Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

SEPTEMBER 2024

AERIAL SEEDING OF COVER CROPS UNDERWAY
MDA wants rural residents to know they can anticipate a rise in low-flying airplanes, helicopters, and drones through October 10, 2024. Farmers participating in Maryland’s Cover Crop Program use aerial seeding to plant cereal grains and other qualifying cover crops in their fields to protect local waterways from nutrient runoff and enhance their soil’s health for spring crops.

GUTTER TALK...DID YOU KNOW? 
Earlier this year, the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society collaborated with the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District to set up a roof runoff system for the ten racehorse barns at the Timonium racetrack. This system prevents roof runoff from flowing into the manure storage bunkers outside the barns, ensuring only rainwater washes into nearby storm drains. Funding for the project was provided by MDA’s Conservation Grants Program.

PRECISION AGRICULTURE WITH THE 'SPACE MAN'

Jonathan Quinn is a farmer in Kent County, Maryland, who employs precision agriculture to minimize waste, maximize his profits, and protect the local and downstream environment in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. (Video credit: Will Parson, Chesapeake Bay Program)

MEET US AT THE FAIR!
The final weekend of the Maryland State Fair runs September 5-8 at the fairgrounds in Timonium. MDA's Nutrient Management Program will host the department's booth on September 5. Please stop by the Cow Palace to see our fantastic model creamery and play our trivia quiz. While you're at it, grab some ice cream from the Young Farmers.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...
MDA has announced that six projects will be awarded funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to enhance the competitiveness of Maryland specialty crops. 

TRAINING CALENDAR & DATES TO REMEMBER

September 5 – MDA Nutrient Management Day, Cow Palace, Maryland State Fair

September 10 – Last day to qualify for a $10/acre early planting bonus for aerially seeding cover crops into standing corn 

September 10 – Women in Agriculture - 2024 Webinars: Interplanting for Pollinators

September 12 – Ask a Master Gardener, Talbot County Public Library

September 14 – Basic Composting, Harford County Master Gardeners

September 18 –Wednesday Water Webinars - Drinking Water Contaminants

October 1 – Commercial Poultry Grower Meeting, Caroline County 4-H Park 

October 3 – Women in Agriculture Fall Farm Tour

October 8 – 2024 Webinars: How to Interpret a Soil Test Report

Available Anytime – On-Demand Continuing Education Webinars for Turfgrass Pros (please scroll to the bottom of the page)

Available Anytime – Nutrient Management Learn and Earn CEUs

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: Talbot Soil Conservation District, Edwin Remsberg Photography, MDA, and the Chesapeake Bay Program.