|
|
MDA'S HEALTHY SOILS PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Do you have an innovative conservation idea for your farm? Maryland's Healthy Soils Competitive Fund offers up to $50,000 in financial assistance to support three years of enhanced soil health or agroforestry practices. Applications will be accepted until January 9, 2026. If you need assistance with your grant proposal, visit our website for templates and other resources.
|
|
|
MDA'S ANNUAL NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT UPDATE TRAINING
Join us for the latest updates and insights for certified nutrient management consultants and farm operators. Earn 6 Continuing Education Units at one of our two locations:
December 4 - New Midway Fire Company, New Midway, MD
December 15 - MDA Headquarters, Annapolis, MD
|
|
In this segment, we learn how Polly Pittman and Tom Croghan are using science to enhance and maintain the health of their Anne Arundel County vineyard.The couple is working to enhance the biodiversity within and around the Vineyards of Dodon by growing native cover crops, regenerating soil, and adding microbial diversity. Their concentration on the soil is paying off. In 2024, they were nominated American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
|
|
|
MARYLAND'S CONSERVATION BUFFER GRANTS ARE BACK
MDA is excited to announce that the 2025-2026 enrollment period for its popular Conservation Buffer Initiative runs from November 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. To help Maryland meet its ambitious tree planting goals, qualifying farmers who plant forest buffers through this program will receive a one-time $1,000/acre signing bonus for trees, along with the program’s standard incentive payment.
|
|
|
LAWN FERTILIZER BLACKOUT DATES BEGIN NOVEMBER 16
MDA reminds residents and lawn care professionals that fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law begin on November 16, 2025, and end on March 1, 2026. Blackout dates protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay from nutrient runoff during late fall and winter, when grass typically goes dormant and cannot benefit from additional nutrients.
|
|
|
POULTRY FARMERS URGED TO PRACTICE ENHANCED BIOSECURITY
MDA continues to remind all poultry farmers, whether commercial or backyard, to review and implement enhanced biosecurity plans. This comes after the confirmation of several cases of HPAI in backyard flocks in the Mid- Atlantic region.
|
|
|
FARM & HARVEST IS BACK!
Maryland Public Television’s popular original series Maryland Farm & Harvest returns for its 13th season on Tuesday, November 11, with the first of 13 new half-hour episodes. MDF&A airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT and online at mpt.org/livestream. Episodes are also available to view live and on demand using the free PBS app and MPT’s online video player.
|
|
|
NEED HELP WITH A CONSERVATION PROJECT?
Please contact your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs, grants, and services.
STATE OF MARYLAND JOB OPENINGS
Check out the latest job openings on our website.
|
|
|
|
