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FARMER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR CROP AND ANIMAL OPERATIONS NOW FORMING MDA and the University of Maryland Extension are excited to offer a new series of Farmer Training and Certification (FTC) workshops for farmers who want to become certified to write their own nutrient management plans. These workshops are for agronomic crop and animal operations. They will take place online and at Annapolis and Frederick County locations.
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FARMER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR NURSERY OPERATIONS Register now for our February 6 Farmer Training and Certification (FTC) class for operators of nurseries, greenhouses, or controlled environments. This training program will assist you in writing a nutrient management plan for your operation that meets Maryland's nutrient management requirements.
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2025 PROFESSIONAL FERTILIZER APPLICATOR EXAM DATES ANNOUNCED Lawn care workers who want to become certified to apply fertilizer to lawns can sign up for one of four training and certification classes held at locations throughout the state in 2025. An optional training session is available before the exam. In Maryland, lawn care professionals who apply fertilizer to lawns must be certified by MDA or work under the direct supervision of a certified professional.
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Hutchison Brothers is a 3,400-acre crop and poultry farm in Talbot County. Thanks to the stewardship of brothers Bobby, Richard, and David Hutchison and sons Travis and Kyle Hutchison, this 130-year-old family farm has become a leader in agricultural conservation, earning the 2024 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award.
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DAIRY AND POULTRY FARMERS URGED TO PRACTICE ENHANCED BIOSECURITY MDA has released new guidance urging Maryland dairy cattle and poultry farmers to remain vigilant and practice enhanced biosecurity on their farms due to the continued circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detections in wild birds in the Atlantic Flyway.
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LOWER SHORE AGRONOMY DAY IS JANUARY 22 This popular annual event takes place at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center on January 22. It includes sessions in weed control, grain production, cover cropping, drone spraying, and carbon in Maryland soils. Attendance earns nutrient management, pesticide application, and Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits. This free event features a light breakfast and lunch.
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MDA STAFF DISCUSS CONSERVATION FUNDING FOR SMALL FARMS MDA’s own Adam Lyon and Eileen Beard recently sat down with Rachann Ennis Mayer of the Radio Connections Radio Program to answer questions about new conservation funding for small-scale equine and livestock operations. You can listen to the interview here on the Buzzsprout.
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FORMER MDA SECRETARY HAGNER MISTER PASSES AWAY AT 90 The Maryland Department of Agriculture is saddened to share the passing of Hagner Mister, the department’s sixth Secretary, who served from January 2001 to January 2003. Prior to being named Secretary, Hagner served as the Agency’s Deputy Secretary for three years.
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NEED HELP WITH A CONSERVATION PROJECT? Please contact your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs, grants, and services.
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA? Check out the latest job openings on our website.
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