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YOUR VOICE COUNTS!
Are you seeing the impacts of more extreme weather patterns on agriculture operations in Maryland? A new survey released by the Hughes Center in support of the Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture Project (MDCSA) aims to capture this information and more. Please complete the survey if you are a Maryland farmer, waterman, shell stock producer, technical service provider, or Extension agent.
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APPLY NOW FOR MANURE TRANSPORT AND INJECTION GRANTS
With spring planting just around the corner, MDA reminds farmers that cost-share funding is available to help cover the cost of transporting all types of manure to crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Grants are also available to offset the cost of injecting liquid manure into the soil to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors.
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When Tim and Tracey Gay bought the property that would become Molly Hill Farm in northern Harford County, they immediately began to restore the pastures. Over the years, they have implemented a range of conservation practices to protect the stream that runs through their property, the quality of their pastures, and the health of their horses.
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HAVE YOU FILED YOUR AIR?
Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) were due to MDA on March 1. If you have not filed your report, please complete it as soon as possible to avoid penalties. Operators who have not submitted reports will receive warning letters in mid-April. Electronic filing is available through Maryland OneStop.
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SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31
Grant proposals for projects that promote/ enhance production and access to Maryland specialty crops will be accepted by MDA until March 31. Approximately $400,000 is available for this year's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. USDA defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees, and nursery crops.
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SAVE THE DATE!
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be offered on Friday, August 2, at Annapolis, Easton, and Keedysville locations. If you want to make nutrient recommendations for farmers, this is your opportunity to become an MDA-certified plan writer.
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LAWN FERTILIZER BLACKOUT DATES HAVE ENDED
March 1 marked the end of lawn fertilizer blackout dates. Fertilizer products containing nitrogen and phosphorus may now be applied to lawns as long as the ground is not hard-frozen or snow-covered and heavy rain is not predicted. A soil test is required before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns. For soil testing information, click here.
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MDA HOSTS ROUNDTABLE EVENT
Last month, MDA hosted the Maryland Agricultural Re-Engagement Roundtable in Annapolis. This kick-off event allowed MDA to re-engage with key agricultural organizations to share updates, insight, and lessons learned as we collectively work to meet the state's Chesapeake Bay restoration goals. Future engagement opportunities will be announced in this newsletter.
TURFGRASS BUSINESS LICENSE HOLDERS
Have you filed your Annual Fertilizer Application Report? Please file your report as soon as possible to avoid fines and penalties. Go to MarylandOneStop to report electronically or download a paper report.
COVER CROPS
Cover crops may be terminated between March 1 and June 3. Farmers who terminate cover crops after May 1 may be eligible for a $15/acre extended season incentive payment. Learn more.
NEW FACES
Marshall White has joined MDA as the new Ag Assessment Planner for the Central Maryland region.
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA?
Check out the latest job openings throughout the department on our website.
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Please contact your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs.
Photo credits: Shutterstock and Edwin Remsberg Photographs.
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