Publications

Authors: Jonathan Moyle - Dale Johnson - Dr. Tom Tabler - Nate Bruce

This publication helps backyard flock owners estimate the true cost of producing eggs, covering startup and operating expenses, budgeting, recordkeeping, marketing, and biosecurity. Authors: Dr. Jon Moyle, Dale Johnson, Dr. Tom Tabler, and Nathaniel Bruce; Title: Backyard Layer Flock Economics - How Much Does It Cost You to Produce a Dozen Eggs? (FS-2025-0783).

Authors: Anna Glenn - Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins - Thomas Hutson - Amy Lang

Written as a letter from experienced colleagues, this publication offers guidance to new 4-H educators on creating high-quality, community-responsive programs that help youth thrive. Authors: Anna Glenn, Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins, Thomas Hutson, and Amy Lang; Title: Letter to a New 4-H Educator: Tips and Strategies for Launching a Successful 4-H Program (FS-2025-0793).

Authors: Alexander Chan - Shannon Dill - Ryan Salsman

A UME study reveals Maryland farmers seek mental health support at rates similar to the general public (~18%). Findings highlight high resilience and significant mental health improvements among farmers using services. Authors: Alexander Chan, Shannon Dill, and Ryan Salsman; Title: You’re Not Alone: Maryland Farmers Seek Mental Health Support at Rates on Par with Everyone Else (FS-2025-0790).

Authors: Patricia Ramalho de Barros Leite - Alison N. Schulenburg - Jarrod Miller - Katherine L. Tully

This publication explores how native warm-season grasses can help restore salt-impacted farmland and support adaptation to saltwater intrusion in coastal agricultural landscapes. Authors: Patricia Ramalho de Barros, Alison N. Schulenburg, Jarrod Miller, and Katherine L. Tully; Title: Restoring Salt-Impacted Farmland: Native Grasses for Saltwater Intrusion Adaptation (FS-2025-0800).

Authors: Sarah Hirsh - Shannon Dill - Caroline Kuchta - Neith Little - Kelly Nichols - Margaret Todd

This guidebook aims to increase knowledge of conservation practices and resources available to help farmers and land managers plan for and incorporate conservation onto their land. The guidebook discusses how conservation can fit into whole farm planning, conservation plans, the Web Soil Survey resource, an overview of agencies and conservation programs, and Natural Resource Conservation Service program eligibility and contract requirements. Authors: Sarah Hirsh, Shannon Dill, Caroline Kuchta, Neith Little, Kelly Nichols, and Margaret Todd; Title: Cultivating Conservation for Maryland and Delaware’s Historically Underserved Farmers (EM-2025-0752).

Authors: Amy Lang - Kelly Bryant

The 4-H Journey is an Extension Brief designed to help families that are new to 4-H understand what the program is, and provide concrete next steps for how to begin participating in their local 4-H program.Authors: Amy Lang and Kelly Bryant; The 4-H Journey: Empowering Youth to Thrive in a World Full of Possibilities (EBR-2025-0763).

Authors: Haley Sater - Bryan Butler

Learn how to select blueberry cultivars adapted to Maryland and the greater Mid-Atlantic. This guide compares ripening season, chilling requirements, fruit quality, yield potential, and recommended uses for more than 50 cultivars. Authors: Haley Sater and Bryan Butler; Title: Blueberry Cultivars for Maryland and the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region (FS-2025-0777).

Authors: Haley Sater - Bryan Butler

Learn how to successfully grow blueberries in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. This guide covers site selection, soil preparation, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, weed and pest management, and harvest practices for productive blueberry plantings. Authors: Haley Sater and Bryan Butler; Title: Growing Blueberries in the Mid-Atlantic (FS-2025-0766).

Authors: Amy Lang

This publication provides a helpful reflection tool for use in planning and evaluating a great 4-H program. Author: Amy Lang; Title: 4-H Thriving Model – Signs of a Great 4-H Program (EBR-2025-0761).

Authors: Kelly Nichols

Chelated iron is one of a limited number of active ingredients allowed for use in weed control in lawns in Montgomery County. Research trials were conducted from 2023 to 2025 near College Park, Maryland, to determine the efficacy of chelated iron (Fiesta®) on summer weeds. Various rates and application timings of the liquid and granular formulations were used. Higher rates and applications closer together (less than four weeks apart) are more effective for weeds such as white clover, large crabgrass, and dandelion. More than two applications throughout the year, including in late summer, may be needed to control dandelion and plantain, perennial weeds with more carbohydrate storage in their taproots. While chelated iron shows some efficacy and can have a place in a turf weed control program, cost and labor requirements should be weighed (e.g., spot spraying instead of broadcast applications), and cultural control practices should be continued. Author: Kelly Nichols; Title: Efficacy of Chelated Iron in Turf Weed Control (FS-2026-0806).