Agriculture Notes

Farmers' market anniversary fete set for Saturday

The Carroll County Summer Farmer's Market will celebrate its 32nd anniversary from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Carroll County Agriculture Center on Smith Avenue in Westminster.

The event will feature a master gardeners' plant clinic and information about plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. The Carroll County Health Department will offer free blood pressure checks and health information.

The market will give out balloons, three of which will include a prize of a filled basket. Cake and punch will be served to customers.

Numerous stalls will offer crafts, home decorations, fresh greens, floral arrangements and home accessories. Some featured items include baskets, clothing, dolls, pillows, woodcrafts, painted items and jewelry. Free demonstrations also will be held.

Homemade pies, cakes, cookies, breads, jams, jellies and candies will be available, along with fresh eggs and other seasonal produce.

The cafeteria also is open during market hours for breakfast and lunch.

Admission and parking are free.

Information: 410-848-7748.

The deadline is July 1 for easement program

Maryland Cooperative Extension, Carroll County, reminds farmers that the deadline is approaching for easement sale applications if their farm is in the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation program.

The deadline for easement sale applications is July 1. Any landowner who has a recorded district preservation agreement is eligible to apply.

Information: 410-386-2214.

Livestock compensation plan deadline is July 3

The Farm Service Agency has announced that the deadline for farmers to apply for the Livestock Compensation Program II ends July 3.

The program provides assistance to livestock producers in certain counties not covered under LCP I. It provides assistance to livestock owners and producers in counties named as primary disaster areas for damages and losses under disaster designation after Jan. 1, 2001.

Eligible livestock includes beef and dairy cattle; buffalo and beefalo when maintained as beef cattle; and sheep and goats; and livestock that was owned or subject to a cash lease Jan. 1 this year and has been owned or leased for a minimum of 90 days.

Sign-up for the Livestock Assistance Program will begin next month to provide help for 2001 or 2002 grazing losses.

Information: 410-848-2780.