mdelect.net
To learn the names of and addresses of your state legislators, we encourage you visit this link and to use the interactive system provided. You can also get biographical and other information about Maryland legislators by clicking on the menu selections.
The Maryland Turfgrass Survey- Our Industry Counts
The Maryland Turfgrass Council is proud to present the Maryland Turfgrass survey. Using data collected and compiled by the Maryland Field Office of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, under the direction of Mr. Norman Bennett, State Statistician, this report represents the most comprehensive documentation to date of the value of the Maryland Turfgrass Industry.
Among the many details provided by the survey are the following (2005 data):
~ An estimated $1.2 billon was spent on the production, maintenance and use of turfgrass products and services in Maryland. The industry employed 12,730 workers whose combined wages exceeded $291 million.
~ Turfgrass-related assets in equipment had an estimated value of $2.4 billion, which included over $273 million in new equipment purchases in Maryland.
~ Nearly 1.1 million acres of turfgrass were maintained in Maryland of which 82% was at single family homes, and the remainder was along roadways and at parks, golf courses, athletic fields, schools, churches, government facilities.
~ More acres were maintained as turfgrass than any other agricultural crop in Maryland.
Needless to say, the cultural, esthetic and environmental importance of turfgrass management to the citizens of Maryland are enormous.
Now is the time to bring these facts to our legislators in Annapolis. John Krouse, from the College Park City Council has given copies to the members of the 21st Delegation. I have an appointment to meet with the Southern Maryland Delegation which includes representatives from the 27th, 28th and 29th districts of Maryland, in Annapolis on Friday, February 9, 2007. You can do your part too. Find your representatives on The Maryland Legislative Page and set an appointment to hand deliver a copy and talk to them about the importance of our industry. The goal is to make them think about us when bills come across their desk.
If you would like copies of the survey, please contact me at richard.lanore@comcast.net and I will be happy to send them to you. To print or view the survey results, click on the underlined heading of this article.
