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NEW ROUND OF ANIMAL WASTE TECHNOLOGY GRANTS UNDERWAY MDA is now accepting Fiscal Year 2023 grant proposals for its Animal Waste Technology Fund. Interested applicants should submit a Letter of Intent to the department by October 21, 2022.
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NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 27th MDA and University of Maryland Extension will offer a one-day course, Practical Experiences in Nutrient Management, on September 27th at the Central MD Research and Education Center in Ellicott City. Topics include pasture and hay management, corn yield checks, and manure spreader calibration. Earns 4 CEUs.
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NURSERY AND GREENHOUSE OPERATOR TRAINING & CERTIFICATION Do you want to become certified to write nutrient management plan for nurseries, greenhouses, or controlled environments that you manage? Sign up for our September 29th training and certification class.
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Maryland’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is offering a one-time signing bonus of up to $1,000/acre to farmers who plant forest buffers next to streams. Learn how this small Carroll County farm is making a difference for Maryland's waterways and helping to meet the state's tree planting goals with minimal out of pocket expenses.
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GET PLANTING! Across Maryland, farmers are planting fall cover crops to help protect the Bay from nutrient runoff and build organic matter in their soils. The earlier cover crops are planted, the greater the environmental and soil health benefits. Farmers who signed up for Maryland’s cover crop grants can receive an extra $10/acre if they get their fields planted by October 10.
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MARYLAND TEAM FINISHES 2ND AT NATIONAL ENVIROTHON A team of students from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville finished 2nd at the National Envirothon competition held at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio last month. Forty teams from the United States, Canada, and China competed at the week-long natural resources competition.
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READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS MDA reminds homeowners to read and follow all label instructions before applying fertilizer to lawns. Experts agree that fall is the best time to fertilize most lawns based on soil test results. Fertilizer should be applied based on the size of your yard and your lawn’s nutritional requirements.
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IF YOU SEE IT...STOMP IT! Spotted lanternflies are being reported in a wide area across the state. These invasive pests feed on over 70 types of agricultural products and crops, making them a widespread danger to the agricultural industry. They are currently in their adult life stage. If you see one, stomp it, and report it to MDA online.
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FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES Doug Jones, district manager for the Worcester Soil Conservation District retired August 31, following 23 years of state service. MDA wishes Doug all the best in his next endeavor.
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA? The Nutrient Management Program is recruiting to fill a Nutrient Management Specialist II position in Baltimore and Harford counties. This is a Grade 16 permanent position with full benefits. Apply on the website.
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For additional information on MDA conservation programs, please contact your local soil conservation district.
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg Photographs, Montgomery Soil Conservation District, and Shutterstock.
Pictured: Icelandic sheep at Talbot County Farm, copyright Edwin Remsberg Photographs
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