Updated: September 21, 2023
By Andrew Kling

Agricultural Nutrient Management Meetings

Farmer Training & Certification (FTC)  |  Nutrient Management Voucher

Farmer Training & Certification (FTC) Online: For Agronomic Crop and Animal Operations

Description: An opportunity for producers with cropland and pastures who use commercial fertilizer and/or manure to learn how to write nutrient management plans (NMP) for their operation that meet Maryland Department of Agriculture’s regulations. Please Advise: The course requires a minimum time commitment of 15-20 hours over 5 weeks. Larger, more complicated farm operations and those with high phosphorus soil test levels may require additional training and a larger time commitment.

Before registering, ensure you have the required materials and skills:

Required Materials/Technology

  • Reliable internet connection
  • Email address
  • Computer with Windows 7 or later (NuMan Pro software is not compatible with Mac)
  • Printer
  • Microsoft Word and Excel
  • PDF reader software (Adobe acrobat or similar)

Required Skills

  • Competency in high school math
  • Intermediate computer skills including:
    • Familiarity with web browsing
    • Experience with MS Office programs (Word, Excel), PDF readers (Adobe Acrobat or similar)
    • Ability to download/open/save/retrieve computer files
    • Ability to learn a new software program (NuMan Pro)

You will receive:

  • Access to the Online Course – Administered via the University of Maryland’s Enterprise Learning Management Systems (ELMS-Canvas).
  • A comprehensive training binder (electronic version- Google Drive Folder) –Consists of all materials referenced throughout the course, compiled in one place. The binder materials will be used during the class, serve as a reference during the exam, and as a valuable resource when you write future NMPs for your farm.
  • NuMan Pro software
  • Certification – Producers who pass the exam and complete development of their NMP will be certified by MDA to write their own NMPs.
  • Voucher training credits – This class will fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.

Cost and Registration Information

  • Space is limited therefore, register early. Registration will close on 9/18/23 or when capacity is reached.
  • Cost for the course is a $20 exam fee (to be paid directly to MDA following registration, no later than 10/16/2023)
  • To register for the Fall 2023 FTC Online offering September 2023– October 2023 (see course outline below), go to bit.ly/fall2023-farmer-certification

Dates: September 25th thru October 23, 2023

Date Module Online Office Hours Offered
Week 1
9/25/2023
Online Modules 1 and 2 Tuesday 9/26/23 2-3pm
Week 2
10/2/2023
Online Modules 3 and 4 Tuesday 10/3/23 2-3pm
Week 3
10/9/2023
Online Modules 5 and 6 Tuesday 10/10/23 2-3pm
Week 4
10/16/2023
Online Modules 7 and 8 Tuesday 10/17/23 2-3pm
Week 5
10/23/2023
Certification Exam
NMP Submission
Online Certification Exam: Monday 10/23/23, 6pm-8pm
NMP Submitted to MDA: October 31, 2023

Nutrient Management Voucher

Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company
TBA
Tues. Dec. 6, 2023 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information or to register contact Mark Townsend at 301-600-3578
UME-Anne Arundel Co.
97 Dairy Lane
Gambrills, MD 21054
Thurs., Dec. 14, 2023 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information or to register contact Dave Myers at t 301-405-4350.
UME-Anne Arundel Co.
97 Dairy Lane
Gambrills, MD 21054
Tues. Mar. 12, 2024 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information or to register contact Dave Myers at t 301-405-4350.
UME-Anne Arundel Co
Online
Tues. Apr. 16, 2024 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information or to register contact Dave Myers at t 301-405-4350.
UME-Calvert Co.
30 Duke St.,
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
TBA    
UME-Carroll Co.
700 Agriculture Center
Westminster, MD 21157
Thurs., Mar. 4, 2024 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information or to register contact Bryan Butler at t 410-386-2760.
UME-Charles Co.
9501 Crain Hwy.,
Bel Alton, MD 20611
TBA    
UME-Dorchester Co.
501 Court Lane,Room 208,Cambridge, MD 21613-0299
TBA    
UME-Frederick Co.
330 Montevue Ln
Frederick, MD  21702
  TBA For more information contact the Frederick Co office at (301) 600-3576
UME-Harford Co.
3525 Conowingo Road, Suite 600, Street, MD 21154
Thurs. Feb. 22, 2024 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information or to register contact Andrew Kness at (410) 638-3255
Howard County Soil Conservation District
14735 Frederick Rd.,
Cooksville, MD 21723
TBA    
UME-Montgomery Co.
18410 Muncaster Rd.,
Derwood, MD 20855
TBA    
Talbot County Ag & Education Center
10659 Hiners Lane, Easton, Maryland 21601
Tues. Mar. 5, 2024 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Register online or call (410)-822-1244.
UME-Washington Co.
7303 Sharpsburg Pike,
Boonsboro, MD  21713
Thurs. Feb 22, 2024 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Contact: Jeff Semler
Interested persons should contact (301) 791-1304 to register.