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LAST CALL FOR FALL COVER CROPS!
Farmers: if you signed up for our cover crop grants, there's still time to get your fields planted and receive reimbursement from MDA. Rye, triticale, and wheat/spelt incorporated into fields between November 6 and November 15 qualify for a $45/acre flat rate. Questions? Contact your local soil conservation district.
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FINALISTS NAMED FOR CONSERVATION AWARD
Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award. In honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private working lands. The winner will be announced at the Maryland Farm Bureau Convention in December.
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In celebration of No-Till November, we are pleased to highlight this Farm & Harvest episode featuring Carroll Mill Farm in Howard County. The farm uses a combination of “no-till farming” and GPS technology to ensure the best possible conditions for its corn crop.
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SHARE THE ROAD WITH YOUR FARMING NEIGHBORS
Motorists are reminded to be on the lookout, slow down, and share the road with large farm equipment during harvest season. “Fall harvest is a busy time for Maryland farmers, which often includes moving farm equipment from one location to another,” said MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Please be mindful of this as you travel Maryland roads, especially those in rural areas.”
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$9.6 MILLION IN GRANTS AWARDED TO REVITALIZE BAY WATERSHED
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has awarded $9.6 million in grants to support 10 conservation projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The projects will leverage more than $9.4 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of just over $19 million.
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GET YOUR RECERTIFICATION CREDITS
Lawn care pros needing recertification credits can earn two credits at one of the following training sessions. MDA will host an online Zoom session for lawn care pros on November 6 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Register here for the Zoom session. In-person training will be held December 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at MDA headquarters in Annapolis. Register here for the in-person session.
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LAWN FERTILIZER BLACKOUT DATES BEGIN NOVEMBER 16
Lawn fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law take effect November 16 and end March 1, 2024. The blackout dates help protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay from runoff during late fall and winter when grass typically goes dormant and cannot benefit from the additional nutrients.
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WINTER CROP PRODUCTION MEETINGS ANNOUNCED
Farmers: Get the latest research and data to make informed 2024 growing decisions. Crop meetings cover a range of topics, including agronomy, urban farming, and forage, fruit, and vegetable production. Attendance is free, and meetings will be held in person and virtually.
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ON THE MOVE...
Shawn Burgess is the new Administrative Officer for the MACS Program. She previously worked for Program Planning and Evaluation. Welcome, Shawn!
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA?
Check out the latest job openings throughout the department on our website.
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Please get in touch with your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs.
Photo credits: Edwin Remsberg, Maryland Farm & Harvest, Shutterstock, and MDA.
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