ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Agriculture will partner with Garrett Soil Conservation District, University of Maryland Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture to host a manure injection workshop and demonstration field day on April 17. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and demonstrations will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Mast Farm, 3108 Hare Hollow Road, Grantsville.

This free event is open to any farmer interested in learning more about the benefits and costs of manure injection, and offers four continuing education credits from the department’s nutrient management program. Participants should register no later than April 13 by calling the Garrett Soil Conservation District at 301-334-6951.

Rising fertilizer costs require farmers to maximize the use of “free” nutrients available in manure. Incorporating manure into the soil is an effective management strategy for keeping these valuable nutrients in the field. The field day event will offer practical strategies for injecting manure into the soil while maintaining a no-tillage management system. Farmers will have an opportunity to talk to custom applicators, discuss costs, and learn about cost-share programs for manure injection and manure transport.

Additional manure injection demonstrations will take place on April 18 and April 19. Details will be available online at www.mda.maryland.gov as they become available.

— Maryland Department of Agriculture