|
|
APPLY FOR OUR SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP GRANTS TODAY
MDA is now accepting applications for its 2024 Small Acreage Cover Crop Grants. This program offers up to $1,500 per year to small farms and urban growers who plant cover crops in their production areas to build healthy soils, improve crop yields, protect water quality, and improve climate resilience. Apply by April 30, 2024.
|
|
|
MDA LAUNCHES CONSERVATION EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
MDA has launched an educational outreach campaign aimed at small horse farms to promote free conservation services provided by local soil conservation districts. The campaign runs throughout April on social media and digital outlets. It also features a 30-second public service announcement that will appear on Maryland Public Television programs, including Maryland Farm & Harvest and Chesapeake Bay Week.
|
|
Watch our new 30-second public service announcement to learn how Maryland's 23 local soil conservation districts support small horse farms with free planning and design services to restore overgrazed pastures, manage mud and manure, and protect local streams.
|
|
|
HEALTHY SOIL TAKES ROOT
MDA's 2024 Healthy Soils Competitive Fund was a popular conservation choice for Maryland farmers. During its 10-week enrollment period, this competitive grant program received 58 applications (up from 42 last year!) for soil health projects ranging from planting trees in pastures–a practice known as silvopasture–to the innovative use of cover crops in no-till systems. MDA is ranking the projects and will announce the award winners later this month.
|
|
|
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
The University of Maryland and Future Harvest are conducting a 5-minute survey to understand the barriers preventing conventional grain farmers from transitioning to organic grain production. Survey results will be used to develop meaningful programs for grain farmers interested in transitioning acreage. Your answers will be kept confidential, and completing the survey could win you one of five $100 VISA gift cards.
|
|
|
MDA EXPANDS QUARANTINE ZONE
MDA has expanded its spotted lanternfly quarantine zone to include two new counties: Charles and Garrett. The quarantine restricts the movement of regulated articles that might contain the spotted lanternfly in any of its life stages, including egg masses, nymphs, and adults. Examples of regulated articles include landscaping, remodeling, or construction waste; packing materials like wood boxes or crates; plants and plant parts; vehicles; and other outdoor items.
|
|
|
NEW FACES
Fatima Mortazavi is the new program specialist for MDA's Ecosystem Incentives Program. As a soil and water engineer, Fatima brings a wealth of experience from the private and research sectors. She will lead the drainage management cost-share program and assist the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the Conservation Buffer Initiative. You can reach her at fatima.mortazavi@maryland.gov
Becky Remsberg has joined MDA as Maryland's Conservation Partnership Coordinator. In this newly created position, she will coordinate education and outreach programs for the state's 23 soil conservation districts and serve on the Horse Outreach Workgroup. Becky previously worked as the public outreach coordinator for the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. Contact her at becky.remsberg@maryland.gov
ENVIROTHON UPDATE
High school students across the state are heading outdoors to compete in local natural resource competitions leading up to the Maryland Envirothon set for June 11-13 at Mount St. Mary’s College. Please contact your local soil conservation district for information on your county’s local competition or click here.
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA?
Check out the latest job openings throughout the department on our website.
|
|
|
Please contact your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs.
Photo credits: MDA, Edwin Remsberg Photographs, and Shutterstock
|
|
|
|
