Healthy Chesapeake Bay

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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!

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.