Publications

Authors: Andrew Kness

Nematodes are an economically important pathogen of many crops in Maryland. Significant yield loss can occur if nematodes are not managed properly. This factsheet serves as a broad introduction to nematodes as plant pathogens and serves as a general guide for sampling and managing nematodes in Maryland. Title: General Recommendations for Managing Nematodes in Field Crops (FS-1082); Author: Andrew Kness

Authors: Paul Goeringer - Catherine Onumajuru - Dale Johnson - Mason Grahame

Determining the value of sweat equity can be both challenging and controversial for farm families. Sweat equity arises as an issue when an on-farm heir receives payment at below market rate, and the farm business grows in size due to an on-farm heir’s below-market labors. Land in the farm may also appreciate in value due to the work of the on-farm heir. It is important to note that the best solution for handling sweat equity is to agree early on to pay the on-farm heir at a market rate. Handling sweat equity early on may necessitate the on-farm heir also working off the farm for additional income if the farm cannot support an additional person full-time. It is important to discuss the farm succession plan and limit the possibility of sweat equity claims at an early stage of farm expansion. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Catherine Onumajuru, Dale Johnson, and Mason Grahame; Title: Valuing On-Farm Heir’s Sweat Equity Is Complicated and Agreements Should Be Developed to Fairly Compensate On-Farm Heirs (FS-1079)

Authors: Jonathan Moyle - Jennifer Rhodes - Tom Tabler - Stephen Collier

Poultry farmers work with many different types of electrical equipment daily. Harsh environments inside and outside the poultry house can affect the safety of electrical equipment and create hazards. Growers need to take steps to prevent electrical injury, including only using properly grounded equipment, keeping electrical panel free of dust and debris, and looking for problems with equipment and cords. This publication provides guidelines for poultry farmers to follow to avoid electrical hazards. Authors: Jonathan Moyle, Jennifer Rhodes, Tom Tabler, and Stephen Collier. Title: Poultry Farm Electrical Safety, Know How to Recognize and Prevent Potential Hazards (FS-1069).

Authors: Paul Catanzaro - Wendy Sweetser Ferris

Making decisions about the future of your land may seem overwhelming. It can be difficult to initiate conversations with your family, to sort out the different professionals involved in estate planning, and to know how to take the first step. Try not  to get overwhelmed—the hardest step is often the first one.  This publication can help get you started, and discusses the  types of professionals who will help make it happen. 

Authors: Matt Morris

Dicamba tolerant soybeans, marketed under the trade name Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybeans are again available to Maryland growers for the 2018 growing season. This line of soybeans combines previous Roundup Ready technology with tolerance to the herbicide dicamba. While this new dicamba tolerance may be useful in combatting certain tough-to-control weeds including marestail and palmer amaranth, use caution when applying dicamba. Applications of dicamba may cause problems due to the sensitivity of certain crops to the herbicide. Exposure can occur due to drift, volatility, or a non-target application. This report provides recommendations for using new dicamba-tolerant technologies.

Authors: Ginger S. Myers

There is a strong consumer demand for locally produced foods including a call for more locally produced eggs. Real profit potential exists for Maryland egg producers to expand their markets in to retail, wholesale and Food Service Facilities in Maryland. This publication provides introductory information and resources that can help Maryland’s egg producers improve their sales of shell eggs into retail channels. Because there are continual changes and updates at both the state and federal levels, please check for the most current edition of any regulations cited in this publication.

Authors: Jennifer L. Rhodes - Jonathan Moyle

Broiler production is the largest agricultural revenue generator in Maryland. A broiler is a chicken produced specifically for meat production. Broiler production includes small fryer- to large roaster-type chickens. Approximately 35 percent of cash farm income in Maryland was from broilers in 2016. Maryland ranked eighth nationally in the number of meat chickens produced, and tenth in the number of pounds of meat chickens.

Authors: Ashley Ellixson - Sarah Everhart

This is the recall plan for Farm. This plan does not address recall provisions related to meat or egg products. This plan will be periodically updated.

Authors: Ashley Ellixson - Sarah Everhart

All Maryland produce growers have the shared goal of growing safe food for consumers. Despite growers’ best efforts, however, foodborne illness outbreaks happen. When an outbreak occurs and can be traced to the source, it is usually followed by a recall of the product. A recall can result in substantial financial damage to the grower and have ripple effects throughout the industry. Having a recall plan in place lessens the confusion, delay, and financial repercussions which can stem from a recall.. Authors: Ashley Ellixson and Sarah Everhart; Title: A Guide to Drafting a Recall Plan for Maryland Produce Growers(EB-430).

Authors: Dale Morris - Robert Kratochvil - Paul Goeringer

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. The following will discuss the implications of Patent Law and PVPA on farmer-saved seed of wheat and soybeans. Authors: Dale Morris, Robert Kratochvil, and Paul Goeringer; Title: Farmer-saved Seed: What is Legal? What is Not? (FS-1064)