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FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING
This two-day training, offered June 3-4 in Annapolis, provides an overview of the knowledge areas covered by the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam, which is slated for August 1. Topics include state nutrient management regulations and principles, basic soil science, and soil fertility recommendations.
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POULTRY MORTALITY COMPOSTING SHORT COURSE SET FOR MAY 6
Join us for a free poultry mortality composting workshop on May 6 at MDA's Salisbury Animal Health Lab. Our experts will cover essential composting techniques and relevant environmental and legal issues. Farmers seeking cost-share assistance to install composters are required to attend this course. The free event is sponsored by MDA and the University of Maryland Extension.
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NEW SETBACK TOOL NOW LIVE
MDA has launched an updated interactive tool to help farmers and nutrient management planners determine nutrient application setbacks required by Maryland's regulations. Setback information is included in farm nutrient management plans. The improved setback tool features a user-friendly interface and new options to bookmark and share maps on social media.
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Saltwater intrusion occurs when seawater flows into coastal areas like Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore. It can lead to unsafe drinking water, ghost forests, lower crop yields, and soils that can't support plant growth. Watch our video to learn how saltwater intrusion has affected this Dorchester County farmer.
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KENT SWCD DISTRICT HONORS COOPERATOR OF THE YEAR
Fabio Terlevich was recognized as the Kent Soil and Water Conservation District's Cooperator of the Year at its annual dinner on April 11. A dedicated land steward, Terlevich manages nearly 600 acres in Rock Hall, where he's creating a wildlife oasis along the Chesapeake Bay that supports bobwhite quail, turkey, grassland birds, and deer.
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MAKE MUD A MEMORY
Please join the University of Maryland Extension for a series of educational pasture walks where you'll learn new ways to manage water, minimize mud, and create more productive pastures. The first event will be held May 27 at Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding in Harford County. The second event will take place on June 12 at the CMREC Equine Rotational Grazing Demonstration Site in Ellicott City.
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THEY'RE BACK
MDA's spotted lanternfly team reports that the eggs of this invasive species have begun to hatch. The black-and-white nymphs were first spotted in Charles County, but they have also been spotted at MDA headquarters in Annapolis. The majority of Maryland is under quarantine for spotted lanternflies. It is important to check your vehicles or equipment for spotted lanternflies as you move around the state. If you see a spotted lanternfly, stomp on it or crush it.
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NEW HIRES —
Eddie Franceschi has joined MDA's Office of Resource Conservation as the new Agricultural Assessment Planner for Cecil, Harford, Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery counties. He can be reached at eddie.franceschi@maryland.gov or 410-638-4828, ext. 5234
IN THE NEWS —
The Charles Soil Conservation District will honor David and Anne Line as Cooperator of the Year at its annual dinner on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The dinner will be held on the lawn at the Charles County Agricultural & Environmental Service Center on Gardiner Road in Waldorf. To reserve your seat, please call 301-638-3028
More than 80 farmers, ag company reps, and soil conservation experts gathered for Ag Day at the DuPont Farm in Cecil County on April 9 to review cover crop test plot results, take in a drone seeding demonstration, get the latest nutrient management updates, and more. The Cecil Soil Conservation District and the Cecil Land Trust hosted the event.
The Maryland's Best program, in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the University of Maryland Extension, and the Maryland Native Plant Society, has launched a new website dedicated to Maryland native plants. Consumers can now visit the Maryland's Best website to find a list of authorized native plant dealers.
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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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