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ENROLLMENT OPENS JANUARY 3rd
MDA's new Healthy Soils Competitive Fund will begin accepting applications on January 3rd, 2023. If you have an innovative conservation idea for your farm, this program is for you! It provides financial assistance to qualifying farmers who want to adopt a range of soil health or agroforestry practices. It aims to support farmers and operators who are ineligible for other programs.
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WINTER BAN ON SPREADING MANURE BEGINS DECEMBER 16th
MDA reminds farmers that the winter ban on spreading manure and other nutrient sources on cropland, including food processing residuals, begins December 16th. Farmers may resume spreading on March 1st, 2023, based on their nutrient management plan recommendations as long as fields are not saturated, snow-covered, or hard-frozen.
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This short Maryland Farm and Harvest clip takes viewers behind the scenes at a Parkton Christmas tree farm to show the many challenges of growing good trees.
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WINTER CROP PRODUCTION MEETINGS
Farmers interested in the latest research and data to make informed 2023 growing decisions should register for a University of Maryland Extension (UME) winter crop production meeting. Topics include Agronomy, Fruit and Vegetable Production, and Row Crop and Forage Production. Qualifies for nutrient management voucher training and continuing education credits.
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MDA is pleased to sponsor the 2023 Future Harvest Conference on January 12th - 14th in College Park. MDA's exhibit will highlight our new Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program, healthy soils grants and marketing programs. Future Harvest has put together an exciting lineup of agriculture leaders for its 24th annual conference where more than 700 farmers meet for expert-led sessions, networking, crop planning, and more.
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MARYLAND'S BEST EXPO IS BACK
The Maryland's Best Expo returns to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on January 10th, 2023, following a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Expo allows Maryland farmers, seafood producers, and processors to connect with buyers from grocery retailers, restaurants, schools, food distributors, and other venues.
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BUY LOCALLY GROWN TREES
Maryland farmers offer some of the freshest holiday trees, including the popular Fraser fir and Canaan fir, as well as the Douglas fir, White pine, and Blue spruce. Visit Maryland's Best for information about the benefits of purchasing a Maryland-grown tree and a link to the Maryland Christmas Tree Association's directory of choose and cut farms and retail lots.
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HELLO AND WELCOME!
Emilee Smith is the new regional nutrient management specialist for Baltimore and Harford counties. She can be reached at emilee.smith@maryland.gov
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, Maryland Public Television, Future Harvest, MDA, and Shutterstock.
Pictured: Maple Syrup, Garrett County, Edwin Remsberg.
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