Publications

Authors: Paul Goeringer - Sima Majnooni - Holly Russo

This comprehensive guide, developed by experts from the University of Maryland Extension and University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, provides agricultural employers in Delaware and Maryland with essential insights into crafting a legally sound and effective employee manual. Covering key topics such as employment policies, workplace culture, legal compliance, and best practices, this resource helps farm owners and managers foster clear communication, improve employee relations, and ensure regulatory adherence. With practical templates, legal considerations, and expert-reviewed content, this publication is a must-have for agricultural operations seeking to enhance workforce management and operational efficiency. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Sima Majnooni, and Holly Russo; Title: Guidelines for Delaware and Maryland Ag Operations on Writing an Employee Manual (EB-2024-0725).

Authors: Kelly Nichols

The Beginning Farmer Resource Guide is a compilation of business, financial, regulatory, crops, and livestock information. County-specific information is given for Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard Counties. Author: Kelly Nichols; Title: Beginning Farmer Resource Guide for Frederick, Howard, & Montgomery Counties, Maryland (FS-2023-0691).

Authors: Matthew Parker - Donald Webster - Rebecca Thur

The Maryland oyster aquaculture industry reported a record harvest of 94,286 bushels in 2023, an increase of 29 bushels from the previous record in 2022. Bay scallop harvest also increased by 44.9% compared to 2022, and there was a very modest hard clam harvest reported for the first time since 2017. (The quantity and value of the bay scallop and clam harvests are not reported to maintain business privacy since there are fewer than three growers of each in the state.) The average price of single oysters remained steady while the average price for oysters sold as bushels increased slightly, as determined from grower-reported sales information standardized by volume. The estimated dockside value of the oyster aquaculture industry in Maryland for 2023 was $7,381,482. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) received 16 new shellfish aquaculture lease applications and issued 14 new shellfish leases in 2023 (Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 2024). Authors: Matthew Parker, Donald Webster, and Rebecca Thur; Title: Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Industry: 2023 At A Glance (FS-2024-0732).

Authors: Kurt Vollmer - Ellie Rogers

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is a perennial nonnative grass hybrid that is being investigated as an alternative crop in Maryland. Although the invasive potential of this species appears to be low, there is little information about how to manage giant miscanthus should it become weedy, or should another crop be desired following miscanthus production. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate control methods for giant miscanthus in two agronomic settings (discing and no-till) as well as herbicide options for riparian settings. Results indicated that multiple herbicide treatments or mowing followed by herbicide treatments over successive years would be needed to eliminate giant miscanthus. Authors: Kurt Vollmer and Ellie Rogers; Considerations for Terminating Giant Miscanthus on Maryland Farms (FS-2023-0685).

Authors: J. Richard Nottingham

Dry field conditions that are ideal for a successful fall harvest also bring the danger of combine fires. Dry crop residue provides the tinder, and a tiny spark or heat source is all that is necessary for a combine fire to start. Combine fires can lead to lost time, substantial property damage, and even injury or loss of life. This fact sheet will share what you can do to lessen your risk. Author: J. Richard Nottingham; Preventing Combine Fires (FS-845).

Authors: Andrea Franchini - Jose-Luis Izursa - Neith Little

Aquaponics is a soilless farming method that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. By combining the two methods the user achieves a mutually beneficial system of plant and fish production that can produce high-yield crops with limited space and water. This factsheet is a step-by-step guide to building a small aquaponics system using repurposed Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) and parts easily found online or at your local aquarium and hardware stores. Do-it-yourself construction may save farmers money on startup costs and may provide a system with which they can learn and practice aquaponic methods before investing in larger or commercial-scale systems. Authors: Andrea Franchini, Jose-Luis Izursa, Neith Grace Little; Title: How to Build a Low-Cost, Small-Scale Aquaponic System

Authors: Amro Hassanein - Stephanie Lansing - Danielle Delp

The greenhouse gas emissions from manure storage and emissions reductions that could be realized through implementation of three animal waste technologies (anaerobic digestion, composting, and thermochemical processing) are presented. This Factsheet is part of the “Animal Waste Technology” series. Authors: Amro Hassanein, Stephanie Lansing, and Danielle Delp; Title: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Improved Manure Management (FS-2023-0689).

Authors: Kirkland Mahoney - Amro Hassanein - Stephanie Lansing

Anaerobic digestion of manure with food processing waste resulted in renewable electricity production for 190 house and reduced 81% of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management. The solids were separated from the manure for composting, with the digester effluent injected into the soil as a fertilizer. This FactSheet is part of the ‘Animal Waste Technology’ series. Authors: Kirkland Mahoney, Amro Hassanein, and Stephanie Lansing; Title: A Case Study: Anaerobic Digestion of Dairy Manure and Food Processing Waste with Renewable Energy, Composting and Manure Injection (FS-2023-0694).

Authors: Hemendra Kumar, Ph.D. - Ananth Sriram

Drones, or UAVs, require a mix of hardware and software to operate and are controlled by ground stations. They offer numerous benefits in agriculture, such as precise crop monitoring, efficient resource management, and data collection. Challenges include high costs, certification requirements, and data interpretation. Key applications include crop scouting, spraying, seeding, yield estimation, and disease assessment. Despite challenges, ongoing research aims to maximize benefits and minimize limitations, promising a significant impact on agriculture. Authors: Hemendra Kumar and Ananth Sriram; Title: An Overview of Drones in Agriculture (FS-2024-0705).

Authors: Fereshteh Shahoveisi, Ph.D.

Pythium blight is a significant disease affecting turfgrass in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly during warm, humid conditions. This disease impacts both cool-season and warm-season turfgrass, with creeping bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, and annual bluegrass being most susceptible. Pythium blight is caused by several species of Pythium thriving in wet and humid environments. Symptoms include water-soaked, greasy lesions on leaves and stems, progressing to large, blighted patches. Management strategies involve cultural practices such as proper irrigation, soil aeration, and maintaining appropriate mowing heights. Biological control, though beneficial, is often insufficient alone. Chemical management remains crucial, though rotating products is essential to prevent fungicide resistance. Integrated disease management practices are recommended for maintaining healthy turfgrass and mitigating the impact of Pythium blight. Author: Fereshteh Shahoveisi; Turfgrass Diseases: Pythium Blight (FS-2024-0707).