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APPLY FOR OUR COVER CROP GRANTS
Mail-in registration for our Cover Crop Program runs July 1 through July 18 at soil conservation districts. This is your chance to apply for attractive grants to plant cover crops in the fall to protect water quality and build healthy soils. New this year, our Cover Crop Plus+ option offers higher incentive payments and more choices for farmers who sign a 3-year cover crop commitment to improve soil health.
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INCREASED FUNDING FOR CONSERVATION PRACTICES
MDA has raised the cost-share funding caps from $50,000 to $75,000 per project for 34 conservation practices. These practices are funded through the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program. If you have a conservation project in mind, please contact your local soil conservation district for free technical assistance.
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This video explores the origins of cover crop research in Maryland and how scientists at the University of Maryland Wye Research and Education Center and the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology helped advance the practice toward national and international use.
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FUNDING TO PROTECT WETLANDS
USDA is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Wetland Reserve Ease- ments. The program helps landowners re- store and protect farmed, prior converted, and degraded wetlands through perpetual conservation easements. While applications are accepted year-round, Maryland farmers should apply by June 24 to be considered for funding in the current cycle.
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COOPERATOR OF THE YEAR NAMED
Mattapany Angus Farm has been named the 2021 Cooperator of the Year by the St. Mary's Soil Conservation District. The 150- acre farm is owned and operated by two generations of the Tennyson Family. The Tennysons were recognized for installing an animal waste management system and waste storage facility for their beef operation. Left to Right: Bobby Cooper, Chairman St. Mary’s SCD, Melvin Tennyson, Judy Tennyson, and Mark Tennyson
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MORE FARMLAND, PLEASE
The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved 22 new Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) easements. These easements permanently preserve an additional 3,339 acres of prime farmland in Caroline, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Worcester counties for an investment of more than $14 million.
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ENVIROTHON SET FOR JUNE 22
Nearly 100 Maryland high school teens will
compete at the 31st annual Maryland Envirothon on June 22. This outdoor natural resources competition will be held at the University of Maryland's Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City. Please click the link for competition details.
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CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE RENEWAL DATES EXTENDED
MDA's Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program has changed its certification and license renewal deadlines. Professional Fertilizer Applicators (PFAs) and fertilizer business license holders now have until December 31, 2022 — instead of June 30, 2022 — to renew certifications and licenses.
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ANNUAL REPORTS —
Read the St. Mary's Soil Conservation District 2021 Annual Report.
Read the Prince George's Soil Conservation District 2021 Annual Report.
NEW HIRES —
Rodger Gatto has joined the MACS Program as an Agricultural Resource Conservation Specialist.
Alan Masters has joined MDA's Conservation Grants Program as a Manure Management Program Administrator.
Christie Okafor is the new administrative officer for the MACS Program.
FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES —
MDA bids farewell to Amy Fanz, Andy Andrews, Taylor McCann and Francesca Deprator.
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA? —
Check out the latest job openings throughout the department on our website.
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For additional information on MDA conservation programs, please contact your local soil conservation district.
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg, Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, MDA, soil conservation districts, and Shutterstock.
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