Nutrient Voucher and Farm Operator Credits
Alert - Please review the changes made to the Nutrient Management Program by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Read the press release from MDA
Contact your local Extension office for nutrient management plans and documentation
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The University of Maryland Extension Nutrient Management Program assists farmers with the Water Quality Act created to protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by applying fertilizers, animal manure, and other nutrient sources in an effective and environmentally sound manner.
Nutrient Management Plans-Farmers are required to have an up-to-date nutrient management plan written by a licensed planner. There are private consultants available to write plans for a fee, or free plans can be generated through the University of Maryland Extension. Contact your Extension office for more information on getting a nutrient management plan written.
Nutrient Voucher-Maryland nutrient applicators are required under the 1998 Water Quality Act to follow guidelines on fertilizer and manure applications. Farmers applying nutrients (synthetic or organic) to 10 or more acres of land are required to have a current Nutrient Management Voucher. Vouchers are obtained by attending an approved 2-hour training course once every three years. Farmers who are certified to prepare their own nutrient management plans are exempt from this requirement. The University of Maryland Extension offers several voucher training sessions throughout the year.
2022/23 Nutrient Voucher and Farm Operator Credits
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Maryland Extension has planned several options for you to obtain credits.
Option 1: Attend one of the scheduled online or in-person trainings planned from December through February. Please visit https://extension.umd.edu/resource/row-crop-and-forage-production-meetings to register and view the full agendas for each meeting.
Option 2: Enroll in a self-paced online class through our University of Maryland Extension School. Online recertification is available at https://umeagfs.teachable.com. Be sure to complete, the survey form that will provide your contact information and voucher information. You will then be directed to the video series. These are best watched on a tablet or laptop as there are questions embedded in each video.
Option 3: Some small in-person trainings will happen around the state. Space will be limited and, registration will be required. Contact your local Extension office for more information.
