Publications

This fact sheet introduces environmental justice and describes how vulnerable communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, are impacted by the introduction of new waste management technology across Maryland's Eastern Shore. Author's: Eric Burnstein, Mimi Sanford, Priscilla Alves, Higor Costa, and Marccus Hendricks; Title: Environmental Justice in Agricultural Waste Management (EBR-2023-0690).

The Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) uses a train-the-trainer approach to instruct and manage a diverse group of Steward volunteer. The goal of the program is to develop Stewards conversant in watershed issues, who provide localized community outreach and assist with the implementation of best management practices focused on stormwater and improving local water quality.The Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum is a 13-module curriculum, comprised of numerous lessons and activities, that provides participants the basic tools and information for those interested in stormwater management. Each module is approximately 2-3 hours long. This may vary based on local program goals and objectives. Authors: Kelsey Brooks, Eric Buehl, Jennifer Dindinger, Amanda Rockler, and Jackie Takacs; Key Contributors:Suzanne Etgen, Kate McClure, and Taryn Sudol; Title: Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum (EC-2020-0518)

Strawberry sap beetles cause direct feeding damage to strawberry fruit, with diversified and pick-your-own operations at highest risk. Cultural controls that reduce accumulation of overripe fruit effectively reduce damage. Well-chosen insecticide applications also contribute to successful management. Authors: Sankara Ganesh, Maria Cramer, and Kelly Hamby; Title: Strawberry Sap Beetle Management in Maryland Strawberry Production (FS-2023-0656)

Bitter pit is a physiological disorder in apples that negatively impacts its marketability. It is linked to a calcium imbalance in fruit cells. A multifaceted approach—monitoring and balancing factors like plant nutrition, vigor, and chilling injury susceptibility—is key to avoiding the disorder. Authors: Talia Tracton and Macarena Farcuh; Title: Controlling Bitter Pit in Apples: Best Practices for Growers (FS-2023-0701).

In this publication, we learn about vision changes that occur due to aging. These changes are slow and often go unnoticed. Learning about these vision-related changes, signs of major eye health issues, and making healthful choices can help prevent and delay vision issues. With age, we start to experience glare issues, a reduction or increase in tear production, a need for brighter lights, presbyopia, and changes in color perception. Work with general healthcare providers, including eye healthcare providers, about your risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. However, lifestyle changes such as staying active, wearing sunglasses, and nutrition, can help keep your vision healthy. Authors: Dhruti Patel, Mona Habibi, and Cheryl Bush; Title: Eye Health Issues and How to Manage Them (FS-2023-0667)

Bones are integral to our health. The earlier you start caring for your bone health, the better your bones will respond to, irrespective of the age progression. In this publication, you will learn about age-related changes and bone diseases, health guidance on preventing such conditions, and risk factors associated with bone health issues. This factsheet also discusses tools of communication with your healthcare professional that can help you optimize your bone health. Authors: Dhruti Patel, Cheryl Bush, and Mona Habibi; Title: Better Bone Health for Older Adults (FS-2023-0669)

This factsheet will help extension educators understand pet insurance and how pet insurance policies can be set up. It also provides suggestions for how extension educators can teach consumers to review and better understand policies before enrolling in a pet insurance plan. Author: Catherine Sorenson; Pet Insurance: The Basics for Extension Educators (FS-2023-0679).

The Maryland oyster aquaculture industry reported a record harvest of 94,257 bushels in 2022, an increase of 4.5% from the previous record in 2021. Bay scallop harvest also increased by 39.9% compared to 2021. (The number and value of bay scallops harvested is not reported to maintain business privacy since there are fewer than three growers in the state.) The average price of single oysters dropped slightly while the average price for oysters sold as bushels increased. The estimated dockside value of the oyster aquaculture industry in Maryland for 2022 was $7,296,543. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources received 17 new aquaculture lease applications and issued 18 new leases in 2022. Authors: Matthew Parker, Donald Webster, and Rebecca Thur; Title: Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Industry-2022 at a Glance (FS-2023-0702).

A comprehensive guide for cultivating thornless blackberries in the Mid-Atlantic region, covering site selection, soil conditions, trellising, planting, pruning, and recommended cultivars for optimal growth. Essential tips are provided for both home growers and farmers. Author: Haley Sater; Title: Start Growing Thornless Blackberries: How to Prepare and Select Cultivars for the Mid-Atlantic" (FS-2023-0660).

People with leadership roles in agricultural operations have the opportunity to benefit from good conflict management processes. When people are passionate about what they are doing, differing opinions on how to do something will arise, making conflict an inevitable part of any worthwhile endeavor (Bennett, 2023). While you probably can't eliminate all disagreements, developing your conflict management skills can increase efficiency and improve employee retention. This fact sheet will provide you with actionable skills to take back to your team. Authors: Taylor Kinniburgh and Neith Little; Leadership and Conflict on the Farm (FS-2023-0671)