New Hello, Harford County! · 2016. 6. 6. · Public Hearing for Harford NEXT Plan Hello, Harford County! ... This may mean that you put the transmission in reverse and back up a

Farm Visitation Day

Public Hearing for Harford NEXT Plan

Hello, Harford County! Is it summer already? It really snuck up on us here at the Extension office! Summer is always a busy time, and this year is no exception. Since there’s so much to report, I’m forgoing words of my own to bring you the latest from around the county and the state. Wishing you a successful season! Sincerely,

The public hearing for the Harford NEXT Master Plan will be held on June 7, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Public comments will be allowed, but citizens must sign up in advance – either in person at the Council Chambers between 5:30-6:00 PM, or prior to 5:00 PM by e-mailing the County Council or calling 410-638-3343. The draft of Harford NEXT 2016 – A Master Plan for the Next Generation, was released on February 8, 2016. The draft document, as well as the revisions already made by the Department of Planning & Zoning, can be viewed on the Harford County Government website (www.harfordcountymd.gov) under Contact – Harford NEXT.

Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail Open

This year’s Farm Bureau Farm Visitation Day will be hosted at Highview Farms, 1555 Kerr Road in Whiteford. All are welcome to attend this free event to see animals, tractors, and meet a farmer! Learn more about the farm at www.highviewfarms.webs.com. For more details about the event, call 410-836-7773.

The 2016 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail is officially open! The trail includes nine dairy farms the produce and sell ice cream directly to consumers right on the farm. The 2016 Ice Cream Trailblazer passport is available at all of the creameries on the trail and online at www.marylandsbest.net. Anyone who completes their passport by visiting every stop on the trail by September 23 will have their passport entered into a drawing to be named the 2016 Ice Cream Trail Blazer. Two of the creameries on the trail are right here in Harford County – Broom’s Bloom Dairy and Keyes Creamery.

Reduce Risks Around Big

Round Bales

2

PSI, PMT, and the Tier

System

4

Sheep and Goat Twilight

Tour and Tasting

5

On-Farm Breweries:

Legal Requirements

6

What Happens When

You Die Without a Will?

6

Pesticide Container

Recycling

7

University of

Maryland Extension

Harford County Office

P.O. Box 663

2335 Rock Spring Road

Forest Hill, MD 21050

(410) 638-3255

M—F 8:00 a.m—4:30 p.m.

Extension.umd.edu/harford-county

facebook.com/HarfordAg

Sara BhaduriHauck

Ag Extension Educator

[email protected]

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Photo: Midwest Cover Crops Council

June 7, 2016 6:00 p.m.

County Council Chambers Bel Air, MD

June 26, 2016 1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Highview Farms Whiteford, MD

UME Seeks Candidates for Horticulture Agent

Reduce Risks Around Big Round Bales

UME Seeks Candidates for Small Farm/Alternative Ag Agent

Equipment that produces large round bales provides an efficient and economical way to harvest hay. However, it also poses unique safety problems for the operator.

Large round bales often weigh 1,500 to 2,000 pounds, the same as a small car. Sometimes hay is harvested at wetter than optimum moisture content, which causes the hay to clump and the baler to clog. It’s also harvested during uncomfortably hot conditions, which causes operator fatigue and frustration. Add to these factors the human tendency to misjudge reaction time around aggressive equipment. The result is a potentially dangerous situation often overlooked by many farm operators.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, four Iowa tractor operators were fatally crushed in a three-year period when a bale rolled down raised front-end loader arms. Other injuries are reported in which the weight of the bale causes the tractor to overturn. Injuries also occur when the operator gets caught in the pick-up mechanism while trying to unplug the machine or hand-feed twine or hay into the baler.

This publication will review common hazards posed by the harvest and handling of large round bales, and operational and maintenance procedures that can reduce those hazards.

Big Bale Safety: how much do you know? 1. A rolling bale has the same momentum as a subcompact car traveling at the same speed. True or false?

2. When you make large round bales on an incline, which way should you drive in relation to the slope? A. across the slope B. up the slope C. down the slope 3. When you transport large round bales on an incline, where should you keep the bale? A. on the uphill side of the tractor B. on the downhill side of the tractor C. neither; you should drive across the slope 4. How fast can a baler moving at 3 miles per hour pull in hay? A. 52 inches per second B. 24 inches per second C. 12 inches per second 5. When carrying large round bales on a loader, always keep the bucket up to not block your vision. True or false? See answers at the end of the article. Large Round Bale Hazards

Large round bales are bulky as well as heavy. Bales are compact and dense, and usually reach a diameter of 5 to 6 feet. They are designed to repel rain and prevent spoilage, however, they also easily roll down inclines or off raised loaders.

Due to their large size and weight, round bales affect the stability of equipment used to handle them. Check the baler owner’s manual for charts regarding the size of the tractor and loader required to safely lift and

The Baltimore County office of University of Maryland Extension is seeking candidates for an associate agent of horticulture. The successful candidate will coordinate the Baltimore County Master Gardener program; develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, and workshops related to horticulture; respond to clientele requests for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, fruit and vegetable production, and pest control; identify plants and insects submitted by clientele; and provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and flexible work hours. This is a non-tenure-track position. Apply online at ejobs.umd.edu and search for faculty position number 119822. Applications will be accepted through June 24.

The Carroll County office of University of Maryland Extension is seeking candidates for an associate agent to work with small farm and alternative agriculture programs. The successful candidate will provide citizens with educational opportunities related to agricultural production, budgeting, and marketing; cooperate with other Extension educators and specialists to facilitate the creation and distribution of research-based information; and develop and maintain collaborative relationships with agricultural organizations and beginning farmers to plan, implement, and evaluate programs and seek new partnerships. This position requires a bachelor’s degree and working knowledge of agriculture and farming issues. Applicants must be self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful with skills and experience in conducting community-based education programs. This is a non-tenure-track position. Apply online at ejobs.umd.edu and search for faculty position number 122004. Applications will be accepted through June 17.

By Mark H. Hanna, Iowa State University Extension

(con’t…)

transport large round bales. Always adjust the tractor wheel tread to the suggested setting to assure that the tractor can maintain balance and avoid rollover.

Always use a grapple hook with a frontend loader to transport large round bales. A grapple hook will prevent the bale from rolling back onto the loader arms. Use a tractor with a cab or a four-post rollover protective structure for additional security.

A rear-mounted loading spike is ideal because it eliminates the danger of roll-back and it does not block the operator’s forward vision. Insert the spike into the center of the bale for maximum control.

Never try to stop a rolling bale, even with a tractor. A bale gains momentum as it moves. You wouldn’t try to stop a car free-wheeling down a hill, likewise, don’t try to stop a large round bale. During baling, drive on a contour so that released bales do not roll down a slope.

When transporting large round bales, try to keep the bale on the up-slope side of the tractor. This will provide the best stability for the tractor to prevent an overturn. This may mean that you put the transmission in reverse and back up a hill when using a rear-mounted spike, and that you back down a hill when using a front-end loader. Avoid driving across a slope while transporting a large round bale.

Remember low and slow when moving large round bales. Drive slowly to avoid sudden movements and turns, which are exaggerated by a heavy load and can cause the tractor to tip. Keep the bale low to maintain balance. Traveling over rough ground, stumps, or ruts can cause a tractor carrying a large round bale to overturn. Baler Hazards

Implements that produce large round bales save labor because they require only one operator. However, they pose many of the same hazards as conventional square balers that require a crew of workers. On both balers, the intake area is the most dangerous place because operators fail to perceive the speed and power of the machine.

For example, a baler traveling at an average speed of 3 miles per hour pulls in crops at a rate of 4.4 feet per second. This is faster than an operator can react if he or she is trying to adjust or unclog the area while the equipment is running. In the .5 second it would take to let go of loose hay or pull a sleeve from a moving pick-up tine, an operator’s hand and arm can be pulled into the machine. The power takeoff unit and moving belts on the baler pose similar dangers for the operator.

Always disengage the power take-off and shut off the tractor engine before getting off the tractor. If a problem must be diagnosed while equipment is running, check it

from a distance. Be sure you have stable footing and that you do not get close to moving belts and other parts.

Never feed twine by hand into the baler. Make sure the twine is properly threaded and the twine arm is adjusted and in good working condition.

Maintain proper settings and speed. Harvest is a manufacturing process. To avoid problems, set the baler pick-up at the manufacturer’s suggested height and operate the power take-off at the suggested speed.

Travel at a speed at which the machine can handle the width and size of the windrow to avoid clogging and other equipment problems.

Replace broken or worn parts. A baler with broken or missing pick-up tines, loose belts, and other damaged parts will not feed material properly into the bale chamber. Always lubricate sprockets and chains when the machine is turned off. Make sure guards and shields are in place, and that the hydraulic system is in working order.

Always lock and block the rear gate if you must be underneath it. This will prevent the gate from falling on top of you if the hydraulic system fails. Make sure the rear area is clear before discharging a bale.

Be prepared for fire. Hot, dry weather conditions, friction from belts and chains, and readily combustible hay can lead to fire. Carry a Class ABC fire extinguisher on your tractor.

Poor weather conditions cause many of the problems experienced during production and transportation of large round bales. However, some things are within your control. A professional attitude, well-maintained equipment, and use of proper operating procedures can reduce your exposure to many of the risks associated with large round bales. Big Bale Safety: what can you do? Large round bales require special care in handling. You can be safe around this hazard by following these tips: Obtain and use a grapple hook if a front-end loader

will be used for bale transport. For sloping fields, plan to make windrows parallel to

contours. Plan a safe route out of the field when you

transport bales. Avoid rough terrain. Always turn off the engine before you get off the

tractor. Replace broken or worn pick-up tines and belts. Keep the twine feeder in good repair.

Answers to quiz: 1-True; 2-a; 3-a; 4-a; 5-False

Organic Farmers Encouraged to Apply for Cost Share

The Phosphorus Site Index (PSI) and the Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) are tools used to determine the risk for phosphorus runoff into nearby waterways. The PSI has been used for many years on fields with a Fertility Index Value (FIV) of 150 or greater. This is used to determine the safety of applying manure or phosphorus-containing fertilizers on fields with an FIV-P of 150 or greater. Additional scientific studies determined that the PMT was a more accurate method then the PSI, although in some situations the PMT is more

restrictive. For this reason, Maryland regulators decided that the PMT would be implemented in order to give farmers time to transition to the PMT. Currently, when a field has a FIV-P of 150 or greater, the PSI and the PMT are both reported in the Nutrient Management Plans. The PSI is used, but the PMT is also provided to show the different expectations. This gives operators advance notice of what will be required in the near future. MDA is using a tiered system to determine when the PMT requirements will replace what is dictated by the PSI. As your nutrient management plan is updated, if you had fields with an FIV-P of 150 or greater, you will be placed in a tier A, tier B, or tier C category. The tier you are placed in is determined by the average soil phosphorus FIV result of the fields in your operation that have an FIV-P value of 150 or greater. Your tier category determines when you will begin

using the PMT instead of the PSI. The following shows PMT start times for each tier group. NOW: fields with a FIV-P of 500 or greater are

banned from receiving phosphorus effective now. 2018: New phosphorus management requirements

begin to phase in for high-risk (tier C) farms with average phosphorus FIV that is greater than 450. 2019: New phosphorus management requirements

begin to phase in for medium-risk (tier B) farms with average phosphorus FIV of 300-450. 2020: New phosphorus management requirements

begin to phase in for low-risk (tier A) farms with average phosphorus FIV of 150-299.

Take a look at your nutrient management plan to see what your tier is. Can’t find a tier determination? If you don’t have fields with a FIV-P of 150 or greater, you do not need to be placed into a tier. Reference source: “Farming with Your Nutrient Management Plan” published by Maryland Department of Agriculture Nutrient Management Program Fall 2015. Copies available from MDA offices, Extension offices, and online. If you have problems accessing this document, I will be glad to provide you with a hard copy.

PSI, PMT, and the Tier System: What You Need to Know

By Patricia Hoopes, Harford County Nutrient Management Advisor

Maryland farmers and processors with organic certifications are now eligible for cost share reimbursement from the USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The Program is funded by the 2014 Farm Bill and can assist Maryland farmers in paying for organic certification or recertification. Farms and businesses that produce, process, or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible to be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of their costs—up to $750 per scope (crop, livestock, handler)—for certification between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2016. The application for the cost share funding, as well as other information about the program, is available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website at mda.maryland.gov. The Cost Share Program is part of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and will provide over $10 million of assistance in FY2016. Reimbursements will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. Questions may be directed to Deanna Baldwin at [email protected] or 410-841-5769. (Source: MDA; abridged.)

New National Equine Disease Communication Center

Farm Diversification: Profitability with Specialty Crops

Sheep and Goat Twilight Tour and Tasting

The purpose of this event is to showcase everything about sheep and goats. A local chef will prepare dishes made from sheep and goat meat and cheese. There will be a discussion of matching wines with meats and cheeses. Participating small ruminant dairies will offer samples of their artisan cheeses and other products made from sheep and goat milk. There will be spinning demonstration and display of sheep and goat fibers. A Southern Maryland farm will talk about how sheep and goats can be used to control unwanted vegetation. There will be wagon tours of the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test and Goat Performance & Carcass Contest. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required by July 1. To register, go to twilighttourtasting.eventbrite.com. For more information, go to www.sheepandgoat.com and select Twilight Tour from the Programs drop-down menu.

Farm diversification opens opportunity and increases potential profitability! Adding specialty fruit and vegetable crops to your farm can increase profit margins several ways. Like diversifying in the stock market, engaging in more than one enterprise and adding value to what you already grow will spread profit risk, not to mention the “growing” interests in locally produced foods. Extension educators and local growers will come together to present their ideas during this one‐day program to help you increase your knowledge on specialty crops, food safety, marketing, and the university services available to help you. Registration information and agenda details will be available soon. You may contact Debby Dant, [email protected], 410-827-8056 x115 with any questions.

July 19, 2016 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Western MD Research and Education Center

Keedysville, MD

July 8, 2016 4:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.

Washington County Ag Education Center

Boonsboro, MD

A new National Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) has been created to help protect horses and the horse industry from the costly and often times fatal threat of equine infectious diseases. Working in cooperation with state animal health officials and the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture, the EDCC seeks information about current disease outbreaks from news media, social media, official state reports and veterinary practitioners. Once information is confirmed, it is immediately posted on this website and messages sent to all states, horse organizations, and listserv participants by email. Daily updates are posted until each outbreak is contained or deemed no longer a threat. Be one of the first to know about ongoing equine disease outbreaks near you by signing up on the EDCC website: visit equinediseasecc.org and choose the sign up link under the “EDCC mailing list” header on the right-hand menu.

What Happens When You Die Without a Will?

On-Farm Breweries: Keep in Mind Legal Requirements

Recently, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to allow for the development of on-farm breweries. This area of the law (at least in Maryland) is still new and developing as it relates to breweries. Those considering developing an on-farm brewery may be interested in a new fact sheet developed by the University of Maryland Agriculture Law Education Initiative: Microbreweries and the New Class 8 Farm Brewery License, available at drum.lib.umd.edu/handle/1903/16347. Author Mayhaha R. Suri has also developed a video series walking through considering an on-farm brewery through the legal requirements. The videos cover topics including various levels of governance of alcohol laws in the U.S. and how they impact farmers planning to open a farm brewery, basic definitions and an introduction to the Class 8 license, how to apply for the license, the details of the permit, related rules such as storage and food service, and cidery laws. The videos are available online at vimeo.com/161946367 and vimeo.com/161947085.

Recently, the singer Prince suddenly passed away, but many of you may not have seen the news that he died without a will (http://wapo.st/1YgOGvX). The rapper Snoop Dogg has discussed not having a will and not wanting to make a will either (http://onforb.es/1YgOIE9). In fact, Snoop Dogg has stated he would prefer to watch his heirs fight over his money after his death. Although many of us at times may not want to consider how to distribute property at our death, developing an estate plan can save fights and heartache for your heirs.

Dying without an estate plan can lead not only to conflict but also to an expensive and bumpy transition of your business. For example, Farmer Green has three children. One child works on the farm and plans to take it over when his father retires. The other two children have jobs off the farm. If Farmer Green does not develop an estate plan, then his three children would share equally in the farm. Farm child may not be able to afford to continue to farm while buying out the two other children. Developing an estate plan can allow you to take care of these issues easily before your death.

When you pass away without a formal estate plan or an estate plan which covers only a portion of your estate, your estate would be called an intestate estate. Intestate simply refers to property not disposed of, or distributed, by a will. Intestacy is being intestate at your death. When you die intestate, your property is distributed according to state statutes and these statutes can vary state-to-state.

In Maryland, how property is distributed will

depend on a couple of factors. First, do you have a surviving spouse? Do you have surviving minor children or adult children? Do you have a surviving parent?

Let us deal with the surviving spouse first. If you have a surviving spouse but no children or parents, then your whole estate would go to the surviving spouse. With a surviving spouse and surviving minor children, the surviving spouse would get half of your estate. With a surviving spouse and surviving adult children, the surviving spouse would get the first $15,000 plus one-half the remainder of the estate. In a situation with a surviving spouse, no surviving children, but a surviving parent, then the surviving spouse would get the first $15,000 and one-half remainder of the estate. If there is no surviving spouse, then the entire estate would go to the surviving heirs.

For example, Charlie passes away suddenly, leaving behind a wife and two adult children. Charlie and his wife never put together an estate plan. Charlie's wife would receive $15,000 plus one-half the remainder of Charlie's estate and the remainder would go to his two adult children. The remainder of Charlie's estate would be divided up among his two adult children according to per stirpes division. Per stirpes is a Latin phrase which means by the branch. With per stirpes division, each branch receives an equal share of the estate or the remainder of the estate. In Charlie's case, the remainder of his estate would be divided in half for each of his two adult children. If one of

By Paul Goeringer, Agricultural Legal Specialist, University of Maryland Extension Reprinted from the Maryland Risk Management Education Blog (www.aglaw.umd.edu)

(con’t…)

Wednesday Webinars

Pesticide Container Recycling

The University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color,

sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University of Maryland Extension is implied.

Jeff Myers

Area Extension Director

Harford, Baltimore,

and Carroll Counties

Sara Meagher BhaduriHauck

Faculty Extension Assistant

Agriculture and

Natural Resources

[email protected] Extension.umd.edu/Harford-county

facebook.com/HarfordAg

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the empty plastic pesticide container recycling program again this year. Only containers made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) will be accepted. Containers must be empty and pressure-rinsed or triple-rinsed. Lids and label booklets must be removed before recycling. Any container up to 55 gallons will be accepted; containers 30 gallons and over must be cut prior to recycling. If you have a container over 55 gallons, contact MDA for instructions. Containers are being accepted at the Scarboro Landfill in Street from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on June 3, July 1, August 5, and September 2. The Mill of Black Horse in White Hall will also be accepting containers from their current customers only. Containers may be dropped off June 1 through September 30 during normal business hours; call 410-329-6010 for hours and drop-off instructions.

The Mid-Atlantic Women in Agriculture program hosts a new webinar at noon on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Webinars are free to attend, and all are invited to participate. Register in advance to receive log-in instructions by visiting extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars and clicking the “register

now” link. Recordings of many past webinars and a list of all upcoming sessions are also available on the website.

June 22: Snap It, then App It With digital and smart phone photography, everyone can be a photographer! And a good one at that! This webinar will review the leading photography apps available. Learn how to correct mistakes and make an ordinary snapshot a work of art suitable for your family or business.

Charlie's children predeceased Charlie, but the deceased child had a child (Charlie's grandchild), then that surviving child would inherit the parent's share of Charlie's estate. Confused yet? What if Charlie passed away with no surviving spouse? In this case, Charlie's entire estate would be divided up equally between his two children. If any of the children died before Charlie, then the surviving grandchildren would receive that predeceasing parent's share to share equally. If Charlie passed away with no surviving spouse and never had children, then his estate would be distributed to his parents equally. I can start confusing this more by discussing what happens if Charlie’s parents die before him, but I think you get the point that state law has a plan in place for your estate if you die without a will.

This process becomes more complicated if you

passed away without an estate plan for real property in more than one state. For example, if Charlie owned real estate in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, Charlie’s real property would pass under the intestacy laws in each of those three states. Clearly, the lack of an estate plan in this instance will add confusion and stress for your loved ones.

Estate planning resources are available through the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the Agriculture Law Education Initiative, and the Maryland Crop Insurance Education Program. Or see the website at the University of Maryland Extension’s homepage dedicated towards farm transition and estate planning issues: go.umd.edu/agtrans.

This information should not be construed as legal advice.