Publications

Authors: Jarrod Miller

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. While nitrogen (N) may be lost, other nutrients like phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are often more concentrated in these byproducts. Manure-to-energy practices include anaerobic digestion and thermal methods (pyrolysis, gasification). Composting and nutrient extraction also can alter manure and help concentrate nutrients for easier and less costly transport. The nutrient value of these byproducts is discussed.

Authors: Sara BhaduriHauck - Paul Goeringer

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. An equine lease can take many forms, depending on how the lease agreement is constructed. This publication includes information on the factors to consider when preparing or reviewing a written lease agreement, as well as case studies that describe the terms of the leases. Authors: Sara BhaduriHauck and Paul Goeringer; Title: Considerations for Equine Lease Agreements (FS-1062)

Authors: Ashley C. Ellixson - Dr. Terry Griffin

The issue of farm data has been a contentious point of debate with respect to ownership rights and impacts when access rights are misappropriated. One of the leading questions farmers ask deals with the protections provided to farm data. Although no specific laws or precedence exists, the possibility of trade secret is examined and ramifications for damages discussed. Farm management examples are provided to emphasize the potential outcomes of each possible recourse for misappropriating farm data. Authors: Ashley C. Ellixson and Terry Griffin; Title: Farm Data: Ownership and Protections (FS-1055)

Authors: Lori Lynch - Paul Goeringer

While estate planning for Maryland farm operators can be complicated, a conservation easement can be an effective tool to include in your plan. Conservation easements can help reduce the value of a farm estate and ensure the land will continue to be available for agricultural use. Donating a conservation easement is one way to reduce federal and state estate taxes when the value of your estate minus permitted deductions exceeds the current estate tax exemptions. Under current federal and Maryland tax laws, donating a conservation easement to a qualifying group can result in favorable tax deductions.;Lynch, Lori; Goeringer, Paul; Title: Conservation Easements: A Useful Tool for Farm Transition and Estate Planning (FS-974)

Authors: Amy Burk

Understanding the basic concepts of how to feed horses properly is important to ensure optimal health and performance in the horse. One of the most fundamental aspects of understanding equine nutrition is learning how the digestive anatomy and physiology of the horse influences what and how we feed horses to meet their nutritional needs. Teaching Basic Equine Nutrition is a two-part series of publications that educators can use to help foster a fun and easy learning environment when teaching equine nutrition. Teaching Basic Equine Nutrition Part I details how to assemble a model equine digestive tract that is easy to make, store, use, and transport for equine nutrition presentations to people of all ages. Teaching Basic Equine Nutrition, Part II instructs educators about the physiology of the digestive tract and how it relates to good feeding management practices.

Authors: Amy Burk

Understanding the basic concepts of how to feed horses properly is important to ensure optimal health and performance in the horse. One of the most fundamental aspects of understanding equine nutrition is learning how the digestive anatomy and physiology of the horse influences what and how we feed horses to meet their nutritional needs. Teaching Basic Equine Nutrition is a two-part series of publications that educators can use to help foster a fun and easy learning environment when teaching equine nutrition. Teaching Basic Equine Nutrition Part I details how to assemble a model equine digestive tract that is easy to make, store, use, and transport for equine nutrition presentations to people of all ages. Teaching Basic Equine Nutrition, Part II instructs educators about the physiology of the digestive tract and how it relates to good feeding management practices.

Authors: Mayhah Suri

Like any new business venture, starting a distillery requires careful planning and a major investment of resources. Marylanders interested in opening a distillery should consider taking classes and talking to existing distillers before starting out on their own. This guide is intended to provide an overview of the legal process of getting the required licenses and permits needed to open a distillery.

Authors: Jarrod Miller

Soils are composed of mineral and organic matter. Weathered rocks provide soil minerals, while organic matter forms from decayed animal and plant residues. An important component of healthy soil, organic matter helps maintain and improve soil’s physical condition. Some of these benefits include increased nutrient and water holding as well as stabilizing structure, which helps soil drainage. Organic matter is in a constant state of transition, continually breaking down and releasing finer, more decomposed particles. This breakdown is caused by scavengers in the soil (insects, earthworms, bacteria and fungi) as they feed on organic matter. These scavengers also become part of the soil organic matter when they die. As long as there are fresh sources of tissue in the soil, the cycle can continue and organic matter levels will stay constant. However, if fresh material is not added to the soil, organic matter will slowly be lost.

Authors: Jarrod Miller

Soil organic matter is an essential component of soils. It must be added and maintained, and the soil type as well as the organic material being added are very important. Fact Sheet 1045 examines how soil organic matter can be managed in agricultural production.

Authors: Sarah Everhart

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.