tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55744170805335704832024-03-06T00:26:39.583-08:00Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship BlogTo learn more about the Maryland Horse Council's Farm Stewardship Committee, visit: http://www.mdhorsecouncil.org/farm_stewardship.htm.Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-82981902610060544572015-02-13T13:25:00.001-08:002015-02-13T13:25:13.959-08:00Tips for Managing Horse Manure - Composting !<div class="article_header" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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Manure management strategies for horses</h1>
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By <span class="author vcard">Carole Curtis</span></div>
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Feb. 5, 2015 <span class="seperator">| </span><a class="comments" href="http://www.wisfarmer.com/leadstories/290930631.html#comments" style="color: #345a17; text-decoration: none;">0 comments</a></div>
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EAST LANSING, MI</div>
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Piling horse manure up into a miniature mountain and leaving it be no longer flies.</div>
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"Back in the day, we all did this. Nobody thought anything of it," Jamie Cohen, University of Florida farm outreach coordinator, said in a recent My Horse University webinar, "Horse Management Strategies To Help Your Horse, Help the Farm and Protect Our Water".</div>
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The program was co-hosted by Equine Land Conservation Resource, a national non-profit organization working to keep land open and accessible for horses and horse-related activities.</div>
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Old manure practices need to change, Cohen said, urging every horse owner to develop a manure plan now. "Legislation is coming, if your state doesn't have it already, so make this a priority," she noted.</div>
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A horse makes about 50 pounds of manure every day. Properly managing that manure and pastures will prevent nutrients in manure and urine from entering ground and surface waters.</div>
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Best management practices can be used to help a farm flourish and stay productive, while protecting water. BMPs are common-sense, cost-effective, science-based techniques that can be used to keep horses, farms and water resources at their best, said Cohen, who also serves as technical resource for Equine Land Conservation Resources.</div>
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"It's just good management. It's little steps that we all can do every day," she said.</div>
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Fertilization becomes a big problem when nutrients are not utilized correctly. Adding too much or the wrong type of fertilizer can prevent proper nutrient uptake by pasture grasses. If the soil of the pH is wrong, grass and weeds will be unable to utilize it. "This all means wasted money and excess nutrients to the aquifer," Cohen pointed out.</div>
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Overstocking the land is another issue. It destroys the grass and leads to nutrient excesses and increased soil erosion that can seep into ground and surface waters. The damage decreases property value and land usefulness, while increasing upkeep and required spending.</div>
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The nitrogen from horse manure and urine can increase algae growth, harming aquatic life and potentially making the water undrinkable. "Use this rule of thumb: if it touches the ground, it will eventually reach the aquifer," Cohen advised.</div>
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On the other hand, good waste management can help improve soil and water quality, leading to improved forage and better nutrient availability.</div>
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Options</div>
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Spreading fresh manure, gathering it in a dumpster, and composting it are all potentially viable options, depending on the farm's particular situation.</div>
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When spreading fresh manure, keep it within acceptable rates. "Don't spread so thickly that the grass is covered. That's not effective spreading and you're not helping the health of the grass," Cohen pointed out.</div>
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Don't spread manure or compost on hills or near rivers, and keep records, whether spreading on the farm or hauling the manure away from the farm. "It's a good farm practice, period, and it provides a record of how you are managing," Cohen said. "We need to be proactive."</div>
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On the down side, spreading fresh manure won't stop weed seeds and it won't help pastures like composting can, she added.</div>
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Poor, sandy and degraded soils hold forage poorly and run-off easily, Cohen pointed out, while spreading composted manure provides organic matter that can really help to improve soils by retaining more moisture and sustaining forage better.</div>
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Composting is worth the effort</div>
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Compost is a mixture of decaying organic substances that contains beneficial microbes and fungi. It will improve soil health, decrease the amount of water soil needs and be a slow release fertilizer. It is a tremendous soil amendment, worth good money, and helps to protect ground and surface waters, Cohen said.</div>
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Composting on-site can be easily set-up and managed. Besides the "fantastic" benefits it offers soil, composting can decrease the volume of manure and matter by over 30 percent, kill up to 90 percent of weed seeds and reduce parasitic worms.</div>
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There are several types of composting systems. Anaerobic composting is done in a vessel, while aerobic digestion composting uses forced or static air in bins or windrows.</div>
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"You can go fancy with an O2 system or you can go simple by just putting a little pad down. There are lots of options," Cohen noted.</div>
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One handsome O2 system uses used forced air with a small blower to push air through PVC pipes into bins, while a static air composting system uses pipes drilled with air holes that are inserted into piles of composting materials to eliminate the need for turning.</div>
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She cited a good set-up, costing about $250 to construct, that had a Plexiglas hinged roof over a series of three bins, removable front slates from old barn boards, and static air tubes for additional air infusion into the composting material.</div>
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The bins can also be made big enough to accommodate the bucket of a front end loader.</div>
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Manure composting bins can be tricked out with concrete flooring to stop leaching and tarps to shield the pile from excess rainwater and at the desired moisture level of a wrung-out sponge. If your horse barn has automatic waterers, add the waste water to the compost pile, Cohen suggested.</div>
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Stockpiling manure, leaving it and not managing it in any way, is not really composting, Cohen pointed out. Composting requires management.</div>
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Windrow composing is a great system, but it can be an expensive option. The windrowed materials can be turned with a compost turner or a front-end loader.</div>
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Dry lot management</div>
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Creating a dry lot offers many benefits. It makes a good "sacrifice area", thereby saving other pastures and is good for particularly good for horses on a limited caloric intake or just off stall rest. It should be situated close to the barn for easy management and shouldn't be too large.</div>
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Since there is no plant material to uptake the nutrients from manure and urine, make it a habit to regularly pick out the manure to keep it clean.</div>
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Horses should not be grazing a pasture below three inches in height because it will rip the grass out of the ground and denude the root below, Cohen said. "Shift your horses onto the dry lot when pasture length gets low or it will cause the demise of your paddocks," Cohen pointed out.</div>
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It's also important to test the soil every two or three years to plan proper applications of fertilization, control weeds and never mow paddocks below five inches in height.</div>
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Resources</div>
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For more information on BMP, check out the ELCR's BMP guide, "Best Management Practices Can Help Your Bottom Line: A Guide to BMP for Horse Properties" at <a href="http://elcr.org/bestmanagmentproactices/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><u>http://elcr.org/<wbr></wbr>bestmanagmentproactices/</u></a>.</div>
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For conservation assistance and information about cost-sharing, visit the Natural Resource Conservation Service site at www.<a href="http://nrcs.usda.gov/" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><u>nrcs.usda.gov</u></a>, and check your local Extension office to learn about state and local legislation.</div>
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For more information on composting, visit eXtension.org's manure management page at <a href="http://www.extension.org/pages/25674/horse-manure-managment" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><u>www.extension.org/pages/25674/<wbr></wbr>horse-manure-managment</u></a> or "A Guide to Composting Horse Manage" at <a href="http://www.whatcom.use.edu/ag/compost/horsecompost.htm" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><u>www.whatcom.use.edu/ag/<wbr></wbr>compost/horsecompost.htm</u></a>.</div>
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Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-18139645798551178642014-12-19T13:04:00.003-08:002014-12-19T13:04:47.062-08:00$2.9 million offered for Manure Management TechnologiesThank you to longtime MHC sponsor <a href="http://equiery.com/blog/?p=2593" target="_blank">The Equiery</a> for posting this on their blog.<br />
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<a href="http://equiery.com/blog/?p=2593" rel="bookmark" style="color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Permanent Link: $2.9 million offered for Manure Management Technologies">$2.9 million offered for Manure Management Technologies</a></h1>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url(http://equiery.com/blog/wp-content/themes/WP_Premium/images/i_author.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 1px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;">Posted by <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://equiery.com/blog/?author=1" rel="author" style="color: #b30000; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Posts by Editor">Editor</a></strong></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">December 19, 2014</span></div>
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The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for demonstration projects from vendors, businesses, and individuals offering technologies, equipment, infrastructure, or services that can improve the management and utilization of manure and other agricultural resources.</div>
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Maryland’s nutrient management regulations govern the amount, timing, and placement of crop nutrients—including manure and other organic nutrient sources—on agricultural land to prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways. To help livestock producers comply with these regulations, Maryland supports and invests in alternative uses for manure such as fertilizer manufacturing, composting and manure-to-energy projects that add value to the farm business model.</div>
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MDA has $2.9 million available to invest in these types of innovative technologies during State Fiscal Year 2015, which ends June 30, 2015.Vendors, businesses, and individuals are invited to respond to this RFP; <a href="http://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/counties/MDAAnimalWasteTechFundRFP2015.pdf" style="color: #b30000; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">click here</a><em id="__mceDel" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </em>to download the RFP.</div>
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If you have questions about the program, contact Louise Lawrence at the Maryland Department of Agriculture at <a href="mailto:louise.lawrence@maryland.gov" style="color: #b30000; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">louise.lawrence@maryland.gov</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: red; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Deadline for proposals is March 6, 2015.</strong></span></div>
Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-47913357795500082142014-12-18T11:15:00.000-08:002014-12-18T11:15:51.333-08:00Energy Efficiency Funding for Horse Farms<h1 style="background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/page/CornerTopLeft.gif); background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; color: #0e285f; font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 10px;">
<strong><span class="style2" style="font-size: 21px;">The 2015 Kathleen A. P. Mathias Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program</span></strong></h1>
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<em>This program is dedicated to the memory of Kathleen Arlee "Kathy" Petry Mathias of Ocean City, who passed away in 2011. The wife of Maryland State Senator James N. Mathias Jr., Kathy was an inexhaustible advocate for Maryland’s Eastern Shore and its farming community.</em></div>
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What is the program?</div>
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What are the project requirements?</div>
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How do I apply?</div>
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Subject to funding availability, MEA will provide grants to farms/businesses in the agriculture sector to cover up to 50% of the cost of energy efficiency and/or renewable energy upgrades after all other incentives have been applied.</div>
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For more information, read our<strong><u><a href="http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/documents/FY15MathiasProgramDescription_FINAL.docx" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/word.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; color: #006633; padding: 0px 20px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none;">Program Description</a></u></strong>.</div>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/bullet-circle-grey.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 5px 0.25em 10px; padding-left: 20px;">Only energy efficiency projects, or projects that combine energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, are eligible for funding. </li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/bullet-circle-grey.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 5px 0.25em 10px; padding-left: 20px;">Projects consisting of renewable energy measures only are not eligible for funding under this program. </li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/bullet-circle-grey.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 5px 0.25em 10px; padding-left: 20px;">All energy measures must be installed before November 1, 2015.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/bullet-circle-grey.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 5px 0.25em 10px; padding-left: 20px;">Each project, which can consist of multiple energy measures, needs to be cost effective in aggregate.<br /></li>
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See our <strong><u><a href="http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/documents/FY15MathiasProgramDescription_FINAL.docx" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/word.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; color: #006633; padding: 0px 20px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none;">Program Description</a></u></strong> for more info.</td><td valign="top" width="245"><div style="font-size: 12px; padding: 0.3em 10px 0.7em;">
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<strong>Applications must be submitted by Friday,</strong> <strong>January 30, 2015</strong>.</div>
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<strong><a href="http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/documents/2015programapplication_FINAL.doc" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/word.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; color: #006633; padding: 0px 20px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none;">Download the Mathias Ag Program Grant Program Application</a></strong></div>
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Questions? See our <a href="http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/documents/2015MathiasAgQA_FINAL.docx" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/word.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; color: #006633; padding: 0px 20px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Application Information Q&A</strong></a><strong> </strong>to assist you with completing the best application possible for this competitive program.</div>
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Upcoming Informational Sessions</h2>
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MEA will hold two informational webinars on this grant program:</div>
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<li style="background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/bullet-circle-grey.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 5px 0.25em 10px; padding-left: 20px;">10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2015</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/bullet-circle-grey.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; font-size: 12px; list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px 5px 0.25em 10px; padding-left: 20px;">1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2015</li>
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For an invitation please contact Erin Kelly (<a href="mailto:erin.kelly@maryland.gov" style="color: #006633; text-decoration: none;">erin.kelly@maryland.gov</a>) and indicate which webinar you would like to attend.</div>
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<strong>Additional Information</strong></h2>
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<a href="http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/documents/2014MathiasAgAlternativeFundingSources.pdf" style="background: url(http://energy.maryland.gov/images/icons/acrobat.gif) 100% 50% no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px 20px 0px 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Other Potential Funding Sources for Farms and Businesses</a></div>
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If you have any questions about this program, please submit them to Program Manager Dean Fisher (<a href="mailto:dean.fisher@maryland.gov" style="color: #006633; text-decoration: none;">dean.fisher@maryland.gov</a>) or <a href="http://www.ensave.com/contact/" style="color: #006633; text-decoration: none;">EnSave</a>, an MEA subcontractor supporting the Mathia Agriculture program.</div>
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Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-79538791746318727512014-11-02T08:38:00.000-08:002014-11-02T08:38:25.586-08:00Composting ! Fall Farm Stewardship Meeting Report<br />
On October 13, 2014, the Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee held its fall meeting with a focus on composting. Rain threatened but about fifteen people came to lovely Brooke Grove Farm in Olney to learn more about composting. Farm owner Dr. Charles Mess is an avid composter. He has about fifteen stabled horses and twenty field-boarded horses on 203 acres of pastures and hay fields. Brooke Grove is one of the now twenty Certified Agricultural Conservation Stewards horse farms under the Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP). <br />
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The meeting was held at one end of the indoor arena. Refreshments were sponsored by Piedmont Insurance, represented at the meeting by Matt Curran. Thanks again for this sponsorship! Jane Thery, Farm Stewardship Committee Chair, opened the meeting with a review of the data on Maryland horse farms and the Chesapeake Bay watershed areas. She noted that modern composting of horse manure not only makes good use of a local and natural source of soil nutrients but keeps these nutrients out of the water system. This reduces the algae bloom that damages aquatic life. <br />
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Mollie Bogardus, Equine and Agricultural Specialist of Green Mountain Technologies, presented a new technology called "Earth Flow" to convert stall waste into reusable bedding. Her sample of the final product looked something like dark mulch. The system is being installed as a pilot project at Days End Farm. <br />
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Dr. Mess explained his composting operation. He has three piles which are about thirty feet long and three to four feet high. The first pile has fresh stall waste. The middle pile has actively composting manure and bedding. This pile was aerated as it was moved. The internal temperature reaches 140-170 degrees Fahrenheit which kills seeds and pathogens. The third pile is compost ready to be used. The composting piles are on a large cement pad separated from the stalls by the indoor arena but with easy access for stall cleaners. Dr. Mess spreads the final compost on his hay fields using a finely-calibrated spreader. He uses the hay he produces for the horses on the farm.<br />
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Eddie Franceschi, Equine Resource Conservationist, Montgomery Soil Conservation District, explained the cost-sharing programs through his office, including support for the composting pad. He noted that technical assistance is also available for soil testing and effective compost application.<br />
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A special thanks to Dr. Mess for hosting this meeting on his impressive farm. <br />
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Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-152343393414761032014-10-10T15:59:00.000-07:002014-10-10T15:59:21.485-07:00Restoration Spotlight: Maryland horse farmers steward the landCheck out this great article in <i>Chesapeake Bay News</i> about Maryland Horse Council member Waredaca. A link to the article can be found <a href="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/blog/post/restoration_spotlight_maryland_horse_farmers_steward_the_land" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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Chesapeake Bay News</h1>
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<a href="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/S=0/blog/post/restoration_spotlight_maryland_horse_farmers_steward_the_land" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Restoration Spotlight: Maryland horse farmers steward the land</a></h2>
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Nestled next to <a href="http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/patuxentriver.aspx" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Patuxent River State Park</a> in Laytonsville, Maryland, are the 220 rolling, vegetation-rich acres of <a href="http://www.waredaca.com/" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Waredaca</a> horse farm. Husband and wife Robert and Gretchen Butts are the second generation to manage the family farm since Robert’s parents purchased the property in 1953. To them, Waredaca is more than just a business: it is their home.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/blog/Oct-7-Big-1.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; background-color: #fbfbf8; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; height: 367px; margin: 5px; padding: 10px; width: 550px;" /></div>
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The farm has evolved from a summer camp to a boarding stable for more than 80 horses, 30 of which are directly owned by Waredaca; recreational and competitive riders board the rest. The farm continues to host a youth summer camp, hold eventing competitions and offer year-round riding lessons. “To be able to make a living doing things you love—and to do it at home—is the best. This place is my life, and that’s pretty special,” Robert said.</div>
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The Butts’ connection to their land has sparked a deep sense of environmental stewardship within their family. “We’ve been here our whole lives, and plan on being here a long time. I think for a large portion of the agricultural community, that’s the case. Many have been motivated conservationists for years,” Robert explained.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/blog/Oct-7-Big_2.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; background-color: #fbfbf8; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; height: 373px; margin: 5px; padding: 10px; width: 550px;" /></div>
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A prominent part of Maryland’s environmental efforts to conserve farmland has included the equine community. “In recent years, certainly the state and Montgomery County have clarified in legislation that horses are a part of agriculture and therefore the services and outreach pertain to them,” said Robert. “Outreach to the equine community has been particularly important to [increasing] participation [in restoration initiatives].”</div>
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The <a href="http://www.mdhorsecouncil.org/" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Maryland Horse Council</a> has been a strong partner with the state’s <a href="http://www.mascd.net/FSCA/" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program</a> (FSCAP), which certifies agricultural stewards throughout the state. Since its development in 2010, FSCAP, administered by the <a href="http://www.mascd.net/" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts</a> (MASCD), has conducted 131 reviews on 108 farms and certified 91 agricultural conservation stewards protecting 27,000 acres in 16 counties. The Maryland Horse Council has helped FSCAP certify 20 horse farms.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/blog/Oct-7_Big_3.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; background-color: #fbfbf8; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; height: 367px; margin: 5px; padding: 10px; width: 550px;" /></div>
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According to the state, any farm with more than eight “<a href="http://organic.about.com/od/organicdefinitions/g/Animal-Unit-Definition-Of-Animal-Unit.htm" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">animal units</a>”—normally defined as one mature cow weighing about 1,000 pounds and her suckling calf—is required to follow a <a href="http://ipcm.wisc.edu/download/pubsNM/what_is_NMP.pdf" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">nutrient management plan</a> to ensure that excess manure is properly disposed of. Assessors from FSCAP are trained by the<a href="http://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/homepage.aspx" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Maryland Department of Agriculture</a> to review nutrient management plans with the same attention to detail provided by official inspectors. Assessors also inspect other “<a href="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/glossary#B" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">best management practices</a>” (BMPs), which reduce pollution and improve habitat on farmland. When certified, each steward gets his or her own webpage on the FSCAP <a href="http://mascd.net/FSCAP/farm_list.html" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">website</a> and the landowner receives a large sign to place on their property, advertising their environmental stewardship.</div>
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“The program was created in order to provide some positive recognition for farmers that are doing a great job [caring for the land], in light of what seems like fairly constant criticism about agriculture’s role in polluting the Chesapeake Bay,” said FSCAP Project Leader Gerald Talbert. “We carefully gathered core partners for this program because we wanted both the agricultural and the environmental communities to be involved.”</div>
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"Many stewards feel that certification means more than just personal recognition; it’s also good for business,especially with farms that deal directly with the public” Talbert said. “ So far, we’ve provided 91 signs, but there are 133 signs displayed.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/blog/Oct-7_Big_5.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; background-color: #fbfbf8; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; height: 824px; margin: 5px; padding: 10px; width: 550px;" /></div>
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By working together, Robert and Gerald were able to identify and address a streamside fencing issue that thwarted Waredaca’s certification efforts. The problem has since been fixed and the farm has been certified.</div>
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The Butts follow a nutrient management plan, composting their manure and spreading it on their fields to encourage rich soil and healthy pastures. They have also put a number of BMPs in place: a manure storage facility, a spring-fed water tank and stream-side buffers with fencing to keep horses out of streams, thereby keeping the surrounding creeks and streams clean.</div>
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<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />The Butts also practice rotational grazing. Strategically moving livestock to fresh pastures can allow previously grazed fields to regenerate, and is a preferred practice for fighting overgrazing. But many farmers do not have the space to rotate their grazing pastures, leading to field erosion and the<a href="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/issue/sediment" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">sedimentation</a> of rivers, streams and the Bay.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/blog/Oct-7_Big_6.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; background-color: #fbfbf8; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; height: 367px; margin: 5px; padding: 10px; width: 550px;" /></div>
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“We are very blessed to have a lot of room where the horses can roam,” Robert said. “Lack of space can be a limiting factor for many [horse-owners]. Overgrazing is a very common thing in the horse business, and will be hard to eliminate completely because of the way horses eat. Cows don’t eat the grass all the way down to the ground, but horses do,” he explained.</div>
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Through the efforts of programs like FSCAP and the willingness of farmers like the Butts to sign on to voluntary conservation programs, stewardship certification programs are gaining traction among the agricultural community. “Part of the effort here is not just to recognize those folks that have already done a great job, but to also provide incentive for someone to step up and put those one or two BMPs in place that they may have been missing to meet the standard,” said Talbert.</div>
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To view more photos, visit the Chesapeake Bay Program's <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29388462@N06/sets/72157648569533432/" style="color: #5879a6; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Flickr</a> page.</div>
<div class="blogauthorbio" style="background: url(http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/site/authorback.jpg) rgb(251, 251, 247); border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; margin: 20px 0px 10px; min-height: 95px; padding: 10px;">
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<img alt="author" height="73" src="http://www.chesapeakebay.net/images/avatars/uploads/avatar_69.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; background-color: #fbfbf8; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(211, 211, 211) 1px 1px 2px; margin: 5px; padding: 10px;" width="73" /></div>
<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">About Jenna Valente - Jenna is the Communications Office Staffer for the Chesapeake Bay Program. She developed a passion for conservation through her outdoorsy nature and being raised in Hawaii, Washington State and Maine. A graduate of the University of Maine's Communication program, she loves any opportunity to educate the public about the importance of conserving the environment.</em></div>
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Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-16833183871113595772014-10-07T12:41:00.002-07:002014-10-07T12:41:55.822-07:00How do successful farm families diversify their business?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCPXwZHRAkiyimqr73b0ee4GPT0EmtZnu3_0a8E08hb_bwUEbMQtvAtTm3oMSu3QCbtWpY1BP8U6SfWazyeHviH3nxzGvvpJkobcdeDJebKtHElTAXWUlrGpPElI02DolzOK94duwZCkH/s1600/MidAtlanticGreen370+-+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCPXwZHRAkiyimqr73b0ee4GPT0EmtZnu3_0a8E08hb_bwUEbMQtvAtTm3oMSu3QCbtWpY1BP8U6SfWazyeHviH3nxzGvvpJkobcdeDJebKtHElTAXWUlrGpPElI02DolzOK94duwZCkH/s1600/MidAtlanticGreen370+-+Small.jpg" height="73" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
MHC Sponsor Farm Credit recently published this newsletter with great articles about new ways to diversify your farm business.<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://link.coremotivesmarketing.com/v/306/301c059cd4ab30ed9ff86b915ea20756aeab37ca7458ece0" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read more!Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-53297249681977279772014-09-25T10:19:00.000-07:002014-09-25T10:19:06.659-07:00Horse Manure Management Survey Preliminary Results<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maryland Horse Council <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Horse Manure Management
Surveys Project<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Preliminary Results<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">August 2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Maryland Horse Council received a grant from the Maryland
Horse Industry Board to conduct a series of surveys on horse manure management
throughout the state. This issue was
identified as a priority concern at the 2009 Maryland Horse Forum. Under this grant, the first survey was sent
out electronically to horse farms. The
survey is voluntary and all results are anonymous. To date, we have received over 200 responses
from horse farms located throughout the state.
Here are the preliminary findings of the survey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most have 1-5 horses (43%), 6-9
horses (16%), 10-19 horses (20%). 20-49 horses (14%), 50-100 horses (6%), over
100 horses (1%)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most keep horses in stalls for some
period (80%)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most keep horses in stalls for 7-10
hours in the summer (41%) and 11-14 hours in the winter (44%)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most use sawdust for bedding (59%)
followed by wood shavings (22%)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">42% compost and then spread horse
manure and bedding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">30% compost and give away composted
material<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">21% pile horse manure and have it
hauled away<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">17% spread un-composted horse manure
and bedding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">13% put horse manure and bedding in
dumpsters to be hauled off<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3% compost and sell composted manure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">59% use horse manure as a fertilizer
on their own farm, 41% do not<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The most common
equipment/infrastructure for manure management are a compost pile, spreader and
bucket loader<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most farms dedicate 1-5 person hours
per week to manure management (in addition to regular stall cleaning)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If the manure is hauled off the farm,
65% reported a monthly pick up, 19% weekly, 16% bi-weekly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hauling fees range from $90 to $1000
depending on amount and frequency<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">15 hauling companies for horse manure
were identified<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most horse farms (50%) do not know
where their haulers take the manure, 32% goes to a composing facility, 10% to
mushroom farms, 6% to a landfill and 2% to a nursery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most horse farms (67%) would not haul
their own horse manure to a regional composting facility<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Over half (59%) were satisfied with
their system of manure management, 34% somewhat satisfied, 7% not satisfied<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of those unsatisfied with their
present manure management system cited cost as their primary concern (46%),
followed by lack of information on alternatives (22%), lack of space on the
farm (20%) and time limitations (12%)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Statements on the ideal manure
management system include on-farm composting for on-farm use, on-farm
composting for sale/gifts and hauling off at no or low cost<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most farms (79%) have never used
available technical assistance or cost sharing programs from state or county
agencies. Of the 21% who did use these programs, a third found them helpful, a
third found them not helpful and a third found them somewhat helpful. Of this
21% who used the programs, most (70%) would like to have more funding
available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Final comments from respondents to
the question, “Are there any other issues related to horse manure management
that you recommend be added to the agenda of the Maryland Horse Council?” (shortened versions)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Need more
access to information”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Find a way
for horse people to sell their manure”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Assure that
haulers are disposing of the manure properly”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Need cost
effective systems”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Connect
manure users with providers”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Reduce
paperwork”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Help small
farm operators”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Pest
control”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Study
persistent herbicides”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“More
information on state, county and municipal laws and regulations”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“More
training on composting and manure management”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Preliminary conclusions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many small horse farms are interested in on-farm composting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The manure hauling business is very locally-driven and segmented<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are concerns about cost and regulations for manure management<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is un-met demand for technical and financial assistance for manure
management<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraph">
<br /></div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-9992635876810411812014-09-24T06:33:00.002-07:002014-09-24T06:33:45.225-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Maryland
Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Fall Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Composting!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Monday, October 13<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Columbus Day<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">2:00 – 4:00 pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Brooke Grove Farm<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">A Certified Agricultural Conservation Steward<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> 18420
Brooke Grove Road <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Olney, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Agenda<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome: Jane Thery, Chair, Maryland Horse
Council Farm Stewardship Committee<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Tour of the Brooke Grove Farm Composting
Operation:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> Dr. Charlie Mess, Owner, Brooke Grove Farm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Composting Options for Small, Medium and
Large Farms: </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Mollie Bogardus, Equine and Agriculture Specialist, Green Mountain
Technologies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Technical and Financial Assistance for
Composting: </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Eddie Franceschi, Equine
Resource Conservationist, Montgomery Soil Conservation District<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 351.75pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Refreshments Provided</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-farm-stewardship-meeting-tickets-13006746529" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: #38761d;">Click HERE
to reserve your space!</span></span></b></a> </div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-31557258371085457982014-09-18T09:38:00.003-07:002014-09-18T09:38:39.983-07:00Pasture Walk Scheduled for TONIGHT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu-mNmu9SafF4kBdjl9-0FNNQSSLs4ylZLTMMnr4kM0Ydt5ftQJ21xjMpifSkZx2FAjW0fd9Se_ygoAia_Qgex4ZzKvAP-g8XeuF4VrlAeAdDiorfV5Ly_5I_9d5_9iy9AZ7aSI-mbAAF/s1600/pasture+walk+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu-mNmu9SafF4kBdjl9-0FNNQSSLs4ylZLTMMnr4kM0Ydt5ftQJ21xjMpifSkZx2FAjW0fd9Se_ygoAia_Qgex4ZzKvAP-g8XeuF4VrlAeAdDiorfV5Ly_5I_9d5_9iy9AZ7aSI-mbAAF/s1600/pasture+walk+flyer.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-65687935649879144722014-09-08T09:33:00.004-07:002014-09-08T09:33:34.286-07:00Composting ! October 13: Next Farm Stewardship Meeting <h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hold the Date<o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Monday, October 13<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Columbus Day <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2:00 – 4:00 pm<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Brooke Grove Farm<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">18420 Brooke Grove Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Olney</span></st1:city><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, <st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state></span></st1:place><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Composing: Modern Management of <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Our Organic Horse Manure<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tour of the Brooke Grove Farm
Composting Operation by Charlie Mess<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Details on Other Speakers Coming Soon <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></h3>
<br />
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Refreshments Provided<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-36049380757668487612014-09-08T07:52:00.002-07:002014-09-08T07:52:04.032-07:00Composting on Small Horse Farms<br />
Two good articles from Michigan State University on composting and storing manure on small horse farms.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/storing_manure_on_small_farms_deciding_on_a_storage_option">http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/storing_manure_on_small_farms_deciding_on_a_storage_option</a></div>
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<a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/proper_manure_management_is_important_for_everyone_including_small_scale_li">http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/proper_manure_management_is_important_for_everyone_including_small_scale_li</a></div>
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Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-78987137128920807762014-09-02T09:59:00.001-07:002014-09-02T09:59:18.666-07:00Composting Ideas. Topic of Next Farm Stewardship Meeting October 13<form>
<h1 style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For One to Three Horses</span></h1>
<h1 style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Build a Horse
Manure Composting System<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 7.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; line-height: 18pt;"> Source: Horses for Clean Water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 7.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Calibri; line-height: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="display: inline-block;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Summer is
the perfect time for construction projects and a key management component for
horse properties is having something useful to do with horse manure. Composting
is my favorite technique and while there are many bin designs and ideas for how
to compost, here is one low-tech option, best suited for small properties with
one to three horses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Look for a
high, level area on your property – don’t put your composter in a low-lying
area or it will turn into a soggy mess. Remember you must locate your composter
far away from creeks, ditches, wetlands or other water bodies – you can check
with local authorities for specific regulations on this. Choose a location
that’s convenient to your stall and paddock areas to make the chore of cleaning
up easier and less time consuming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.2pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">1. Select a site</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You will need at least two bins,
maybe a third for convenience. A two-bin system works by piling manure and
stall wastes in one bin. When that bin is full allow it to compost and start
filling the second bin. Once the first bin is done composting you can start
using the finished compost material. For convenience or if you have several
horses you may want to consider going to three bins. This allows one bin for
the daily stall wastes, another bin that is full and in the composting stage,
and a third bin for the finished compost to be removed and used at your
leisure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">2. Figure out how many bins you need</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A list of materials and tools needed
is included. It costs about $300 per bin for materials depending on the type of
wood you use and the cost in your area. Feel free to improvise and experiment
by choosing materials available in your area, which will work for you and your
situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">3. Purchase materials</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; line-height: 18pt;"> For three adjacent 8-foot x
8-foot x 4-foot bins, the following supplies and equipment are needed:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Supplies:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">8 – 8' x 6"x 6" treated
posts<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
110 – 8' landscape timbers (or similar wood)<br />
160 – 3" deck screws<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
Tarp (or plastic sheet) to cover top of each bin<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
Heavy items or straps to attach tarp to bins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Equipment:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Drill with screwdriver head and
drill bit<br />
25' tape measure<br />
Drill with screwdriver head and drill bit<br />
Chain saw or hand saw<br />
Carpenter’s level<br />
Post hole digger<br />
Tamping rod or similar tool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-transform: uppercase;">ABOUT
THE AUTHOR<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Alayne<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Alayne Renée Blickle, a life-long
equestrian and reining competitor, is the creator/director of Horses for Clean
Water, an award winning, nationally acclaimed environmental education program.
Well known for her enthusiastic, down-to-earth approaches, Alayne is an
educator and photojournalist who has worked with horse and livestock owners for
over 15 years teaching manure composting, pasture management, mud and dust
control, water conservation, chemical use reduction and wildlife enhancement.
She teaches and travels <st1:place w:st="on">North America</st1:place> and
writes for horse publications. Alayne and her husband raise and train their
reining horses at their ranch in sunny <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nampa</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">Idaho</st1:state></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span></form>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-54527681969974219272014-08-19T10:19:00.002-07:002014-08-19T10:21:13.120-07:00 Summer Meeting on Energy Use and Canoeing !<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;">Maryland Horse Council<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;">Farm Stewardship Summer Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;">August 14, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;">Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Headquarters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;">Annapolis, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;">Meeting Summary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;">Jane Thery, Chair, Maryland Horse
Council Farm Stewardship Committee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;"> The day was quite beautiful, with a
hint of fall in the air. About twenty
people attended the meeting entitled, “Energy Use on Your Horse Farm.” Our light-filled conference room faces the
Chesapeake Bay. Jane Thery opened the
session, noting that the Maryland Horse Forum had just been held and that
results of the Forum would be available within the next couple of months, the
next Farm Stewardship meeting will be held on October 13 and will focus on
composting, and naming the eighteen horse farms now recognized under the Farm
Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP) – well on the way to
meeting the twenty horse farms goal for 2014.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #003300; font-family: Calibri;"> Dan Johannes, Maryland Agriculture
Coordinator of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, welcomed the group to the </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Philip Merrill building which is designed for the highest level of
energy efficiency. He noted the
importance of addressing energy use on horse farms and stated the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation’s support for the environmental awareness of the horse community. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Dean
Fisher, Program Manager at the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), presented
his track record in matching funding sources to successful energy efficiency
project on Maryland farms. He emphasized
the dissemination of “best practices” in energy savings through case studies
and videos available on the MEA website.
Dean recommended energy audits to identify areas on a farm that could
benefit from upgrades. Unfortunately,
these audits can cost in the thousands of dollars. There may be funds available for reducing
demands on the energy grid. He noted
that the large energy suppliers such as PEPCO, Dominion and BG & E have
energy efficiency program that could be used by horse farms. The Maryland Horse Council is looking forward
to including horse farms in future MEA farm energy efficiency programs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> John
Blackburn, Senior Principal of Blackburn Architects, presented his work on
building natural light and ventilation into stable design. He showed the group a diagram of how roof
design, including roof venting, could promote updrafts in stables to provide
healthy, fresh air for the horses and reduce the need for fans. Sky<span class="msoDel"><del cite="mailto:John%20Blackburn" datetime="2014-08-18T15:56"> </del></span>lights
are also added to provide light throughout the stable and to reduce the risk of
electrical fires. He also promotes the
use of solar panels to generate on-farm electricity. John has designed a series of “green stables”
for a variety of climates, including low-cost options. He noted that existing stables can undergo
modifications to significantly improve their natural light and
ventilation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Wayne
Brechtel, Senior Field Energy Consultant from SolarCity, explained how his
company installs solar panels that generate energy for farms and provide energy
to the existing electrical grid. He
explained that the combination of federal and state incentive programs and
high-quality available technology make this an excellent time to install solar
panels in Maryland. His company will
meet with potential clients and review where solar panels could be located and
the saving in monthly electrical costs.
The company is fully responsible for maintaining the solar panels over
their lifetime. Agreements with the
company are made with a 20 year time horizon and include energy savings over
time. One important issue for horse
farms is the designation of your electrical meter as residential or
commercial. The rates are higher for
commercial meters. SolarCity is
enthusiastic about offering their services to more horse farms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Last
but not least, about half of our group took a canoe tour of the inlet next to
the Chesapeake Bay Foundation headquarters and received a briefing from Claire
Cambardella on the life in the Bay and how to measure water clarity and oxygen
content. We also saw many ospreys, blue
heron and native plants. Doug Myers, the
senior Chesapeake Bay Foundation scientist, joined our canoe group and noted
that the main threat to the Bay is too much nitrogen and phosphorous that leads
to algae blooms and die-offs which cut off oxygen and light to the natural Bay
flora and fauna. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Many
thanks to the sponsors of our refreshments, Piedmont Insurance and SolarCity,
as well as the meeting host, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Dean Fisher, Jane Thery, Dan Johannes, John Blackburn, Wayne Brechtel</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #003300; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <i>(Photo from the Maryland Energy Administration)</i></span></div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-56372545987251548012014-08-18T10:21:00.002-07:002014-08-18T10:21:31.491-07:00Green Mountain Technologies Horse Manure Composting System <div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Green
Mountain Technologies, Inc (GMT)</span></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">–<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>$388,310</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>– Although composting is not new, the
in-vessel system is a closed system reducing variability of environmental
factors impacting composting success. The vendor offers this as a turnkey
operation and provides ongoing management support which reduces farm operator
time, labor requirements and potential error. GMT proposed two individual
projects for in-vessel composting: The first is a small composter at a <b>horse rescue facility in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Howard</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">County</st1:placename></st1:place></b>
where nutrients and by-products will be reduced by 50 percent. GMT is in
discussion to market this compost to vendors who sell planting medium for
nursery production. The second project is larger and will be implemented on a
dairy farm in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Frederick</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">County</st1:placename></st1:place> that also will
process the offal from its turkey production and processing facility. The
agricultural operation is owned and managed by Eugene Iager, who is exploring
the use of the compost for dairy bedding and opportunities for marketing it.
GMT operates out of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Seattle</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">Wash.</st1:state></st1:place>, and they will use
web-enabled controllers and probes to monitor temperatures and manage the
composter remotely when not on site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Green
Mountain Technologies is honored to have two projects selected by MDA. We
realize that the agricultural industry must be given waste management options
that are not only environmentally sustainable but also financially
sustainable,” said GMT Agricultural Sales Specialist Mollie Bogardus. “We
believe in furthering the market channels for the value added products created
through quality composting of the waste from dairies, equine facilities and
poultry sites. These grants will provide <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state>
farms examples of successful composting operations.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In January
2014, MDA issued a Request for Proposals for demonstration projects with proven
and innovative technologies that manage agricultural manure and on-farm
generated waste in a manner that improves its utility as a fertilizer, changes
its form or function for alternative uses, or produces energy or other marketable
products. The overall outcome of the technology will result in reduction of
nitrogen and/or phosphorus movement to surface waters associated with animal
manure produced on farms in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maryland</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-family: Calibri;">’s nutrient
management regulations govern the amount, timing, and placement of crop
nutrients—including manure and other organic nutrient sources—on agricultural
land to prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways. To help poultry and
livestock producers comply with the regulations, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state> is supporting and investing in
alternative uses for manure such as fertilizer manufacturing, composting and
manure-to-energy projects, and the development of new products that add value
to improve farm viability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">MDA received
eight bids, which were reviewed by a six-member technical review subcommittee.
The subcommittee represented diverse skill sets and backgrounds and its members
were chosen from the 20-member Advisory Committee for the Animal Waste
Technology Fund. Three of the recommended projects were approved by the Board
of Public Works on Wednesday, August 13. An award for one additional project is
expected to be made this fall, following Board of Public Works approval.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Learn more
about <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state>’s
sustainable policies, practices and programs at <a href="http://green.maryland.gov/"><span style="color: #465787; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">green.maryland.gov</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and follow us @GreenMaryland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-12131847230888203862014-08-18T08:33:00.001-07:002014-08-18T08:33:15.645-07:00MDA Awards $1 Million for Innovative Manure Management Technologies<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; width: 800px;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></strong></span></td><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong> <span style="font-size: 16px;">CONTACT: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Julie Oberg, <a href="tel:410-841-5888" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14108415888">410-841-5888</a><br /> Vanessa Orlando, <a href="tel:410-841-5889" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14108415889">410-841-5889</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>MDA Awards $1 Million for Innovative Manure Management Technologies</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong><em>Demonstration Projects in Howard, Frederick and Worcester Counties Recognized</em></strong></span></div>
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<strong>POCOMOKE, MD (August 15, 2014)</strong> – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today awarded more than $1 million in grants for three animal waste management technology projects. MDA Secretary Buddy Hance, Maryland Energy Administration Director Abigail Ross Hopper, along with other state and local officials, joined together for a check presentation ceremony to Planet Found Energy Development and Green Mountain Technologies for implementation of their demonstration projects. The event was held at Millennium Farms in Worcester County.</div>
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“By working to reach our sustainability goals, we’ll grow our renewable energy portfolio and reduce the amount of run-off going into our precious Bay. This program is a win-win for our State,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Investing in Maryland’s in-state renewable energy boosts our economy, ensures that we have abundant energy resources well into the future and creates more jobs and opportunity for more Marylanders.”</div>
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The O’Malley/Brown Administration’s investment in innovation led to the revitalization of the Animal Waste Technology Fund. The Fund provides incentives to companies that demonstrate new technologies on farms and provide alternative strategies for managing animal manure. These technologies generate energy from animal manure, reduce on-farm waste streams, and repurpose manure by creating marketable fertilizer and other products and by-products. MDA plans to award a total of $2 million of the $2.5 million available in FY2014. Funds not awarded during FY2014 will be added to a new round of requests for proposals to demonstrate innovative manure management technologies, totaling $3 million in FY2015.</div>
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“These projects will help farmers address challenges in managing manure under new nutrient management requirements,” said Secretary Hance. “Projects funded have the potential to increase energy independence, enhance animal waste management, improve water quality, and reduce greenhouse gases – all of which will result in advanced Chesapeake Bay restoration and help farms become sustainable.”</div>
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Today, MDA announced the first two grant awardees: </div>
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<strong>Planet Found Energy Development (PFED) </strong>– <strong>$676,144.47</strong> – uses an anaerobic digester linked to a nutrient recovery system to produce electricity (26 kWh plant producing an estimated 100,000 kW/yr) for parasitic load and will use net metering to send any excess electricity back to the grid. Excess heat may be used to offset propane costs for poultry house heating. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are to be partitioned into three separate fertilizer products for on-farm use or sale. The dry weight of the poultry litter is reduced by 50 percent and the fiber by-product has the potential to be re-used as poultry bedding. Millennium Farms, owned/operated by Jason and Kim Lambertson, is in Worcester County and has six poultry houses. Although pairing the two components is new, both have been proven as stand- alone systems. PFED broke ground on the anaerobic digester component of the project this spring and will use grant funds from the State to support the nutrient capture system.</div>
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“Our team at Planet Found Energy Development is excited to work with the Maryland Department of Agriculture in finding alternative ways to utilize poultry manure,” said PFED Partner Jason Lambertson. “Our partnership the first step in helping the agricultural community use a current resource as renewable energy while reducing key nutrients that have a great impact on the future of the poultry industry in Maryland. We welcome this opportunity to be a part of a solution.”</div>
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<strong>Green Mountain Technologies, Inc (GMT)</strong> – <strong>$388,310</strong> – Although composting is not new, the in-vessel system is a closed system reducing variability of environmental factors impacting composting success. The vendor offers this as a turnkey operation and provides ongoing management support which reduces farm operator time, labor requirements and potential error. GMT proposed two individual projects for in-vessel composting: The first is a small composter at a horse rescue facility in Howard County where nutrients and by-products will be reduced by 50 percent. GMT is in discussion to market this compost to vendors who sell planting medium for nursery production. The second project is larger and will be implemented on a dairy farm in Frederick County that also will process the offal from its turkey production and processing facility. The agricultural operation is owned and managed by Eugene Iager, who is exploring the use of the compost for dairy bedding and opportunities for marketing it. GMT operates out of Seattle, Wash., and they will use web-enabled controllers and probes to monitor temperatures and manage the composter remotely when not on site.</div>
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“Green Mountain Technologies is honored to have two projects selected by MDA. We realize that the agricultural industry must be given waste management options that are not only environmentally sustainable but also financially sustainable,” said GMT Agricultural Sales Specialist Mollie Bogardus. “We believe in furthering the market channels for the value added products created through quality composting of the waste from dairies, equine facilities and poultry sites. These grants will provide Maryland farms examples of successful composting operations.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left">
In January 2014, MDA issued a Request for Proposals for demonstration projects with proven and innovative technologies that manage agricultural manure and on-farm generated waste in a manner that improves its utility as a fertilizer, changes its form or function for alternative uses, or produces energy or other marketable products. The overall outcome of the technology will result in reduction of nitrogen and/or phosphorus movement to surface waters associated with animal manure produced on farms in Maryland.</div>
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Maryland’s nutrient management regulations govern the amount, timing, and placement of crop nutrients—including manure and other organic nutrient sources—on agricultural land to prevent excess nutrients from impacting waterways. To help poultry and livestock producers comply with the regulations, Maryland is supporting and investing in alternative uses for manure such as fertilizer manufacturing, composting and manure-to-energy projects, and the development of new products that add value to improve farm viability.</div>
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<br /></div>
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MDA received eight bids, which were reviewed by a six-member technical review subcommittee. The subcommittee represented diverse skill sets and backgrounds and its members were chosen from the 20-member Advisory Committee for the Animal Waste Technology Fund. Three of the recommended projects were approved by the Board of Public Works on Wednesday, August 13. An award for one additional project is expected to be made this fall, following Board of Public Works approval.</div>
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Learn more about Maryland’s sustainable policies, practices and programs at <u><a href="http://green.maryland.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">green.maryland.gov</a></u> and follow us @GreenMaryland.</div>
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# # #</div>
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EDITOR'S NOTE: PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.</div>
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Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-16857141143044283902014-08-14T17:16:00.001-07:002014-08-14T17:16:19.032-07:00Save Our Farmland Day in New Market on August 17th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-80051797763429043262014-08-13T11:40:00.001-07:002014-09-23T11:18:40.317-07:00Energy and Your Horse Farm Meeting Agenda<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maryland</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Horse Council<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Farm Stewardship
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thursday, August 14, 2014, Noon
to 3:00 pm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Chesapeake Bay</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Foundation Headquarters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Energy Use on Your Horse Farm<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Welcome and Introductions <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Jane Thery, Chair<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;"> <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state>
Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Energy Use and the Environment<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Dan <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Johannes</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state></st1:place>
Agriculture Coordinator <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chesapeake Bay</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Foundation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Energy Efficiency Options and Programs<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Dean Fisher, Program Manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Maryland</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Energy Administration <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Natural Energy Through Stable Design<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">John Blackburn, Senior Principal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Blackburn</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Architects <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Solar Energy Options<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Wayne Brechtel, Senior Field
Energy Consultant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt;">Canoeing !! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Special thanks to our host and
canoeing partners, The <st1:place w:st="on">Chesapeake Bay</st1:place>
Foundation, and to Piedmont Insurance and SolarCity for the fine refreshments.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-57011961097445737142014-07-23T12:17:00.000-07:002014-07-23T12:17:14.946-07:00Summer Farm Stewardship Meeting on Energy<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: green;">Summertime ! Time to think about energy use
on your horse farm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Are you running fans when you could use
natural ventilation and shade? Is your
arena or barn roof a good candidate for solar panels? Could that wind that blows be harnessed to
provide you with electricity? Are there
easy ways for you to cut down on the electricity you now use through LED bulbs
and smart monitors? Do you want to
reduce the “carbon footprint” of your farm?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Energy is the focus of the Summer Maryland
Horse Council Farm Stewardship meeting which will be graciously hosted by the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation at their headquarters in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Annapolis</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Please join us on<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Thursday, August 14 from noon – 3:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Phillip Merrill Environmental Center<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><b><span style="color: green;">6
Herndon Ave.</span></b></st1:address></st1:street><b><span style="color: green;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><b><span style="color: green;">Annapolis</span></b></st1:city><b><span style="color: green;">, <st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">21403</st1:postalcode></span></b></st1:place><b><span style="color: green;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Special added feature !!! Paddle out into the Bay after the
meeting! Bring your boating
clothes. Fun on the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chesapeake</st1:place></st1:city>!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Agenda:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: green;">Chesapeake Bay</span></b></st1:place><b><span style="color: green;"> Foundation –
Energy and the Bay<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span style="color: green;">Maryland</span></b></st1:place></st1:state><b><span style="color: green;"> Energy
Administration – Energy Efficiency and Wind Power<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: green;">SolarCity – Solar Power<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Lunch will be provided. Kayaking on the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chesapeake</st1:place></st1:city>!
(Human Power…)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: green;">Questions? Contact Jane Thery at theryjane@gmail.com or 202-527-2145</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-34561495136360778652014-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:002014-06-30T10:21:15.856-07:00<h2 style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #426573; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Attention Horse Farm Owners ! Deadline for Application is September 30.</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">"</span><b style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">This voluntary program offers a one-time signing bonus, now up to $250 an acre, attractive annual rental and incentive payments, and cost-share to install streamside buffers, wetlands, livestock fencing, watering facilities and other stream protection practices. "</b></div>
<h2 style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #426573; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2 style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #426573; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program applications now being accepted</span></h2>
<div style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px;">
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Annapolis, MD - 6/29/2014</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px;">
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.thebaynet.com/news/util_files/util_printstory.cfm/story_ID/37872/storytype/textarticle" style="color: #067592; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Printer friendly</a></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px;">
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">By Press Release, Maryland Department of Agriculture</strong></div>
<b><span id="sharethis_0" style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="stbutton stico_default" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" st_page="home" style="background: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/share-icon-16x16.png?CXNID=1000014.0NXC) 0px 0px no-repeat scroll !important; color: #067592; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 5px 5px 22px;" title="ShareThis via email, AIM, social bookmarking and networking sites, etc."><span class="stbuttontext" st_page="home" style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ShareThis</span></a></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></b><br />
<div class="textcenter" style="background-color: #f9f9f3; clear: both; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;">
<b><br /></b><div style="clear: both; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div id="storyContainer" style="background-color: #f9f9f3; color: #282323; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; width: 610px;">
<b>Local soil conservation districts are now accepting applications for the newly reauthorized Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Farmers interested in earning extra farm income by taking environmentally sensitive cropland out of production for 10 to 15 years and planting streamside buffers, establishing wetlands, protecting highly erodible land or creating wildlife habitat should call or visit their local soil conservation district to take advantage of this popular environmental incentive program. Applications will be accepted through September 30. </b></div>
<div class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; width: 610px;">
<b>CREP is a federal-state partnership program that was reauthorized in the 2014 Farm Bill. This voluntary program offers a one-time signing bonus, now up to $250 an acre, attractive annual rental and incentive payments, and cost-share to install streamside buffers, wetlands, livestock fencing, watering facilities and other stream protection practices. CREP buffers meet all Maryland Nutrient Management Program setback requirements. In addition, CREP offers easy reenrollment for current participants with expiring contracts.</b></div>
<div class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; width: 610px;">
<b>“The good news is that CREP is back and available to help farmers protect local waterways, enhance their farming operations and comply with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “It’s worth checking into. I’ve never met a farmer who regretted installing a stream crossing or watering facility. Livestock farmers report that these practices can help improve hoof health for cattle and reduce mastitis problems in dairy cows. I urge farmers to visit their local soil conservation district to find out how this program can benefit their farms. </b></div>
<div class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; width: 610px;">
<b>Maryland’s Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program and USDA’s Farm Service Agency provide landowners with financial assistance to install best management practices (BMPs) on lands enrolled in CREP. Incentive payments worth up to 40 percent of the cost-share allocation are available for certain BMPs. Free technical assistance to install BMPs is provided by local soil conservation districts. In some instances, landowners have the option of selling a permanent easement on their land to the state.</b></div>
<div class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 0px; width: 610px;">
<b>In 1997, Maryland became the first state to participate in the CREP program. Since then, CREP has helped hundreds of landowners plant streamside buffers of grasses and trees, establish wetlands, protect highly erodible land and create wildlife habitat on roughly 70,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land. When fully implemented, CREP will help Maryland achieve its water quality goals by:</b></div>
<div class="show-ul" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<ul class="newsstory" style="line-height: 1.8em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 25px; width: 575px;">
<li class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Reducing an estimated 11.5 million pounds of nitrogen and 1.1 million pounds of phosphorus from entering Maryland waterways each year.</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="newsstory" style="line-height: 1.8em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 25px; width: 575px;">
<li class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Reducing the amount of sediment entering streams by approximately 200,000 tons annually.</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="newsstory" style="line-height: 1.8em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 25px; width: 575px;">
<li class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Establishing and enhancing 77,000 acres of riparian buffers and 5,000 acres of wetland habitat and 2,000 acres of habitat for declining, threatened or endangered species, including the bald eagle and Eastern bog turtle.</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="newsstory" style="line-height: 1.8em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 25px; width: 575px;">
<li class="newsstory" style="line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Stabilizing and protecting up to 16,000 acres of highly erodible land.</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-79392701513329056482014-06-18T12:31:00.000-07:002014-06-18T12:31:11.927-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">June 11, 2014 Meeting Report </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The evening sky was threatening rain but about 35 people
came to beautiful Persimmon Tree Farm for the meeting on <b>“How Your Horse Farm
Can Be a Home for Healthy Horses AND Natural Flora and Fauna.”</b></div>
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Farm owner and host Carolyn Krome gave the group a tour of the native
grasses planted to provide wildlife habitat and to hold the soil. She explained the practice of a controlled
burns to burn down the dry grasses on a regular schedule to avoid invasive
plants and to minimize thatch. She said
that the grasses have attracted many birds, small animals, coyotes and even a
bobcat. Carolyn also showed the group
the section of her farm planted to attract “pollinators” such as bees and butterflies. This project was supported by the Maryland
Soil Conservation Districts Pollinator Habitat Project. </div>
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Jane Thery, Committee Chair, welcomed the group to the meeting. Samantha Spencer, Carroll Country Soil
Conservation District specialist, presented the plan she had prepared to
develop a section of wetlands on Persimmon Tree Farm. She explained the process of wetland planning
and the assistance available from the Soil Conservation District office.</div>
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James Remuzzi, President of Sustainable Solutions, described
his company’s process for controlled burns.
He noted that they will handle all of the needed permits, review the
weather for an appropriate burning day and assure that the burn is
contained. He recommended that any
native grass plantings that were to be burned are surrounded by a mown grass
buffer zone of at least 15 feet to effectively contain the burn area. </div>
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Gerald Talbert, Program Director of the Soil Conservation
District Farm Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP) spoke about the on-going
process for bringing more horse farms into the program and announced that we
now have 17 horse farms who have received full certification. </div>
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Jane Seigler, president of the Maryland Horse Council, gave
an update on legislative issues from the meeting of the Maryland Assembly. She noted that our new lobbyist, Frank
Boston, was very useful in legislative tracking. One bill which passed and is important for
the Farm Stewardship composting promotion is the requirement to include organic
material under new fertilizer regulations.</div>
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Informal networking over refreshments sponsored by the
Piedmont Group and R.D. Bowmen rounded out the evening as the rain began to
fall.</div>
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The next Farm Stewardship meeting will focus on energy
efficiency and renewable energy sources for your horse farm and will be held
sometime in August or September. </div>
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Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-62364268393621740012014-06-07T07:02:00.002-07:002014-06-07T07:02:31.268-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #8c8813; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">MHC Farm Stewardship
Committee</span></b><span style="color: #8c8813; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #8c8813; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Spring Meeting</span></b><span style="color: #8c8813; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #000001; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Contributing to Healthy Horses and a Healthy Environment in
Maryland</span></i><span style="color: #000001; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday, June 11 </span></b><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">6:00 - 8:30 pm</span></b><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">"How Your Horse Farm Can Be a Home for Healthy Horses AND
Natural Flora and Fauna"</span></i></b><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i><span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our host is Carolyn Krome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Refreshments will be provided<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Meeting Address:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Persimmon Tree Farm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">1030 Bloom Road<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(239, 239, 239); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000001; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Westminster, MD 21157<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Agenda: Welcome and Introduction <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> Jane Thery,
Chair, Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b> Naturalizing
Your Horse Farm<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> Carolyn Krome,
Owner, Persimmon Tree Farm<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b> Conservation
Programs and Planning<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> Samantha Spencer
and Stan Pennington, Carroll County Soil Conservation District<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b> Sustainable
Solutions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> James R.
Remuzzi, President<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b> Update on the
Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> Gerald Talbert,
Program Director<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b> Legislative
Issues Impacting Farm Stewardship<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b> Jane Seigler,
President, Maryland Horse Council<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tour of Persimmon Tree Farm <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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</div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-46451020950185322002014-05-28T10:23:00.001-07:002014-05-28T10:23:32.795-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;">
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">June Farm Stewardship Meeting Coming Up !!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Please join us for the June Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship meeting at beautiful Persimmon Tree Farm!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wednesday, June 11 6:00 - 8:30 pm</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">"How Your Horse Farm Can Be a Home for Healthy Horses AND Natural Flora and Fauna"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The meeting will focus on methods and financing for adding natural habitat to your farm. We will also get an update on environmental issues for horse farms from the state legislative session, review where we are in signing up farms for the Farm Stewardship Certification and Assessment Program (FSCAP) and discuss ideas for future meetings.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Our host is Carolyn Krome. Refreshments will be provided</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Meeting Address:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Persimmon Tree Farm</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> 1030 Bloom Road</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Westminster, MD 21157</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Questions? </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Contact Jane Thery, Chair, theryjane@gmail.com; 202-527-2145</b></span></div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-42578030602386418152014-04-22T09:51:00.000-07:002014-04-22T09:51:06.233-07:00Happy Earth Day !<br />
Earth Day is a good time to check up on the "green" standard of your horse farm. Are your pastures healthy? Streams fenced off? Muddy areas minimized? Manure properly managed? How is the carbon footprint of your barn? Are you using natural light and ventilation? Alternative energy such as solar panels? LED lights? Minimizing farm equipment exhaust? <br />
<br />
A well-managed horse farm protects the natural environment AND provides a healthy home for our horses.<br />
<br />
Happy Earth Day !Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-84059720665569703342014-04-08T10:46:00.001-07:002014-04-08T10:46:58.223-07:0017 Horse Farms - Certified Agricultural Conservation Stewards<h1>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Farm Stewardship Certification and
Assessment Program (FSCAP)<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Administered by the
Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>With support from the
Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">17 Horse Farms - Certified Agricultural
Conservation Stewards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Protecting 1,749.8 acres in Eight
Counties as of 3/25/14</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Carolyn
Krome</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Persimmon
Tree Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1030 Bloom
Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Westminster,
MD 21157 131.60 acres – Carroll
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Steven
Darcey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Edgewood Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
2550 Ritchie Marlboro Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 - 84 acres – Prince George’s County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Karla Stoner</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Bloomsbury Forge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
8401 Peters Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Frederick, MD 21704 119 acres – Frederick County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Milly Welsh</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Graden</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3355 Davidsonville Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Davidsonville, MD 21035 20<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> acres – Anne Arundel County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. Lori Larson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Wyndham Oaks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
19301 Bucklodge Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Boyds, MD 20841 75 acres – Montgomery County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Kevin Plank</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Tom Mullikin, Manager</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sagamore Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3510 Belmont Ave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Reisterstown, MD 21136 436.8 acres – Baltimore County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. Rick
Terselic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Potomac Horse Center</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
14211 Quince Orchard Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
North Potomac, MD 20878 31.9
acres – Montgomery County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. Michael
Rubin </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
John Warffeli, Manager</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Breezy Hill Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
20306 Bucklodge Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Boyds, MD 20841 36.4 acres – Montgomery County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. Linda
Santomenna and Robert Alphin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Blue Waters Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
48 Bethel Cemetery Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Chesapeake City, MD 21915
43 acres – Cecil County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10. Barbara
McDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
21940 Oscar Hayden Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Bushwood, MD 20618 22.3 acres – St. Mary’s County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. Marko Bulmer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roedown
Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3856 Wayson
Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Davidsonville,
MD 21035 140 acres – Anne Arundel
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. Larry and
Jo-Anne Schaudies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surmont LLC</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21660 W
Offutt Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poolesville,
MD 20837 14.5 acres – Montgomery
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. Michael
Dickinson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tapeta Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
100 Piney
Creek Lane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
North East,
MD 21901 250 acres – Cecil County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14. Dr. Charles
Mess</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brooke
Grove Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18420
Brooke Grove Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Olney, MD
20832 203 acres –
Montgomery County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15. Mike Magruder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cherry
Valley Equestrian Center</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5027 Cherry
Tree Lane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sykesville,
MD 21784 36.5 acres – Carroll
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16. Bill and
Patricia Hahn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Separate
Peace Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3571
Heavens Gate Drive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Westminster,
MD 21158 77 acres – Carroll County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17. Steven
Sisterman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roundabout
Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
41625 Foxes
Point Lane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leonardtown,
MD 20650 29.44 acres – St. Mary’s
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574417080533570483.post-3284113282466989262014-03-19T10:52:00.000-07:002014-03-19T10:52:08.697-07:00Congratulations ! 16 Horse Farms Certified as Excellent Land Stewards<h1>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Farm Stewardship Certification and
Assessment Program (FSCAP)<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Administered by the
Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>With support from the
Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">16 Horse Farms - Certified Agricultural
Conservation Stewards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Protecting 1,720.5 acres in Eight
Counties as of 3/6<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>/14</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Carolyn
Krome</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Persimmon
Tree Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1030 Bloom
Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Westminster,
MD 21157 131.60 acres – Carroll
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Steven
Darcey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Edgewood Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
2550 Ritchie Marlboro Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 - 84 acres – Prince George’s County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Karla Stoner</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Bloomsbury Forge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
8401 Peters Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Frederick, MD 21704 119 acres – Frederick County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Milly Welsh</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Graden</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
12100 Cherry Tree Crossing Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Brandywine, MD 20613
20 acres – Anne Arundel County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. Lori Larson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Wyndham Oaks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
19301 Bucklodge Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Boyds, MD 20841 75 acres – Montgomery County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Kevin Plank</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Tom Mullikin, Manager</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sagamore Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3510 Belmont Ave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Reisterstown, MD 21136 436.8 acres – Baltimore County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. Rick
Terselic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Potomac Horse Center</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
14211 Quince Orchard Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
North Potomac, MD 20878 31.9
acres – Montgomery County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. Michael
Rubin </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
John Warffeli, Manager</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Breezy Hill Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
20306 Bucklodge Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Boyds, MD 20841 36.4 acres – Montgomery County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. Linda
Santomenna and Robert Alphin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Blue Waters Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
48 Bethel Cemetery Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Chesapeake City, MD 21915
43 acres – Cecil County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10. Barbara
McDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
21940 Oscar Hayden Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Bushwood, MD 20618 22.3 acres – St. Mary’s County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. Marko Bulmer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roedown
Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3856 Wayson
Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Davidsonville,
MD 21035 140 acres – Anne Arundel
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. Larry and
Jo-Anne Schaudies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surmont LLC</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21660 W
Offutt Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poolesville,
MD 20837 14.5 acres – Montgomery
County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. Michael
Dickinson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tapeta Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
100 Piney
Creek Lane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
North East,
MD 21901 250 acres – Cecil County</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14. Dr. Charles
Mess</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brooke
Grove Farm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18420
Brooke Grove Road</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Olney, MD
20832 203 acres –
Montgomery County</div>
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15. Mike Magruder</div>
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Cherry
Valley Equestrian Center</div>
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5027 Cherry
Tree Lane</div>
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Sykesville,
MD 21784 36.5 acres – Carroll
County</div>
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16. Bill and
Patricia Hahn</div>
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Separate
Peace Farm</div>
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3571
Heavens Gate Drive</div>
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Westminster,
MD 21158</div>
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Jane Thery, Chair, Farm Stewardship Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16196648984471839919noreply@blogger.com0