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THERE'S NO BETTER TIME TO PLANT A FOREST BUFFER
MDA has announced that the 2024 enrollment period for its Conservation Buffer Initiative runs from January 29 through March 8, 2024. Again this year, qualifying farmers who plant 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.
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REPORTING FORMS DUE MARCH 1
Farmers and turfgrass professionals have until March 1 to submit annual reporting forms outlining nutrient/fertilizer applications made in calendar year 2023. An electronic reporting option is available through Maryland OneStop. A mail-in option remains available for those who want to submit paper reports. These will be mailed to all regulated farmers by the end of January and are available online. Click the links for more information.
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This short Maryland Farm & Harvest clip showcases Persistence Creek Farm, a family-owned farm focusing on sustainable agriculture. No-till farming practices, crop rotation, erosion control, and the establishment of riparian forest buffers and wildlife areas are among the many practices implemented by the Warring Family. Their efforts have earned them the first Maryland Leopold Conservation Award.
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CERTIFICATION EXAM SET FOR FEBRUARY 7
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered on Wednesday, February 7, in Annapolis. Individuals who want to develop MDA-approved nutrient management plans for farmers are encouraged to take the exam. Applicants may register electronically or by mail by Friday, January 26.
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LET'S TALK SOIL HEALTH...
If you want to improve your farm's soil health, you will want to attend the 2024 Delmarva Soil Summit set for February 6 and 7 in Salisbury. You'll learn about the latest soil health and fertility innovations from farmers, researchers, and university experts. MDA's Bill Tharpe will update attendees on the department's financial assistance programs for small-scale & urban ag programs. Whether you farm 2 or 2,000 acres, this event has something for you.
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URBAN FARMER WINTER MEETING SET FOR JANUARY 27
This event, hosted by the UME's Urban Agriculture Program, is for small and urban farmers who want the latest updates on local issues and research findings. The group will meet at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse in Baltimore.
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MARYLAND PERMANENTLY PRESERVES 10 WORKING FARMS
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved ten new Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements at its December 13 meeting. The easements permanently preserve 1,582 acres of prime farmland in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Talbot, and Wicomico counties for an investment of more than $7.3 million.
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MAEF SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPEN
The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (MAEF) is now accepting applications for its 2024 Academic and Seibel Scholarships. These scholarships are open to rising junior or senior undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in majors leading to careers in agricultural education or Extension education.
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DRAFT REPORT NOW AVAILABLE
The final draft report of the MDA Nutrient Management Planning Producer Task Force is now available on the website. The report was developed by a group of producers charged with evaluating the Nutrient Management Program and making recommendations for improvements.
HELLO AND WELCOME!
Sarel Cousins, MNR, CCP®, is the new Ecosystem Incentives Program Administrator for MDA's Conservation Grants Program.
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: Adobe Stock, Edwin Remsberg Photographs, Farm & Harvest, MDA, and Shutterstock.
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