February 2024
2024 POULTRY GROWER EXPO - April 3, 2024 - 9:00-2:00 - Princess Anne, Maryland
This year’s Farm Field Day will be held ‘inside’ at the Somerset County Civic Center in Princess Anne, Maryland (Crisfield Lane, Princess Anne, MD 21853).
We would like to encourage our Delmarva growers and friends to come out and spend the day learning, networking, and enjoying (a free) lunch together.
There will be a tradeshow and educational sessions, including generator maintenance, controller training, energy savings, summer readiness and more. NM credits available.
So we know how many growers to expect and have lunch for, please register here: https://bit.ly/42vnpyj or email soscar@umd.edu or call Sheila at 410-742-1178 x301. If you would like to support us with Sponsorship Opportunities, please go to: http://tinyurl.com/2024growerexpo
Nutrient Management Updates and Reminders
Worcester County Agriculture Newsletter, Maegan Perdue, Senior Agent Associate, UME
Harvest for 2023 has come to a close and we are moving into bookkeeping, reporting, and training season. One of these winter activities will be reviewing and updating your nutrient management plan. A key component of a nutrient management plan is a soil test within the past three years. Soil tests provide an analysis of nutrients, pH, and other qualities of soil important for planning and crop productivity and are the foundation of a nutrient management plan. Read more>>>
2023 Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) Due by March 1, 2024
Nutrient Management Annual Implementation Report (AIR) for CAFO and MAFO Operations documenting nutrient applications for calendar year 2023 are due to the Nutrient Management Program by March 1, 2024.
CAFO no-land poultry operations that export manure are required to include a copy of their manure analysis. Farmers may be able to obtain an analysis from the farmer or broker who received their manure. Read More>>>
Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture Project: Have Your Say!
Are you seeing the impacts of more extreme weather patterns on agriculture operations in Maryland? A new survey released by the Hughes Center in support of the Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture Project (MDCSA) aims to capture this information and more.
If you are a Maryland farmer, waterman, shell stock producer, technical service provider or Extension agent, we invite you to participate in the survey.
The Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture Project (MDCSA) is farmer-focused, bringing together producers, technical service providers, researchers, organizations, and policymakers to develop and share science-based strategies and techniques. Read more>>>
For Biosecurity, Keep Doors Closed
By Sean Clougherty, Delmarva Farmer, November 3, 2024
Leaving end doors open between flocks only invites curious wildlife, and whatever pathogens that may be carrying with them into the house, poultry specialists say. “It’s become less common but we’re still seeing it a lot,” said Jon Moyle, Extension poultry specialist for the University of Maryland. (Photo courtesy Flickr/University of Alabama)
Jon Moyle, Extension Poultry Specialist for the University of Maryland, shares a photo during recent presentations at poultry meetings. It’s a picturesque, well-kept poultry farm in front of the evening colors of the setting sun. But there’s one problem: All the houses’ end doors are open.
Left unattended, when houses are between flocks, Moyle said the open doors invite curious wildlife, and whatever pathogens they may be carrying, into the house. Read more>>>
Can Music Improve Bird Performance?
Jennifer Timmons, Associate Professor, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
In humans, research suggest that music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain, improve memory and sleep quality as well as enhance athletic performance.
This raises the question if music could also be beneficial to animals.
As animal welfare continues to be a priority for producers, music may be an additional enrichment tool used to decrease stress and strengthen natural behaviors of birds. Read more>>>
Calendar of Events 2024
February 28: Farm Family Communications and Estate Planning Workshop
March 6: Dr. Dan Bautista presents ‘Poultry Diseases 2.0’
April 3: 2024 Poultry Grower Expo!
May 1: Insurance with Shane Kunkleman (Georgetown)
May 15: Poultry Farm Management for Existing, New & Potential Growers (Georgetown)
May 22: Poultry Farm Management for Existing, New & Potential Growers (Snow Hill)
May 29: IMP and Pollinator Day (Salisbury)
June 5: DCA Booster Banquet (Harrington)
Everyone is welcome! For more information, go to the Maryland Poultry website at extension.umd.edu/poultry
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