BRIAN WITTE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gov.-elect Larry Hogan is vowing to fight fertilizer regulations that critics say would hurt farmers.

Hogan, a Republican, said Monday during the Maryland Farm Bureau convention in Ocean City that he will make it his first fight when he takes office Jan. 21.

The regulations would make major changes to how farmers can apply poultry manure to crops.

Supporters say the regulations are important to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay by limiting manure applied to farm fields with excess phosphorous levels.

The regulations have been proposed three times in the last two years, but they have been delayed from implementation due to opposition.

Last week, the proposed rules were published in the Maryland Register to start a 30-day public comment period.