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ANIMAL WASTE TECHNOLOGY FUND RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED
MDA has awarded a $505,744 Animal Waste Technology Grant to South Mountain Creamery in Frederick County. This grant will enhance the farm’s manure management system for its 500 dairy cows. The award is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to managing animal manure, protecting natural resources, and pursuing clean, renewable energy sources.
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COVER CROP GRANT APPROVAL LETTERS IN THE MAIL
MDA's 2024-2025 Cover Crop Sign-Up was a big hit with Maryland farmers, who registered to plant a record number of cover crops in their fields this fall to protect local water quality and improve their soil for spring planting. Beginning this week, farmers should check their mailboxes for their award letters and planting instructions.
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MEET OUR NEW REGIONAL COORDINATOR
MDA's Office of Resource Conservation welcomes Darren Alles as the new Regional Coordinator for Central Maryland. Darren's region covers Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil counties. Darren comes to us from the Maryland Department of the Environment but is no stranger to MDA. He previously worked as an MDA Nutrient Management Specialist for 22 years. You can reach him at DarrenL.Alles@maryland.gov. |
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Harry Sellers, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Carroll County, and his family have taken significant steps to adapt to an ever-changing agricultural market while working to reduce their farm's impact on local streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
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IS YOUR LAWN BAY-FRIENDLY?
Be wise, don't over-fertilize. Check out the Home and Garden Information Center's seasonal checklist of things to do—and not to do—for an attractive lawn and a healthy Chesapeake Bay. Tip: Late summer to fall is an excellent time to get a soil test.
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4,998 ACRES OF ADDITIONAL FARMLAND PROTECTED FOREVER
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved 49 new Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation easements during their August 7 meeting. The easements will permanently preserve 4,998 acres of prime farmland in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, and Wicomico counties, for an investment of more than $25 million.
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WHEN YOU SEE A SPOTTED LANTERNFLY...STOMP AND REPORT
Think you have found a spotted lanternfly in Maryland? Report it online to MDA. These invasive pests feed on over 70 types of agricultural products and crops, making them a significant threat to agriculture. They are currently in their adult life stage. If you see one, stomp it and report it to MDA online. A photo is required. Please note: Maryland residents no longer need to report spotted lanternflies sighted in Cecil or Harford counties.
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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: South Mountain Creamery, MDA District Operations, Maryland Farm and Harvest, Shutterstock, Edwin Remsberg, Jim Ensor (Baltimore County SCD), and MDA staff
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