Agriculture and Food Systems

The Agriculture and Food Systems Program has key programs providing assistance and support to the County's agricultural community. In addition, state-wide programs provide comprehensive assistance including marketing, farmers markets, environmental quality and many integrated programs.

Field Scouting

May 2, 2025

Poolesville - Field 1

Growth stage: Feekes 10.1 (heading)

Cereal leaf beetle: high population of larva (1-3 per flag leaf), with a few adults found throughout the field. Threshold is 1 larvae per flag leaf, especially if prior to heading.

Beneficial insects present include lady beetle larva and spiders.

Poolesville - Field 2

Growth stage: Feekes 10.1 (heading)

Cereal leaf beetle: 0-1 larva per plant

April 24, 2025

Laytonsville

Growth stage: Feekes 9 (ligule of flag leaf visible)

Insects present: aphids (avg of 3 aphids per 10 sweeps); cereal leaf beetle (very low population); spiders

Soil moisture: very dry in top inch; a little bit of moisture at 3-4 inches

Disease present: powdery mildew on lower leaves

Powdery mildew threshold: average of 5 pustules in the upper leaves. For fungicide ratings, see the Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Wheat Diseases from the Crop Protection Network.

May 2, 2025

Poolesville

Growth stage: V1

Soil moisture: dry on surface; some moisture in 2-4 inches (estimated 25% available water holding capacity based on NRCS’ Estimating Soil Moisture by Feel and Appearance)

Information coming soon.

Research

Data being analyzed! Information coming soon.

Explore Montgomery County & Statewide Programs

Close Encounters with Agriculture

Annual award-winning agriculture, environment, and nutrition education program offered to Montgomery County fourth-grade students.
Nutrient Management

Plan writing assistance provided to farmers.
Small Farm Workshops

Beginning Small Farm Workshop services are offered annually, please contact mocoinfo@und.edu.
Commercial Horticulture

UME provides educational programming and materials, applied research results, and consultations to assist arborists, landscapers, and nurseries.
Pesticide Safety & Training

Agricultural assistance provided to producers and businesses with timely information regarding pesticide use.
Fruit and Vegetable Production

Assistance provided to increase the productivity and profitability of farmers while protecting natural resources.
Animal Science

Applied research and research-based educational program designed to help growers and managers of beef and dairy cattle, goat, horse, poultry, sheep, and other animals.
Agricultural Production

Program offerings to increase productivity, profitability, and protect soil health, and water quality for row crop producers.
Urban Agriculture

Resources designed for urban farmers and urban agriculture entrepreneurs.
UME Agriculture & Food Systems

The University of Maryland Extension conducts applied research and educational programs for grain marketing/production, oilseeds, horticulture, floriculture, livestock, and conservation.
Weed Management

The University of Maryland Extension program assist growers in developing effective weed management programs for agronomic and vegetable crops.
Farm and Agribusiness Management Programs

The University of Maryland Extension helps Maryland producers and agribusinesses improve their business management skills, increase profitability, and fulfill long-term goals.
Grain Marketing

Grain marketing information as well as topics related to farm risk management including custom rates, crop budgets, and lease agreements.
Agriculture & Farmers Market Promotion & Regulations

The Agriculture Marketing Program assists individuals with plans, develop profitable, sustainable marketing opportunities to enhance Maryland’s agricultural economy.
Maryland Energy Extension

The University of Maryland Extension program helps facilitate sustainable energy decisions for agricultural producers, landowners, businesses and residents throughout Maryland.
Integrated Programs

State and Federal program resources for all agriculture-related topics.