Publications

Authors: Dr. Nathaniel Tablante - Jonathan Moyle

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an acute respiratory disease of chickens and occasionally, pheasants and peafowl, which often leads to severe losses in the poultry industry as well as backyard flocks.

Authors: Joshua M. McGrath

Our objective was to develop a phosphorus site index (PSI) that uses readily available information to evaluate the relative risk of P transport from agricultural fields, including vegetable and row crop production and pasture based systems where P may be applied either as inorganic or organic fertilizer. Furthermore, the PSI should be applicable within all physiographic provinces present in Maryland. Phosphorus transport is controlled by site characteristics (e.g. hydrology and slope), climate, and P sources (e.g. manure, inorganic fertilizer, and soil P). The revised PSI, or the University of Maryland – Phosphorus Management Tool (UM-PMT), seeks to include new science relative to site and source factors and highlight management decisions so that the learning opportunities associated with performing a P index are more pronounced. The overall objective is to identify critical areas where there is a high P loss potential due to both a high transport potential and a large source of P, and also to encourage the use of management practices in those critical source areas that protect water quality.

Authors: James C. Hanson

There is increasing interest in the sale of local farm products in county and city school systems. Students can benefit from fresh, local produce and farmers can benefit from diversifying markets and increasing sales. However, increasing the sale of local farm production to schools – also known as Farm to School – has its challenges. This fact sheet examines different ideas for overcoming those challenges and improving farm to school sales.

Authors: J. Richard Nottingham - Jenny Rhodes

It’s late spring and corn has emerged. For much of the state, heavy rains have continued for several days, bringing flooding to low lying areas and causing ponding in fields. In this scenario, farmers are faced with the question of whether their corn will recover, or should they proceed with replanting.

Authors: Stanton Gill - Ethel Dutky - Michael Raupp - John A. Davidson

Of the many species of thrips commonly found in greenhouses, flower thrips (Frankliniella tritici), western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) are most problematic. Chilli thrips is the fastest spreading thrips and is found throughout North America, but mainly in Florida and Texas. Adults of these three species are about 1 - 2 mm long, slender and just visible to the naked eye. Adult thrips are hard to notice flying in the greenhouse, but both nymphs and adults can often be detected in the open blossoms of your greenhouse crops.

Authors: Daniel J. Fisher - Kenneth Staver - Lance T. Yonkos

On May 22, 2012 Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed a bill into law to ban the use of arsenic additives in poultry feed. This is the first such ban passed in the United States. The Maryland State Legisiature requested researchers from the University of Maryland to conduct a literature review on the Environmental Concerns of Arsenic Additives in Poultry Litter. This proved useful to the legisiators in their discussions of banning the use of arsenic in poutlry feed. This report provides a short summary of the findings of the reviews.

Authors: Sudeep A. Mathew - Shannon Dill

This factsheet contains a listing of important resources as you consider developing a new farm enterprise.

Authors: Sara BhaduriHauck

Choosing the right tow vehicle is just as important as selecting the right horse trailer. This factsheet explains how to safely match a trailer with an appropriate vehicle by understanding weight ratings, braking ability, vehicle styles, licensing requirements, and key features such as fuel type, drive options, axle ratios, and towing packages. Designed for horse owners and haulers, it provides practical guidance to improve safety, performance, and comfort for both horses and handlers. Author: Sara BhaduriHauck; Title: Selecting a Tow Vehicle (FS-955)

Authors: Sara BhaduriHauck

Horse trailers come in a variety of configurations and sizes. From tagalong one-horse trailers to self-propelled horse vans to semi-driven rigs, the choices can be daunting. Learn about the factors to consider when determining which type of trailer is best for you.

Authors: Jessica Renshaw - J. Richard Nottingham

From choosing the right trailer and towing vehicle to proper preparations prior to traveling, this publication outlines the important factors to consider before transporting your horse. The most important decision in selecting a trailer is the comfort and safety of the animal. Choose a towing vehicle with an adequate tow rating for your trailer. Use the pre-trip safety checklist included in this fact sheet to go over the trailer, towing vehicle and equipment needed before trailering and in case of emergencies. Proper preparation and practice for trailering your horse will avoid many problems while traveling.