Publications

Adventure In Science is a partnership between the University of Maryland Extension and AIS Inc. It is a science based hands-on educational program reaching about 330 youth ages 8-14 in Montgomery County. The program is provided at six locations managed by organizational leaders and instructors. Parents and other volunteers help teach an interactive 2-3 hours sessions every Saturday for 18 weeks.

Interviewing can be intimidating and stressful but teaching 4-Hers essential skills in this area will help them be successful. This publication provides youth development professionals with a resource when teaching 4-Hers about interviewing for teen leadership positions, Out of State trip interviews, and employment. Additionally, this publication can be a tool directly provided to 4-H youth who are planning to interview.

Oyster aquaculture in Maryland is carried out using both traditional bottom leases as well as newer water column leases that utilize containment gear to produce single oysters. This manual describes the different types of production methods that can be used to build an aquaculture business and is designed to help prospective growers choose a method as well as equipment that will result in the production of high quality shellfish.

Researchers from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) conducted a study to evaluate the potential effect of nutrient credit trading on the growth and profitability of Maryland’s aquaculture industry. Nutrient credit trading is a market approach to lowering the cost of meeting the pollution caps that have been established to restore aquatic habitat in the Chesapeake Bay. Oyster aquaculture producers are eligible to sell credits in this emerging market, which creates the potential for economic and environmental benefits.

This publication details what we have learned from the University of Maryland hops project and includes current production recommendations for growing hops in Maryland. This is a multi-year study and partnership with Flying Dog Brewery that started in 2016.

Cooking food to a safe minimal temperature, using a food thermometer is an important behavior to reduce foodborne illness among consumers. However, data from FDA observed 67% of consumers owning a food thermometer, and this has not changed in 10 years. Using a food thermometer all the time for roasts, poultry, and hamburgers can range between 10-38%. This fact sheet helps address how to safely calibrate a food thermometer, and hot to best store and use it to keep the meals Marylander's prepare less risky.

This Fact sheet is to show educators how to recycle plastic or foam board into an educational tool, that can be used for nutrition and food safety purposes.

A successful farm operation requires thoughtful property selection, whether you are leasing or purchasing land. When looking at properties, you need to consider how the property will support the goals in your business plan. Will the farm be productive? Will the location and regulatory environment fit into your marketing strategies, or can you adjust your strategies to suit your income needs? Is the price of the farm reasonable and realistic given your financial goals? Are there any zoning, covenant, easement, or plat restrictions that might prevent you from producing or selling what you want, where you want?

Farmers who use pesticide products must use the product in accordance with the label and are responsible for taking certain steps to prevent pesticide exposure and mitigate any pesticide related health consequences for themselves and their employees, co-owners, and family members working on the farm. The Worker Protection Standard requires that when farmers use a pesticide with a WPS-label, they take certain protective measures to reduce the risk of illness or injury associated with exposure to pesticides. Not only is complying with the WPS a legal requirement for farmers who use a WPS-labeled pesticide, but research has shown that the practices required by the WPS benefit the health of farmers, farmworkers, and their families. Organic farmers may not realize that they are subject to the WPS. To comply with federal law and reduce pesticide related risks, all farmers should follow pesticide label instructions and implement the recommended practices. The WPS responsibilities can be broken down into three categories: inform, protect, and mitigate. This factsheet includes a summary of the main WPS provisions.

Knowing the amount of sodium in your drinking water is important for your health, especially if you have high blood pressure. Sodium is an essential mineral for maintaining a healthy fluid balance and is important for brain function and muscle contractions, but consuming too much sodium can elevate your blood pressure. This publication provides guidance on sodium intake from food and drinking water.