Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.Click to edit this placeholder text.

FEBRUARY 2023

SIGNUP FOR MDA'S CONSERVATION BUFFER GRANTS IS NOW OPEN
MDA is now accepting grant applications for its popular Conservation Buffer Initiative. New this year, farmers who agree to plant streamside forest buffers will receive a one-time $1,000/acre signing bonus on top of the $4,000-$4,500/acre incentive payment for this practice. Apply for these attractive grants by March 10, 2023.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT UPDATE CLASS SET FOR FEBRUARY 14 ​​​
This virtual course provides an update on nutrient management regulations along with information on current topics impacting the agricultural community. Topics covered include food processing residuals, conservation grants, efficient use of potassium and micronutrients, and others.  Register by February 10, 2023. Provides 4​ CEUs for participation.​

MEET CALEB & ALICE CROTHERS WINNERS OF THE 2022 MARYLAND LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD

Caleb and Alice Crothers were presented with a $10,000 award at the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention on December 5th, 2023. The Crothers’ Long Green Farms is among the oldest dairy farms in Maryland. Watch their inspiring story.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR URBAN FARMERS
Learn how to write a nutrient management plan for your operation that meets MDA regulations. This Farmer Training and Certification (FTC) class is for urban farms or farms that grow a large amount of fresh
market vegetables/fruits. Classes begin March 1 in Baltimore. 

TURFGRASS CONTINUING EDUCATION WEBINARS
​​The Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program will offer two live webinars on February 21 from 9-11 am and 11-1 pm. These webinars are open to Professional Fertilizer Applicators (PFAs) and trained personnel who want to improve their knowledge. Each 2-hour webinar is worth 2 CEUs toward renewal of PFA certificates. 

USDA ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR URBAN AG & INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION
USDA is making up to $7.5 million in grants available through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. These competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov through March 27, 2023. 

TRAINING CALENDAR & DATES TO REMEMBER

February 7  – Nutrient Management Exam

February 9  – Southern Maryland Vegetable and Fruit Meeting

February 14  – Harford County Mid-Winter Agronomy Meeting, call 410-638-3255 

February 15  – Mid-Shore Agronomy Meeting, call 410-479-4030

February 22  – Central Maryland Agronomy Update

February 28  – Virtual Vegetable Grower Meeting

March 1 – Ag Annual Implementation Reports and Turfgrass Fertilizer Reports due

March 3 – Last day to apply for MDA's New Healthy Soils Competitive Fund 

March 3  – Queen Anne's County Agronomy Meeting

March 10 – Last Day to Sign Up for MDA's Conservation Buffer Initiative

Available Anytime – Nutrient Management Learn and Earn CEUs

NEWS AND NOTES

NEW HIRES:

ALLEGANY SCD
David (Reid) Boden, agricultural resource conservation specialist
Kara Kyle, agricultural resource conservation specialist

ANNE ARUNDEL SCD
Edmund Robidoux, agricultural resource conservation specialist 

BALTIMORE COUNTY SCD
Eliza Cliff, soil conservation associate

CAROLINE SCD
Matthew Molchan, soil conservation engineering technician

CARROLL SCD
Christopher Markle, soil conservation associate

CECIL SCD
Ivan Tokash, agricultural resource conservation specialist

FREDERICK SCD
Peter Hatchett, soil conservation associate

GARRETT SCD
Miranda Rounds, agricultural resource conservation specialist

QUEEN ANNE'S SCD
Robin Hanway, agricultural resource conservation specialist

PROGRAM PLANNING AND EVALUATION
Christopher Laube, field assessment planner for Southern Maryland

WANT TO WORK FOR MDA? 
Check out the latest job openings throughout the department on our website.

For additional information on MDA conservation programs, please contact your local soil conservation district.

Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg, MDA, and Shutterstock.

Pictured: A Caroline County Chicken Farm