Publications

Authors: Kurt Vollmer - Ben Beale

This hand-held guide provides information on how to identify and differentiate common pigweed species in Maryland including: Palmer amaranth, Spiny amaranth, waterhemp, and redroot/smooth pigweed. Authors: Kurt Vollmer and Ben Beale; Title: A Guide for Identifying Pigweed Species Commonly Found in Maryland (EB-2023-0654)

Authors: Drew Schiavone

This factsheet will help you estimate the size and number of solar panels needed to meet your electrical demand. Review this factsheet to learn how to assess your electrical loads, identify solar energy levels, and correlate your electrical demand to solar production. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Working on Solar Design and System Sizing (FS-2023-0655)

Authors: Kurt Vollmer - Ben Beale

Pigweeds are annual weeds that can cause significant problems for Maryland farmers. Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are two pigweeds that are especially troublesome, and have been designated as noxious weeds by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Therefore, it is required that these two species be actively managed to prevent their spread and resulting negative impacts on Maryland agriculture. To the untrained eye, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp can appear similar to each other and to other pigweed species. However they can be easily distinguished from one another by looking at some key botanical characteristics. Becoming familiar with these species allows for earlier detection, and as a result, improved management practices. Authors: Kurt Vollmer, Ph.D., and Ben Beale; Title: Keys to Identifying Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp (FS-2023-0653)

Authors: Dwayne Joseph - Leo Kerner

Yellow, green, and giant foxtail are the three most common weedy foxtail species in Maryland. Knowing the differences between foxtail species and look-alike grassy weeds can assist with identification, and the selection of effective weed management strategies. Title: Know Your Foxtails (FS-2023-0658); Authors: Dwayne D. Joseph, and Leo Kerner

Authors: Nicholas Warnick - Alexander Chan - Shannon Dill

This publication details the link between financial stress and mental health outcomes in the agricultural population. Implications for agricultural service providers are discussed. Title: Clients’ Financial Issues Are Intertwined with Mental Health (EBR-2022-0647); Authors: Nicholas Warnick, Dr. Alexander Chan, and Shannon Dill

Authors: Shannon Dill

Starting a farm or adding a new farm enterprise can be an enjoyable and attractive business decision. This factsheet lists contacts and resources to explore as you consider a new or expanding farm enterprise. Resources from government agencies and organizations provide production information vital for starting and operating a successful farm business. Author: Shannon Dill; Title: Starting a Farm Enterprise in Maryland (EBR-2022-0648)

Authors: Drew Schiavone

This fact sheet demonstrates how the average consumer, with a simple set of tools, can calculate the real-world capabilities of a solar panel. These skills are particularly important when identifying a defective solar panel and/or confirming the output of a solar panel when its output parameters are unknown. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Working on Solar Panels and Power Output (FS-2022-0646)

Authors: Praise-God Igwe - Maria Cramer - David Owens - Dr. Galen P. Dively II - Dr. Kelly Hamby

Slugs damage corn and soybean seedlings by rasping holes, with most problems occurring in high residue no-till fields that provide moist habitat. Slug baits are the most effective chemical control and an IPM approach helps reduce yield loss and maximize profits. Authors: Praise-God Igwe, Maria Cramer, David Owens, Galen Dively, and Dr. Kelly Hamby; Title: Managing Slugs in Field Crops Using IPM Principles" (FS-2022-0629)

Authors: Lauren Schmitt - Kelsey McGurrin - Karin Burghardt

Simple changes to yard and greenspace management in cities and suburbs can facilitate healthy insect communities and maximize ecosystem services. Considering insect life cycle transitions can ensure that habitat requirements are met throughout the year and throughout all life stages. Authors: Lauren Schmitt, Kelsey McGurrin, Dr. Karin Burghardt; Title: Managing City and Suburban Yards and Gardens to Sustain Insect Communities (FS-2022-0633)

Authors: Sarah Potts

Timing, quality, and quantity are three key components of a successful colostrum feeding program. Holstein calves should be fed three liters and Jersey calves should be fed two liters of high-quality colostrum (>50 grams IgG/mL or ≥21% Brix) within the first two hours of life and an additional two liters within 12 hours.; Author: Dr. Sarah Potts; Title: Colostrum: Getting Calves Off to a Good Start (FS-2022-0641)