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OCTOBER 2024

EXCITING NEWS FOR SMALL EQUINE AND LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS!
Cost-share funding to install conservation practices to protect local water quality is now available for small-scale equine and livestock operations with at least 1,000 pounds of live animal weight. This expansion of the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program extends our popular conservation assistance program to these smaller farms. 

EXTENDED ENROLLMENT PERIOD FOR BUFFER GRANTS BEGINS OCTOBER 1
MDA is excited to announce that the 2024-2025 enrollment period for its popular Conservation Buffer Initiative runs from October 1 through March 31, 2025. Qualifying farmers who plant forest buffers through this program will receive a one-time $1,000/acre signing bonus in addition to the program’s standard incentive payment.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL MANURE TRANSPORT GRANTS
MDA reminds farmers that cost-share funding is available to help cover expenses associated with hauling all types of manure to fall-planted crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Additionally, grants are available to offset costs related to injecting liquid manure into the soil to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors.

TREE LOVERS: APPLY NOW FOR A KEEP MARYLAND BEAUTIFUL GRANT
The Keep Maryland Beautiful grant, funded by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, offers up to $50,000 for tree-planting projects on agricultural lands in Maryland. Nonprofits can apply until November 15, 2024, at 4 PM. For more information, contact jsegovia@cbtrust.org.

URBAN FARMING TO BUILD COMMUNITY

This Maryland Farm and Harvest clip features an urban farm in a Baltimore City neighborhood that has been converted from a food desert to an urban oasis. Richard Francis, known as Farmer Chippy, opened Plantation Park Heights in 2008 with the goal of adding value to the community and people within that community. 

IT PAYS TO PLANT EARLY
Farmers: There's still time to get your cover crop planted and earn a $25 per acre early planting bonus from MDA. Eligible fields enrolled in our Cover Crop Program must be planted by October 10, 2024 to receive the bonus. Questions? Contact your local soil conservation district. 

OCTOBER IS HORSE MONTH – SPEND IT WITH HORSES!
Horse lovers visiting the Maryland 5 Star equestrian competition at Fair Hill International on October 17-20 should stop by MDA’s education booth. You can find us in the entryway. Conservation experts will be on hand to provide helpful information on cost-share grants, manure management, pasture health, and more. You can also enter for a chance to win an MDA saddle pad!

ANNUAL SMALL FARM CONFERENCE SET FOR NOVEMBER 1-2 
Learn tools and strategies to increase farm profitability and promote farm sustainability at UMES Extension's Small Farm Conference 2024. This event equips farmers and landowners in Maryland and along the Delmarva Peninsula with tools and strategies to increase farm profitability and promote farm sustainability.

IN THE NEWS

MDA has received a $500,000 grant from the Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) Program to promote agricultural conservation practices on working lands to benefit rare and declining species. Read the complete list of award recipients here. 

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) encourages Maryland agricultural producers and forest landowners to apply now for its voluntary conservation programs. These programs include EQIP, CSP, RCPP, and AMA and cater to a wide variety of producers, including urban and organic producers. More info here.  

Governor's Hall of Fame nominations are due by October 4. This is your opportunity to nominate a farm family who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to agriculture in Maryland and to the communities in which they live and work. More info here.

TRAINING CALENDAR & DATES TO REMEMBER

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

October 10 – Last day to earn $25/acre early planting bonus for cover crops  

October 12 –Cecil County Master Gardeners: Succulent Trimmed Pumpkins Workshop

October 14 – Columbus Day (state offices closed)

October 15 – 2024 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit

October 16 – Wednesday Water Webinar: Alternative and Innovative Septic Systems

October 19 – Double Duty Edibles, Harford County Master Gardeners

December 3 – Nutrient Management Voucher Training and Recertification-Frederick County Extension Office

December 5 – MDA’s annual Agricultural Nutrient Management Update

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

PERSONNEL NOTES

ON THE MOVE...
Charles Bradford retired from the Dorchester Soil Conservation District after 16 years of service as a soil conservation technician and later as an MDA Soil Conservation Associate. Best of luck, Charles. We'll miss you.

George Bradley has joined the Talbot Soil Conservation District as an MDA Soil Conservation Associate II. 

Morgan Jackson, Soil Conservation Technician, has transferred to the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. 

Adeline McCaul, Soil Conservation Associate, transferred to the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. 

WANT TO WORK FOR MDA?
The Office of Resource Conservation is now hiring field staff in multiple locations throughout Maryland. Check out the latest job openings on our website.

Please contact your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs.

Photo credits: MDA, Ecotone, Edwin Remsberg, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Farm & Harvest, UMES, and Jim Ensor, Baltimore County Soil Conservation District.