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. |
Agricultural Nutrient Management Program
The University of Maryland Extension's Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, which is a component of the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, focuses on balancing nutrient applications with crop requirements to optimize crop production while reducing pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.