Somerset County
Agriculture and Natural
Resources
"A WAY OF LIFE"
Overview
Somerset County is the southernmost county in Maryland's Eastern
Shore. Only 26% of the land-base is classified as agricultural,
however, agriculture is the largest industry in the County. 288
farm businesses encompass 54,823 acres of farmland with the average
farm size of 190 acres. Production of corn, soybeans, broilers,
vegetables and livestock rank the County 4th in agriculture value
in the State of Maryland. Various projects have been developed
throughout the year. Corn and soybean variety plots continue to be
established at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's research
farm. Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties collaborated on the
plots as part of a tri-county effort to evaluate commercial seed
varieties that would grow successfully in the tri-county area. The
Somerset County Extension Agricultural Educator maintains routine
contact and collaborates with outside agencies and civic
organizations such the Somerset County Soil Conservation District,
Somerset County Farm Bureau, Somerset County Young Farmers,
Somerset County Farm Women, Somerset County Fair Board and the
Maryland-Delaware Forage Council. Each year the Somerset County
Fair features a wide variety of educational material and
information on Agriculture in Somerset County and throughout
Maryland. There are many items in the display available to the
public, such as contact information, numerous fact sheets, soil
test kits for field and home and garden, and information about
agricultural producers and homeowners.
Private Pesticide Applicator Training and
Recertification
Private pesticide applicator recertification training is given
yearly. Objectives of the recertification training are to make
applicators aware of potential problems related to pesticide drift,
review pesticide recordkeeping requirements and review basic
pesticide handling practices. Private applicators attend this
training every three years in order to keep their private pesticide
certification current. A private pesticide certification training
and exam is also available to those desiring a private pesticide
applicator license. The objective of this program is to educate
farmers and those who use pesticides in the proper use, handling
and safety of pesticides and prepare them to take the private
pesticide applicator exam given by the Maryland Department of
Agriculture. To learn more click Pesticide
Regulation Section
Nutrient Management
Nutrient Management plans continue to be an important service to
Somerset County farmers. Farmers are informed that they must have a
nutrient management plan for their operation before December 31,
2001 in order to be in compliance with the 1998 Water Quality
Improvement Act. Two Nutrient Management Advisors serve Somerset
County: Mr. Pete Layfield, playfiel@umd.edu, and Ms. Kelly
Robinson, krobins5@umd.edu,
or you may call Somerset County Extension at 410-651-1350.
Horticulture
Ginny Rosenkranz, Extension Educator in Commercial Horticulture
serves the tri-county area of Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset. She
provides commercial growers with assistance and help in the science
and art of growing fruit, vegetables, flowers and ornamental
plants. You may contact her at the Wicomico County Extension office
at 410-749-6141 or email rosnkrnz@umd.edu The homeowner
may find information gardening and other related subject at the Home and Garden
Information Center
Delmarva AgrAbility
Project
"When disability strikes a farm family,
everything changes except
perhaps the desire to continue farming."
Agriculture is considered one of the most hazardous occupations in
the United States. According to the National Safety Council,
annually, there are 850 deaths and 140,000 disabling injuries. When
disability strikes a farm family, everything changes except perhaps
the desire to continue farming. Recognizing that drive and the
critical need for farmers, the National AgrAbility Project was
established with approval of the 1990 Farm Bill. The goal is to
inform, educate and assist farmers and farm workers with
disabilities as well as their families, so they can continue to
lead successful careers in agriculture and contribute to their
families, communities and nation. It is estimated that more than
one in every six Delmarva Farmers has a disability. For more
information contact the AgrAbility Case Manager, 500 N. Dupont
Highway, Suite 100, Georgetown, Delaware 19947 or phone toll free,
1-877-204-3276.
Due to budget cuts, Somerset County
Extension no longer has an Ag Agent available at the Princess Anne
site. For all agricultural related questions or comments, please
contact Mr. Eddie Johnson, Wicomico County Extension
(410-749-6141)(ejohnso3@umd.edu) OR Ms. Laura Romaneo, Worcester
County Extension (410-632-1972)(lromaneo@umd.edu).
Other sites of interest are:
MCE Cropping
Systems
MCE Natural
Resources-Wildlife and Forest Management
MCE
Publications
MCE Weed
Science
Ag & Resource Economics
Department
MD Department of Natural
Resources
MD Natural Resources
Conservation Service
For more information, contact Carole Bevan
Last updated:
03/22/2006