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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND...
MDA's Conservation Buffer Initiative returns for a second year with attractive incentive payments to plant streamside buffers on farms to protect water quality. New this year, farmers can receive up to $4,500/acre to install riparian forest buffers with pasture fencing. Deer fencing next to grass buffers is also eligible for funding. Apply for our grants January 10-February 18, 2022.
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WINTER BAN ON SPREADING MANURE TAKES EFFECT DECEMBER 16
MDA reminds farmers that the winter ban on spreading manure and other organic nutrient sources on cropland begins December 16. Spreading may resume on March 1, 2022, as long as fields are not saturated, snow covered, or hard-frozen.
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Watch the inspiring story of the Warring family's Persistence Creek Farm in Charles County, recipient of the first Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers who inspire others with their dedication to the natural resources under their care.
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Promoting soil health is a top priority for MDA. We are excited to sponsor the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit set for February 7 and 8 in Salisbury. This year's summit has something for everyone. Please sign up to learn about the latest innovations in soil health and fertility from farmers, researchers, university experts and other professionals. Whether you farm 2 acres or 2,000 acres, this event is for you.
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NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Learn how to write a nutrient management plan for your operation that meets Maryland Department of Agriculture regulations. These Farmer Training and Certification (FTC) classes are for agronomic crop, hay/pasture, or animal operations that use commercial fertilizer and/or manure.
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BAY-WISE PROGRAM TURNS 25
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Maryland Bay-Wise Program. Watch this Talbot County video to learn how this popular education program helps homeowners, businesses and backyard gardeners do their part to protect natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay.
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VOUCHER TRAINING
Nutrient management voucher training is required once every three years if you apply nutrients to 10 or more acres of cropland. (Farmers who are certified to write their own nutrient management plans are exempt from this requirement.) Attendance is free and meetings will be held online and in-person. You can also earn voucher credits by attending a 2022 Winter Crop Production Meeting.
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CHOOSE AND CUT CHRISTMAS TREE DIRECTORY
Are you in search of the perfect tree? Do you want the freshest tree possible? For the best selection of Maryland grown Christmas trees and information on tree varieties and care, visit Maryland’s Best.
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NEW HIRES—MDA is pleased to welcome the following field staff:
Caroline SCD—Julius Horton, Soil Conservation Associate
Carroll SCD—James (Rodger) Gatto, Soil Conservation Associate and McKenzie Somers, Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist
Charles SCD—Taylor Quinn, Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist
Dorchester SCD—Kaylie Seabrease, Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist
Catoctin and Frederick SCDs—Chris Zawitoski, Soil Conservation Associate
Montgomery SCD—Kathleen Sigwart, Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist
Queen Anne’s SCD—Brandon Eaton and Chance Porter, Soil Conservation Associates
Talbot SCD—Raymond Geist and Nathan Hoffman, Soil Conservation Associates
Washington County SCD—Sarah McCurry, Soil Conservation Associate and Isabella Videtti, Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist
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: Garrett Soil Conservation District
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg, Delmarva Soil Summit, UME, iStock, Shutterstock, Canva, and the Garrett Soil Conservation District. |
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