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SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP PROGRAM LAUNCHED
MDA has launched a Small Acreage Cover Crop Program to support small farm producers and urban agriculture. The pilot program aims to help historically underserved farmers and communities build healthy soils, increase yields, sequester carbon, and improve local water quality. Financial assistance for this program is capped at $1,000 per grower, per year.
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CELEBRATE MARYLAND HORSE MONTH
Governor Larry Hogan has declared October Maryland Horse Month, with many events taking place around the state. Horse lovers visiting the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill equestrian competition October 13-16 should stop by MDA’s education booth. You can find us in the in-field area (Booth #21). Our experts will have giveaways and helpful tips on ways to keep your pastures green, local waterways clean, and your horses healthy.
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Wetlands provide farmland with a range of water quality and enhanced wildlife benefits. Learn how this Talbot County farmer transformed unproductive areas of his farm into wetlands with the help of 100% cost-share.
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ATTENTION FARMERS...
It’s not too soon to begin planning your spring fertilizer needs. If you have harvested fields that are suitable for stockpiling, please contact your provider or broker to arrange a shipment. Our FastTrack grants can help. We pay up to $28 a ton to truck chicken manure to qualifying fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Visit our website to get started.
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STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will mail the 2022 Census of Agriculture to millions of agriculture producers across the 50 states and Puerto Rico this fall. The mailing will take place in phases, starting with an invitation to respond online in November, followed by paper questionnaires in December. Farm operations of all sizes that produced and sold, or typically would have sold $1,000 or more of an agricultural product in 2022 are included in the ag census.
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ALWAYS HIRE CERTIFIED
HOMEOWNERS: If you hire a lawn care
provider to fertilize your lawn or apply pesticides, make sure they are licensed
and certified by MDA. Ask to see their credentials, request a soil test, and follow our Bay-friendly tips to keep your lawn green and our waterways clean and healthy.
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HELLO AND WELCOME!
Keith Potter, former nutrient management specialist for Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties, is the new Western Maryland Area Coordinator.
Seth Metheny is the new district manager for the Garrett Soil Conservation District.
ALLEGANY SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT SEEKS NEW SUPERVISOR
The Allegany Soil Conservation District is accepting nominations for a supervisor appointment. Nominations should be sent to: State Soil Conservation Committee, MD Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Room 306, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more information and a nomination form, visit the website.
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 Photographs, Montgomery Soil Conservation District, and Shutterstock.
Pictured: Grassed waterway in Cecil County, copyright Edwin Remsberg Photographs
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