Agricultural Nutrient Management Meetings
Farmer Training & Certification (FTC) | Consultant Training | Nutrient Management Voucher | Certified Farmer Nutrient Management Plan Update Sessions
Nutrient Management Voucher
| November 5, 2025 | University of Maryland Extension-St. Mary's County Office 26737 Radio Station Way, Ste E-2, Leonardtown, MD 20650 | 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | For more information or to register, call 301-475-4484 |
| December 3, 2025 | University of Maryland Extension-Frederick County Office 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702 | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | For more information or to register, go to: https://go.umd.edu/25NV-PvtRecert |
| December 10, 2025 | University of Maryland Extension-Carroll County Office 700 Agriculture Center, Westminster, MD 21157 | 10am-noon | For more information or to register, contact Bryan Butler at 410-386-2760 or email bbutlers@umd.edu |
| December 18, 2025 | University of Maryland Extension-Anne Arundel County Office 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD 21054 | 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | For more information or to register, contact Dave Myers at 301-226-7473 or email myersd@umd.edu |
| December 18, 2025 | University of Maryland Extension-Worcester County Office 305 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | For more information or to register, contact Maegan Perdue at 410-632-1972 |
| January 15, 2026 | Carroll County Ag Center 706 Agricultural Center Dr., Westminster, MD 21157 | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | For more information or to register, contact Bryan Butler at 410-386-2760 or email bbutlers@umd.edu |
| January 28, 2026 | University of Maryland Extension-Charles County Office 9501 Crain Highway, Bel Alton, MD 20611 | 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | For more information or to register go to https://forms.gle/G7hfUTDNR8Erp51K7 |
| February 26, 2026 | University of Maryland Extension-Washington County Office 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD. 21713 | 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | For more information or to register, contact Jeff Semler at 301-791-1304 or email jsemler@umd.edu |
| March 2, 2026 | Talbot Agriculture and Education Center 10659 Hinters Lane, Easton, MD 21601 | 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | For more information or to register go to https://2026RecertTalbot.eventbrite.com |
| March 10, 2026 | University of Maryland Extension-Anne Arundel County Office 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD 21054 | 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | For more information or to register, contact Dave Myers at 301-226-7473 or email myersd@umd.edu |
| April 9, 2026 | Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification This session will focus on fertility and production related topics for all field crops, fruits and vegetables. This ZOOM recertification session will be live via the internet directly from the University of Maryland. This meeting will provide Private Applicator Recertification & Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification. | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | For more information or to register, contact Dave Myers at 301-226-7473 or email myersd@umd.edu |
Nutrient Management Training Program
| October 1, 2025 | 2025 | Commercial Poultry Grower Evening Meeting 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Wor-Wic Community College, 32000 Campus Dr., Hazel Center, Room 302, Salisbury, MD 21804 Offers 1 CEU in all agricultural Nutrient Management categories. | Register |
| December 4, 2025 and December 15, 2025 | 2025 | SAVE THE DATES! Join us for MDA's Annual Agricultural Nutrient Management Update Training, taking place at two locations this year: December 4, 2025 - New Midway Fire Company, Frederick, MD December 15, 2025 - MDA Headquarters, Annapolis, MD | Please check back soon for details and registration information. |
| February 6, 2026 | 2026 | Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination will be offered on February 06, 2026. This exam is for farmers and consultants who want to write nutrient management plans for others. There is a $50 non-refundable certification fee, however, government personnel are exempt with a Government Sales and Use Tax Exempt certificate. The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions selected from twelve knowledgeable areas. | Register |
Farmer Training & Certification (FTC)
For Agronomic Crop and Animal Operations
Winter/Spring 2026 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 register for one of the FTC sessions listed below. Upon successful completion of this course, producers will become certified to write their operation’s nutrient management plan and will also fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.
Time and Certification: This course requires a significant time commitment. Larger or more complex farm operations, including those with high phosphorus soil test levels or multiple sources of organic amendments, may require additional training. Optional support opportunities may be offered during each session.
Farmers are required to have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to the training. To become certified, participants must complete all required coursework, pass the certification exam, and have their first nutrient management plan approved by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) within three months of passing the exam.
Before registering, ensure you have the required materials and skills:
- Required Materials/Technology
- Reliable internet connection
- Email address
- Computer with Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended; NuMan Pro software is not compatible with Mac)
- Printer
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- PDF reader software
- Webcam (required for online participation)
- Required Skills
- Competency in high school math
- Intermediate computer skills including:
- Web browsing
- Use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF reader software
- Ability to download, open, and save computer files
- Ability to learn and use NuMan Pro software
Cost and Accommodation:
- Space is limited; early registration is encouraged
- Registration will close one week prior to the course start date or once capacity is reached
- Course cost includes a $20 exam fee (paid directly to MDA no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course) and $25 for NuMan Pro software
- Registration is limited to producers who meet Maryland nutrient management requirements
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this training, please contact Kayla Griffith at kmgriffi@umd.edu no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course.
Registration: FTC sessions are offered in February (hybrid), March (online), and April (online) 2026. Participants may register for one session only. Please review session details carefully, including format and location. Registration is first come, first served for eligible producers with current soil tests and manure tests (if applicable). Instructors reserve the right to cancel sessions that do not meet minimum enrollment requirements.
| Session | Dates / Time | Format | Registration |
| FTC – February 2026 | Teaching Days: Feb 17, 19, 20 | 10 AM–3 PM Available via Zoom or in person at Washington County Extension or Dorchester County Extension
| Hybrid | https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026 |
| FTC – March 2026 | March 2 – April 3, 2026 | Zoom | Online | https://go.umd.edu/FTCMarch2026 |
| FTC – April 2026 | March 30 – May 1, 2026 | Zoom | Online | https://go.umd.edu/FTCApril2026 |
Update Your Nutrient Management Plan (2025 Schedule)
Have you updated your nutrient management plan for the upcoming cropping season? Do you have questions? Do you need help getting started? Do you need a software refresher?
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Nutrient Management Specialists will be available to assist you with updating to your nutrient management plan and the nutrient management planning software NuMan Pro 5.3. The sessions will be informal and participants will work at their own pace. Participants must be familiar with a keyboard/computer and able to retrieve and save files. Bring a keyboarding assistant, if needed.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
- A copy of your most recent nutrient management plan
- An electronic copy of your NuMan Pro file and other plan components on CD or memory stick
- Soil test results no older than Fall 2022
- A recent manure analysis (if manure is applied to your land)
- Knowledge of what crops are planned for the 2025 cropping season
- A record of manure applications made in the 2023 and 2024 cropping years
WHAT WILL BE PROVIDED?
Laptop computers equipped with NuMan Pro 5.3 software, printers, and technical support to make the updating process quick and easy.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
- Registration is mandatory to ensure an adequate number of computers are available.
- Each session will be limited to 11 participants so register early.
- There is no fee to attend these sessions.
- Register by contacting Paul Shipley at 301-405-2563 or prs@umd.edu
- Note: Continuing education credits are not available for these sessions.
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| February 10, 2025 (snow date: February 19, 2025) | 1:00pm-4:00pm (1:00pm-4:00pm) | UME-Charles County Office 9501 Crain Highway, Bel Alton, MD 20611 |
| February 11, 2025 (snow date: February 17, 2025) | 1:00pm-4:00pm (1:00pm-4:00pm) | Wye Research and Education Center 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658 |
| February 18, 2025 (snow date: March 10, 2025) | 1:00pm-4:00pm (1:00pm-4:00pm) | UME-Baltimore County Office 1114 Shawan Road, Suite 2, Cockeysville, MD 21030 |
| February 25, 2025 (snow date: March 3, 2025) | 1:00pm-4:00pm (1:00pm-4:00pm) | UME-Frederick County Office 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702 |
| February 26, 2025 (snow date: March 4, 2025) | 1:00pm-4:00pm (1:00pm-4:00pm) | UME-Washington County Office 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713 |
| April 7, 2025 (snow date: April 14, 2025) | 1:00pm-4:00pm (1:00pm-4:00pm) | UME- Frederick County Office 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702 |
Agricultural Nutrient Management Program
The University of Maryland Extension's Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, which is a component of the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, focuses on balancing nutrient applications with crop requirements to optimize crop production while reducing pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.
Consultant Training & Certification
Farmer Training and Certification – February 2026 (Hybrid)
Format: Hybrid (Online via Zoom with In-Person Options)
Teaching Dates:
February 17, 19, and 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
*Available via Zoom or in person at Washington County Extension or Dorchester County Extension
Exam Date (Choose One):
• February 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Washington County Extension Office
7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
• February 26, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Online (Zoom)
• March 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dorchester County Extension Office
501 Court Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613
Description:
This Farmer Training and Certification course provides eligible Maryland producers with the training required to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP). The hybrid format allows participants to attend via Zoom or in person at select Extension offices. Training covers Maryland nutrient management regulations and nutrient budgeting using NuMan Pro software.
Exam day includes time to review and submit the participant’s first nutrient management plan to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).
Registration:
https://go.umd.edu/FTCFebruary2026
Farmer Training and Certification – March 2026 (Online)
Format: Online
Course Dates:
March 2 – April 3, 2026
Description:
This fully online Farmer Training and Certification course is designed for Maryland producers seeking certification to write their own nutrient management plans. Participants will receive instruction on Maryland nutrient management requirements and plan development using NuMan Pro software.
The course requires a significant time commitment. Larger or more complex operations may require additional training. Participants must have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to training.
Registration:
https://go.umd.edu/FTCMarch2026
Farmer Training and Certification – April 2026 (Online)
Format: Online
Course Dates:
March 30 – May 1, 2026
Description:
This fully online Farmer Training and Certification course provides the same certification requirements as other FTC offerings and is intended for producers seeking additional scheduling flexibility in the spring. Training focuses on nutrient management regulations and development of nutrient management plans using NuMan Pro software.
Participants must have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to training.
Registration:
https://go.umd.edu/FTCApril2026