University of Maryland Extension Peak Plan Writing and Implementation Reports Due
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Nutrient Management Advisors are diligently working on nutrient management plans as farmers make critical decisions for the upcoming 2024 growing season. Balancing crop needs with input costs is a major decision, making nutrient management planning an essential tool in optimizing agricultural practices. Farmers requiring a plan for the 2024 season are urged to contact their local Extension office promptly. Collecting necessary information and documents early will ensure timely plan development.
For farms February marks a busy reporting season including federal and state taxes, crop insurance, and nutrient management. Alongside financial preparations, it is important not to overlook the completion of Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs). These reports, documenting nutrient applications for the 2023 calendar year, are due by March 1, 2024. Farmers can submit their reports conveniently through mail or online via the MD OneStop Portal. Most information required for AIR completion can be found in nutrient management plans and fertilizer records. For more information on AIRs visit https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation.
UME is committed to supporting farmers through February and March with regional agronomy, fruit, and vegetable production meetings. Many of these sessions offer Nutrient Management voucher credits. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with their local UME office or refer to the Extension calendar for upcoming events: UME Events Calendar https://extension.umd.edu/news-events/events/.
UME continues to expand its team and is actively hiring advisor positions available across various counties. Interested individuals are encouraged to explore these opportunities at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/115994. Additionally, the UME ANMP team is excited to welcome four new advisors. The new hires are: Zoe Askew in Baltimore County, Andrea Uphold in Garrett and Allegany Counties, Rashmi Sahu in Anne Arundel County and Sabrina Summers in Frederick County. We are very happy to have them as part of the team and begin their training as UME ANMP advisors.
University of Maryland Extension Strengthens Agricultural Expertise with Four New Nutrient Management Advisors
The University of Maryland Extension announces the addition of four Agricultural Nutrient Management Advisors to its statewide team. These hires strengthen the organization’s commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices across the region.
The newly appointed advisors bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of nutrient management, aligning with the university’s dedication to environmental stewardship and enhanced farm productivity. Dr. Darren Jarboe, Agriculture and Food Systems Program Leader at University of Maryland Extension, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions to the team stating, “We are thrilled to have such accomplished individuals join our Extension team. Their diverse backgrounds and deep knowledge in nutrient management will significantly contribute to our mission of supporting farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.”
The four new advisors include:
- Zoe Askew, Baltimore County, is a recent graduate of Delaware Valley University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming. She has had several years of hands-on experience working on various vegetable and livestock farms.
- Andrea Uphold, Garrett and Allegany Counties, is a 2013 graduate of West Virginia University where she obtained her bachelor of science degree in Animal and Nutritional Sciences as well as Agribusiness Management and Rural Development. She grew up and lives on her family’s dairy farm where she is actively involved in its daily operations. She is certified and has been writing nutrient management plans for her family’s farm and extended family and friends for ten years and recently worked as an hourly coordinator for the University of Maryland throughout the state before being hired full time.
- Rashmi Sahu, Anne Arundel County, earned a master of science degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Penn State University. She has extensive work experience in agricultural operations.
- Sabrina Summers, Frederick County, is a Frederick County native, representing the seventh generation of farmers in her family. Her agricultural experience stems from growing up on a dairy farm, and she now assists with her brother’s crop farming operation, and has her own operation raising pastured pigs and chickens.
The University of Maryland Extension remains committed to addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers and the agriculture industry. The addition of these talented advisors enhances Extension’s ability to provide cutting-edge solutions and support to farmers in nutrient management planning. For more information about the program visit go.umd.edu/anmp.
