Publications

Authors: Paul Goeringer - Ashley Newhall - Jon Moyle

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. Congress authorized the FAA to develop regulations for the use of drones by private parties in the U.S by September 30, 2015 (FAA Modernization Act of 2012). FAA missed this deadline, but expects comprehensive regulations for drones to be completed by June 2016 (Jansen, 2015). History shows that the law rarely keeps up with technology. Courts often struggle when applying existing laws and previous rulings to modern technology. State legislatures can help clearly define some of the rules to guide courts in how to handle new technology. Drones have the potential to benefit producers (through crop and livestock monitoring), but they present new challenges as other groups begin to use the technology. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Ashley Newhall, and John Moyle; Title: Privacy Issues and the Use of sUAS/Drones in Maryland (FS-998)

Authors: Jenny Rhodes - Shannon Dill - James R. Russell - James C. Hanson

This publication provides a glossary of marketing and business terms as a reference for grain producers, or anyone involved in marketing or selling grain.

Authors: Jenny Rhodes - Shannon Dill - John Hall

This fact sheet lists the important factors producers should consider in selecting a particular marketing strategy, describes the typical marketing tools available to grain producers, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Authors: Jonathan Moyle - Dr. Nathaniel Tablante

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a bacteria-like organism that causes respiratory disease primarily in chickens and turkeys but it can also infect gamebirds, pigeons, ducks, geese, peafowl and wild birds. MG infection in chickens is also known as Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD).

Authors: Paul Goeringer

This fact sheet can serve as another tool in a farmer’s risk management plans by providing information on how farmers can protect themselves from legal challenges from a nuisance or violation of an environmental permit. The information discussed in this fact sheet will not eliminate threats of lawsuits. Elimination of 100 percent of legal risk is not possible. Understanding Agricultural Liability: Legal Risk Management Considerations is available here http://drum.lib.umd.edu/handle/1903/16345. Author: Paul Goeringer, Title: Understanding Agricultural Liability: Legal Risk Management Considerations (FS-995)

Authors: Jonathan Moyle - Dr. Nathaniel Tablante

Marek’s disease is one of the most widespread poultry diseases in the world. It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpes virus called Alphaherpesvirinae. Marek’s disease occurs in chickens 3–4 weeks of age or older but is most common between 12 and 30 weeks of age. It can also infect quail and, rarely, turkeys. Female birds are infected more often than males. Once the virus is introduced into a chicken flock, infection spreads quickly from bird to bird and infected chickens continue to shed the virus, thus perpetuating a vicious cycle of infection. There is no effective treatment for the disease and infected birds never recover.

Authors: Paul Goeringer

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)

Authors: Ashley Newhall - Paul Goeringer

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)

Authors: Sara BhaduriHauck

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.

Authors: Paul Goeringer - Ashley Newhall - Sarah Everhart - Wele Elangwe

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)