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April 2025

SPRING CERTIFICATIONS UNDERWAY
Farmers enrolled in Maryland's 2024-2025 Cover Crop Program have begun terminating their cover crops in preparation for spring planting. Termination options include green chopping, plowing under, rolling/crimping, or using a burn-down herbicide. To receive payment, farmers who planted cover crops after November 5, 2024 must wait until May 1, 2025 to terminate them. All farmers must be in compliance with the Nutrient Management Program and certify terminated cover crops with the local soil conservation district by June 3, 2025.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT OUR CHESAPEAKE BAY

Chesapeake Bay Week® is one of Maryland Public Television's most successful and important annual initiatives. It celebrates the bounty of our waterways and highlights its most critical issues. This special week of programming spans history, culture, science, cooking, arts, politics, and environmental challenges. MDA's Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program is proud to sponsor Chesapeake Bay Week. 

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
Do you want to become certified to prepare nutrient management plans for farmers? The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam will be held on August 1, 2025, at locations in Annapolis, Hagerstown, and Easton. Register now to confirm your seat. An optional two-day Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training will be offered in June to prepare you to take the exam. Check the website for updates.

PROFESSIONAL FERTILIZER APPLICATOR EXAM AND TRAINING
Lawn care workers who want to become certified by MDA to apply fertilizer to lawns should register for the upcoming certification exam on April 15, 2025, in Derwood. An optional training session is offered before the exam. In Maryland, lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizer to lawns must be certified by MDA or work under the direct supervision of a certified pro. 

TRAINING CALENDAR & DATES TO REMEMBER

April 8 – Online Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification

April 15 – Professional Fertilizer Applicator (PFA) Certification Exam

April 15 – Backyard Gardening Zoom Series

April 16 – Wednesday Webinars: FAQs About Ensuring Good Drinking Water Quality

April 17 – Ag Integrated Pest Management Web Series

April 22 – Earth Day Celebrations Statewide – Check local listings for an event near you

June 3-4 – SAVE THE DATE! Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Training

August 1 – Nutrient Management Certification Exam

December 4 – ​SAVE THE DATE! 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

IN THE NEWS

The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District will honor Dwayne Catterton of Bonnie Breeze Farm as its Cooperator of the Year at its annual dinner on Friday, April 25, 2025. For more information or to RSVP please visit the website. 

Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding (CTR) will sponsor HOOFIN' IT, a fundraiser and 5K Fun Run on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the Harford County Ag Center's Poplar Grove Pavilion. Proceeds will benefit CTR's Horses and Heroes veterans program. Please visit the website to register. 

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.