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REPORTING FORMS DUE MARCH 1 Farmers and turfgrass professionals have until March 1 to submit annual implementation reports (AIRs) and fertilizer application reports (AFARs) to the department. For those who want to save time and paper, an electronic reporting option is available through Maryland OneStop. Paper reports will still be accepted. Click the links for more info.
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FUTURE HARVEST CONFERENCE
MDA is pleased to sponsor the 2022 Future Harvest Conference. The virtual conference takes place January 13 and 14. Future Harvest has gathered regional agriculture leaders for this annual winter conference where farmers come together for expert-led sessions, networking, business and crop planning, trend forecasting, and more.
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Our new video series spotlights Maryland farmers who are making a difference for our state’s natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay. In this short video, you’ll meet two Frederick County livestock farmers who have installed manure storage systems on their farms to protect local streams, improve their operations, and make daily chores easier.
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HELP FOR DAIRY FARMERS
MDA will continue to cover premiums for dairy farmers participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The 2022 enrollment period is now open and runs through February 18, 2022 at local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Applications are now being accepted for MDA's Conservation Buffer Initiative. Landowners who who want to plant streamside buffers on farmland to protect water quality should check out this unique funding opportunity. But don't wait too long... February 18th is the last day you can apply for our 2022 incentive payments.
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Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Maryland Agriculture Council has postponed its 52nd Taste of Maryland Agriculture event. The new date is Thursday, March 3, 2022. The event will be held at the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Arundel Mills. Tickets purchased for the original February 3rd event date will be honored and early-bird registration has been extended to February 11th. Contact gailpyeiser@gmail.com or call 410-353-3069 with questions.
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DON'T USE FERTILIZER TO MELT ICE
Now that winter is in full swing, MDA reminds citizens that fertilizer products should never be used to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces. Once temper- atures rise, these products can easily wash into nearby storm drains and streams with the first rain or snow. For tips on how to melt ice safely, please click the link.
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NEW HIRES —
Robert Baldwin is the new District Manager for the Kent SWCD.
Kiran Dixit, Amber North-Staves, and Yvonne Roe have joined MDA's Conservation Grants Program.
Cassidy Marquis has joined the Catoctin and Frederick SCD as an Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist.
Nicholas Miller is MDA's new Nutrient Management Specialist for Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil counties.
Michael Mingus has joined the Talbot SCD as an Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist.
Geoffrey Westbrook is the new District Manager for the Calvert SCD.
FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES —
Jay Duell of the Washington County SCD retired January 1.
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.
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg, Future Harvest, and Shutterstock. |
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