By Mayhah Suri
Storm safety tips offered for farmers
With Joaquin recently passing through the region, and threats of future storms, The Maryland Department of Agriculture is urging the agricultural community to include livestock in their disaster preparedness plans. The agency also recommend farmers notify their crop insurance policy writers immediately if crops were lost as a result of the storm. For more information please visit http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/local/ph-cc-farmers-prepare-for-hurricane-20151001-story.html
New opportunity for innovators in agriculture
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program Northeast SARE is offering a competitive grant program to farmers who have a plan for something new. This could include an innovative marketing plan, a creative environmental protrction solution, or any other project that willstrengthen the farm. Grants are capped at $15,000 per farmer. The application deadline is November 12th, 2015. For more information, please visit http://www.nesare.org/
Maryland farmers welcome Chinese Minister of Agriculture
Chip Councell, a farmer in Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties, hosted Han Changfu, Chinese minister of agriculture, and a delegation of Chinese officials at his farm to show them firsthand the efforts Maryland farmers take to produce crops efficiently while also preserving the local environment. The trip marked continuing efforts to improve communication and knowledge sharing between the U.S. and China. For the full story, please visit http://www.stardem.com/news/local_news/article_1467db3c-bda6-5f7c-b90c-a70c96deb61b.html
Register today for the Nov. 5th Webinar
On Nov. 5th join us for a webinar covering the recent ruling invalidating Idaho’s “ag gag” law. Presenters that day will include Erin Hawley of the University of Missouri covering the First Amendment portion of the ruling and our own Ashley Newhall covering options left available for producers. The webinar starts at 1pm (EST) and is free to attend. Register today at go.umd.edu/AgGagWebinar.