It's National Egg Month: Maryland farmers produce 71 million dozen a year
May is National Egg Month, a time to encourage citizens to seek out locally produced eggs and to recognize Maryland farmers who produce nearly 71 million dozen eggs a year.
Each laying bird produces between 280 to 320 eggs a year. In Maryland, the state’s 500 small flocks – that is, operations with fewer than 3,000 chickens -- produce about 9.6 million eggs or 800,000 dozen eggs per year. Only nine producers have more than 3,000 chickens and those nine generate more than 70 million dozen (or 840 million) eggs annually.
In recognition of National Egg Month, MDA’s Maryland’s Best web site will feature eggs recipes, links to farms that sell eggs directly to consumers, and a profile of one of Maryland’s larger producers which supplies grocery stores. Consumers who register at Maryland’s Best by May 30 will be entered into a drawing for egg-related prizes. For more information.
Read about MDA's work with egg grading and egg safety.
*Photos by Edwin Remsburg
Homeowners Can Help Protect the Bay
Now that it's spring, it's time to recognize that lawn care practices can make a big difference to the health of our streams, rivers and Chesapeake Bay. Maryland’s lawn fertilizer law takes effect Oct. 1, but it’s not too soon to adopt these best management practices:
- Skip the spring fertilizer. It promotes excessive top growth at the expense of roots.
- Sharpen lawnmower blades. A clean cut is healthier for the grass.
- Raise the cutting height of the mower to 3". Tall grass shades out weeds and needs less water.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn to provide free fertilizer all season.
- If you must fertilize, follow University of Maryland recommendations and learn about soil testing.
- Do not apply fertilizer to impervious surfaces or within 10 to 15 feet from waterways.
- Do not apply fertilizer if heavy rain is predicted.
- For more tips.
- For more information, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.