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YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Farmers: Are you concerned about the impacts of climate change on your operation? So are we. MDA and its partners are developing a Climate Vulnerability Assessment for Maryland agriculture. Input from farmers and other ag stakeholders is needed to ensure that the issues you care about will be heard. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete.
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2022 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
MDA’s Animal Waste Technology Fund seeks research and evaluation proposals on animal wastes generated in Maryland. Up to $750,000 will be awarded for the winning proposal. Academic institutions, nonprofits, and businesses and individuals working under the direction of an academic institution or qualifying nonprofit may apply.
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This short Maryland Farm & Harvest clip explains how a bioreactor removes pollutants from agricultural drainage water before it reaches local streams. Click here to watch.
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LAST CALL FOR COVER CROPS!
Farmers who signed up for our grants to plant cover crops can earn a $10/acre bonus payment if they get their fields planted in eligible small grains by October 10. All cover crops must be planted by November 5 and certified by the local soil conservation district by November 12 to qualify for payment.
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OCTOBER IS MARYLAND HORSE MONTH
Horse lovers visiting the Maryland 5 Star equestrian competition at Fair Hill International on October 14-17 should stop by MDA’s education booth. You can find us in the in-field area (Booth #45). Our experts will have plenty of information on ways to keep your pastures green and your horses healthy.
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WE SUPPORT MORE FUNDING FOR CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Maryland and the other Bay states have announced their support for a new plan to increase funding for on-farm conservation practices by $737 million. The proposed Chesapeake Bay Resilient Farms Initiative would direct federal money to agricultural best practices through existing USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs.
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BALTIMORE COUNTY IS FOR THE BIRDS
Birders take note: the beautiful 159-acre campus of the Baltimore County Ag Center is an ornithological hotspot. Pileated Woodpeckers, Orchard Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles and Indigo Buntings are among the many birds sighted by sharp-eyed visitors. Check out the complete list on eBird. Learn more about Center’s many activities and trails.
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Did you know that fall is the best time to fertilize warm season grasses like fescues? Be sure to follow all label instructions and never apply fertilizer near streams or if heavy rain is predicted. Click here for information on soil testing. For the lowdown on fertilizer blackout dates, certification requirements for lawn care pros, and Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law, click the green box.
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MDA's Alisha Mulkey will give an overview on state programs that support the adoption of edge-of-field farming practices at the Sustainable Agriculture and Watersheds Symposium slated for October 26-27. The virtual event is sponsored by the Center for Watershed Protection.
Jacob Metcalf has joined the Garrett Soil Conservation District as a soil
conservationist with NRCS; Jarrod Sisler is the district's new MDA technician.
Want to work for MDA? Check out the latest job openings throughout the department on our website.
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COVID-19 UPDATE
Maryland is taking decisive action to address COVID-19. Find the latest information at covidLink.
Pictured: The Calvert Soil Conservation District
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg Photographs, Shutterstock, iStock, the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District and the Calvert Soil Conservation District.
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