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Healthy Chesapeake Bay

Corn growing in soil
Registration
Register Now
Cost
$ 20 and $25 for NuMan Pro software
Location
Frederick County Extension
About the Organizer
Contact
Kayla Griffith

Farming Training and Certification - Session C

Registration
Cost
$ 20 and $25 for NuMan Pro software
Location
Frederick County Extension
About the Organizer
Contact
Kayla Griffith

Farmer Training & Certification (FTC)

For Agronomic Crop and Animal Operations
Winter/Spring 2025 Sessions

Description: An opportunity for producers with cropland and pastures in Maryland who meet the minimum requirements ($2,500 gross agricultural income or 8 animal units) to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP). Interested producers may attend one of four sessions, see registration information below. Upon completion of this course producers will become certified to write their operation’s plan and will also fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.
Time and Certification: This course requires a significant time commitment. Larger, more complicated farm operations and those with high phosphorus soil test levels and multiple sources of organic amendments may require additional training. Additional optional opportunities will be announced for each session during training. Farmers are required to have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to the training. To become certified, farmers must complete all coursework, pass the certification exam, and have their first nutrient management plan approved by MDA.

Before registering, ensure you have the required materials and skills:

  • Required Materials/Technology
    • Reliable internet connection
    • Email address
    • Computer with Windows 7 or later (NuMan Pro software is not compatible with Mac)
    • Printer (provided for in-person courses)
    • Microsoft Word and Excel
    • PDF reader software
    • Webcam (for online course)
  • Required Skills
    • Competency in high school math
    • Intermediate computer skills including:
      • Web browsing
      • MS Office programs (Word, Excel), PDF readers
      • Ability to download/open/save computer files
      • Ability to learn a new software program (NuMan Pro)

Cost and Accommodation:

  • Space is limited, register early. Registration will close one week prior to the course date or when capacity is reached.
  • Cost for the course is a $20 exam fee (to be paid directly to MDA following registration, no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course) and $25 for NuMan Pro software.
  • If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this training, please contact Kayla Griffith (kmgriffi@umd.edu) no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Registration: Below are the four sessions that will be available during the winter and spring 2025. Register for one session only. Please pay particular attention to location, sessions are in-person or online only, there is no hybrid option. Registration is first come, first serve for those who have updated soil tests and manure tests (if applicable). Instructors reserve the right to cancel sessions that do not meet minimum registration requirements. Lunch will not be provided for in-person sessions, please plan accordingly.

Winter/Spring 2025 Course Opportunities (select only one)

Dates Location Address Registration Link
Session A - MDA
1/28/2025, 1/30/2025, and 2/3/2025
In-person Maryland Department of Agriculture (50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis MD 21401) https://go.umd.edu/FTCSessionAWinter25
Session B - Online
2/3/2025 through 3/7/2025
Online Online https://go.umd.edu/FTCSessionBWinter25
Session C – Frederick Co.
3/24/2025, 3/26/2025, and 4/2/2025
In-person Frederick County Extension (330 Montevue Lane, Frederick MD 21702) https://go.umd.edu/FTCSessionCWinter25
Session D - Online
3/31/2025 through 5/2/2025
Online Online https://go.umd.edu/FTCSessionDWinter25

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Salinization of our Waters

  • Wednesday, December 17 - Wednesday, December 17
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

The use of deicing salts and rising sea level is increasingly making our surface and ground water more saline. This issue has major implications on aquatic ecosystems and the numerous species that depend on them. In addition, increasing salinity can increase corrosion with subsequent infrastructure damage and releasing toxic metals in our drinking water. This webinar will discuss the impact of this issue, ways to reduce impacts and protect drinking water quality.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

On a Well? Basics Tips to Ensure Good Water Quality

  • Wednesday, November 19 - Wednesday, November 19
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Wells are a significant source of drinking water for Americans. Well water is not regulated as are public water supplies, and therefore the well owner is responsible to test, if necessary, treat the water. This webinar will cover basic well design and types, wellhead protection measures, how to test your well and review basic water filtration.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Exposure to Microplastics and Reducing Risks

  • Wednesday, September 17 - Wednesday, September 17
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Plastics have been around for decades and as they break down into small particles, micro and nano plastics pollution is everywhere. This includes air, rain, surface and groundwater, animals, plants, some of the foods we eat, and even in human body tissue. Tune into this webinar to learn more about how we can reduce our exposure while being better stewards of our environment.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Common Issues with Ponds and Management Tips

  • Wednesday, August 20 - Wednesday, August 20
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Ponds of any size and type are dynamic aquatic ecosystems. Warmer water temperatures may create additional concern for ponds and water quality. Excessive aquatic plant growth, and low oxygen are a few examples. This webinar will present basic pond management principles and practices to keep ponds healthy.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

The Latest on PFAS and How to Protect You and Your Family

  • Wednesday, July 16 - Wednesday, July 16
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

PFAS is a huge global pollution issue that will be with for many decades or longer. These ‘forever chemicals’ are also everywhere and are causing human health issues and impacting our environment. There are dozens of research studies ongoing to help us know more about the risks of PFAS and also how to reduce our exposure. Tune into this webinar to hear the latest on this contaminant and what you can do.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Advantages of Upgrading your Septic System

  • Wednesday, June 18 - Wednesday, June 18
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Is your septic system old and in need of replacement? Join this webinar to learn more about how advanced treatment units (ATU) can provide benefits to the environment and public health. Also, learn about Maryland’s Bay Restoration Fund grant program to help replace septic tanks with advanced treatment units or best available technology (BAT). The increased treatment and nitrogen reduction and operation of these systems greatly reduces the risks to groundwater and helps to extend the lifespan of a drainfield.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Stormwater Management

  • Wednesday, May 21 - Wednesday, May 21
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Stormwater runoff originates during precipitation events when water flows over the ground. Hard surfaces such as streets and rooftops increase runoff by preventing water from soaking into the ground. Water running over these hard surfaces can pick up sediment, chemicals, debris, and toxins which are carried to local streams. These pollutants prevent waterways from being fishable and swimmable. Learn about ways to manage stormwater at your home and community.

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Frequently Asked Questions About Ensuring Good Drinking Water Quality

  • Wednesday, April 16 - Wednesday, April 16
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Tune in to hear answers to the most frequently asked questions on drinking water quality. You can also ask your own questions during the registration process or during the webinar. Learn from what others ask!

Wednesday Water Webinar
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts to Wells and Septic Systems

  • Wednesday, March 19 - Wednesday, March 19
Registration
Cost
Free Event
About the Organizer
Contact
Andy Lazur

Seems we are hearing more about floods in recent years due to extreme weather and the damage they cause to buildings and road infrastructure. What we don’t see often with flooding is the damage to underground systems such as wells or septic systems. In these situations, the damage can be to our health due to contamination. This webinar will discuss issues with increased flooding, the impacts to our home water and wastewater systems and strategies to reduce risks.

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