Allegany County Agriculture and Food Systems

Agricultural Nutrient Management

Nutrient management planning and training to optimize crop production while protecting water quality. 

Animal Science

Educational resources for livestock and poultry production, animal health, and environmental stewardship. 

Farm and Agribusiness Management

Education in farm business planning, marketing, agricultural law, financial management, leadership, and beginning farmer success. 

Fruit and Vegetable Production

Research-based information on crop production, pest management, and sustainable growing practices. 

Horticulture Production

Commercial production practices, pest management, and greenhouse and nursery crop management. 

Nutrient Management and Pesticide Safety

Training on responsible nutrient applications, pesticide safety, certification, and regulatory compliance. 

Ornamental Horticulture

Best management practices and emerging technologies for commercial nursery and landscape production. 

Poultry Production

Educational programs on poultry health, flock management, biosecurity, and production efficiency.

Row Crop and Forage Production

Production recommendations for grain and forage crops that support profitability and natural resource conservation. 

Urban Agriculture

Educational resources for urban farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. 

AgFS Resources & Newsletters          AgFS Meetings & Events 

Maryland Extension AgFs  Calendar

Generally, Maryland producers who gross $2,500 or more annually, or who have 8,000 lbs. or more of livestock, are required to maintain a current nutrient management plan. A current plan must be in place before any fertilizer or organic nutrients are applied to your fields. If nutrients have already been applied to your fields without an updated plan, a multiyear plan will be required. This is important to note, as soil and manure samples may need to be retaken depending on their expiration dates and the length of the plan. Read more at MDA 

A nutrient management plan provides detailed guidance for your farm. It may include the following:

• Fertilizer recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash
• Lime recommendations based on soil PH.
• Organic nutrient application rates (if applicable)
• Livestock information
• Soil analysis results
• Manure and plant tissue analyses (if applicable)
• Phosphorus loss risk assessment (if required)
• Plan duration: one, two, or three years
• Instructions for updating your plan
• Recordkeeping and yield calculation sheets

• Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Nutrient Management Program Website
• UME Nutrient Management Program
• U.S. Department of Agriculture

Nutrient Management Forms

• Manure Sampling Procedures
• Manure Lab Comparisons

Soil Samples

• Soil Sampling Procedures
• Soil Lab Comparisons
• Field Data Collection Sheet