Publications

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)

The Cottage Food Industry Law of 2012 in Maryland opened the door for small-scale food entrepreneurs to launch a food business without investing in a commercial kitchen. The change in Maryland’s regulations allows individuals to prepare certain types of food items in their home kitchen. This report outlines the parameters of the Maryland Cottage Food Industry Law, including production and labeling requirements. The report also provides detailed information on approved cottage industry products, the requirements for selling them through various outlets, and regulations regarding limits on revenues and sales.

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).

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.

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)

When disposed of improperly, pet waste can be a source of water pollution because it contains diseases and bacteria. When precipitation falls on pet waste, bacteria and diseases are picked up and carried to local waterways and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. The pollution caused by unscooped pet waste affects both wildlife and humans – diseases associated with pet waste can cause illness and even death in people with weakened immune systems.

Impervious surfaces* such as roofs, increase runoff by preventing rain water from being absorbed into the ground. In precipitation events, stormwater runs over impervious surfaces and picks up pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorous, suspended sediments, organic chemicals, heavy metals, and oil which are washed directly into our storm systems and local waterways.

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)

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)

Financial Nuggets is a six lesson, financial educational program designed for middle school students (grades 5-8) that provides an opportunity for youth to simulate real world, financial experiencesthrough hands on learning activities. Lessons and activities are designed for 45-60 minutes and are aligned with the Maryland Financial Literacy Standards. This curriculum provides an age appropriate introduction to basic ideas such as financial decision-making as well as advanced topics, including investments and insurance. The first lesson, Financial Decisions, focuses on understanding the difference between needs and wants. Next, youth understand the relationship between careers, education and income in Lesson 2. The next lesson, Plan and Manage Money, teaches financial management and budgeting concepts to youth while Lesson 5 builds on this knowledge by exposing the youth to ideas and concepts to explain how wealth is created and built. Finally, Lesson 6 - Manage Risks and Preserve Wealth – exposes youth to risk, managing risk by way of insurance, and other wealth accumulation and preservation strategies.