, heavy metals, and oil which are washed directly into our storm systems and local waterways.

In Maryland, 82.7 percent of agricultural operations conduct business as sole proprietorships (Census of Agriculture, 2012). As agriculture continues to evolve, however, producers should consider investigating all types of business organization structures for their operations to limit liability and provide additional forms of capital. This publication covers the major forms of business organizations and how they could potentially be utilized on the farm. Authors: Ashley Newhall and Paul Goeringer; Title: Using a Business Organization Structure to Limit Your Farm’s Liability (EB-422)

2014 marked the expiration of Monsanto’s patent on the first generation Roundup 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. One such protection would be the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). Another protection would be the use of contracts. A company also may look at utilizing patent law to limit seed saving. You will need to consider each one of these to determine if saving the seed is allowed. Author: Paul Goeringer; Title: Legal Liability of Saving Seeds in an Era of Expiring Patents (FS-1000)

Financial Nuggets is a six lesson, financial educational program designed for middle school students (grades 5-8) that provides an opportunity for youth to simulate real world, financial experiencesthrough hands on learning activities. Lessons and activities are designed for 45-60 minutes and are aligned with the Maryland Financial Literacy Standards. This curriculum provides an age appropriate introduction to basic ideas such as financial decision-making as well as advanced topics, including investments and insurance. The first lesson, Financial Decisions, focuses on understanding the difference between needs and wants. Next, youth understand the relationship between careers, education and income in Lesson 2. The next lesson, Plan and Manage Money, teaches financial management and budgeting concepts to youth while Lesson 5 builds on this knowledge by exposing the youth to ideas and concepts to explain how wealth is created and built. Finally, Lesson 6 - Manage Risks and Preserve Wealth – exposes youth to risk, managing risk by way of insurance, and other wealth accumulation and preservation strategies.

As Extension educators, it is important that we value volunteers and provide venues for them to offer their feedback and assessments of the programs. This publication describes how to conduct an effective AI session to provide volunteers with a forum for sharing feedback and ideas for improving Extension programs such as 4-H.

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a growing business model for farms in Maryland and nationally. In a typical CSA, members pledge to help cover the anticipated costs of the farm’s production for part of or the entire season. And in return the members receive a portion of the farm’s crops over the designated time period of the CSA contract. The CSA model allows farmers to get needed upfront capital at the start of the growing season. At the same time, the model allows members access to fresh locally produced fruits, herbs, meats, or vegetables. At the same time, many growers do not understand how to develop an agreement that works for the business and conveys the risks to the members of the CSA. This publication provides an overview of the model CSA agreement developed by UMD. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Ashley Newhall, Sarah Everhart, and Wele Elangwe. Title: Understanding a Community Supported Agriculture Agreement: What Should Be Included in a Good CSA Membership Agreement? (EB-424)

Horses are expensive to care for, and the costs can quickly become burdensome unless they are managed carefully. It is possible, however, to reduce horse care costs while providing a high standard of care. Before you can cut expenses, you must have a good understanding of your horse-related expenses. Once you have a thorough understanding of your expenses, you can begin to consider ideas for reducing them using the tips on feeding, boarding, farrier and veterinary care and supplies detailed in this publication.

Have you ever lost a horse or made the difficult decision to euthanize a horse? Then what do you do? Properly handling a large animal after it has passed away can be difficult. Publication EB-421 from the University of MD Extension helps guide horse owners in each MD county in the disposal options available.

A new publication (EB-420) is available from University of Maryland Extension. Manure as a Natural Resource: Alternative Management Opportunities is written as an overview of some existing technologies. Many new ideas are proposed for the region, and understanding the science behind them is imperative to deciding which option you may want to follow. Manure, as a source of organic matter and plant nutrients, is an excellent conditioner for soils. It is a component of agronomic production, cycling nutrients between soils, plants and livestock. However, in areas where limited land is available for application, excess soil nutrients can lead to water quality issues. Local restrictions on manure application necessitate finding alternative uses. The simplest method is to transport manure to nutrient-deficient land. Manure can be composted into a higher-quality fertilizer or have the nutrients extracted and sold separately. Manure also has an energy value, and where feasible, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, or gasification could be options.