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100% COST-SHARE IS HERE! Soil conservation districts are now accepting applications for high-priority in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices that qualify for up to 100% cost-share. Funding for the conservation practices is provided by the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program. Read more here. |
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CALLING ALL CONSERVATION SUPERHEROES The prestigious Leopold Conservation Award has come to Maryland! The award—given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold—celebrates voluntary conservation by farmers and forestland owners in 23 states. The Maryland award winner will receive $10,000. Nominations are due by August 31, 2021. More info here. |
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IT PAYS TO RE-ENROLL Here's good news for Maryland farmers with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) contracts that expire September 30. You can receive a one-time, $1,000 bonus from MDA to transition land into the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers initiative (CLEAR30). Learn more here. |
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In this short video segment from the University of Maryland's 2021 virtual Breakfast on the Farm event, MDA's Dwight Dotterer, explains how manure is used and managed on the farm. Click here to watch.
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MARYLAND PRESERVES ANOTHER 3,713 ACRES OF FARMLAND The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved 27 new easements that will permanently preserve an additional 3,713 acres of prime farmland in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Washington, and Wicomico counties. Read more. |
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SOUND PASTURE MANAGEMENT DRIVES THIS SOIL HEALTH CHAMP A first-generation farmer, Hank Suchting and his wife, Doreen, raise Angus cattle, hay and grain on 950 acres in northern Baltimore County. Hank began farming in 1973, and quickly learned the soil health benefits of rotational grazing, no-till farming and erosion-control practices. Hank is one of five Maryland farmers recognized as Soil Health Champions by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). Read his story here. |
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WE'RE HIRING! MDA is looking for soil conservation and natural resource professionals to join our team. We now have full-time positions with benefits available at field offices across the state. Apply online by August 12. |
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Next time take the shortcut. You can now visit MDA's Conservation web page in fewer clicks. Go to mda.maryland.gov/conservation for all the latest news on Maryland's agricultural conservation programs.
Congratulations to the Richard Montgomery High School Envirothon Team for its top ten finish at the 2021 National Envirothon competition. Forty-one teams from the United States, Canada and China participated in this year's virtual competition. More info here.
MDA bids farewell to Heather Hutchinson who joined the Catoctin and Frederick Soil Conservation Districts as the new district manager.
Jessica Klotz has joined the Garrett Soil Conservation District as an MDA Conservation Planner. Cody Myers is the new MDA technician.
The Harford Soil Conservation District welcomes Yvonne Roe as its new full-time MDA soil conservation technician and Keeve Brine as the new MDA conservation specialist.
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COVID-19 UPDATE Maryland is taking decisive action to address COVID-19. Find the latest information at covidLink.
Pictured: The Carroll Soil Conservation District
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg Photographs, Shutterstock, MDA, and the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District.
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