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LAST CALL! DON'T MISS OUT
The 2025-26 sign-up period for MDA's Healthy Soils Competitive Fund ends January 9. Grant recipients will receive up to $50,000 to support three years of enhanced soil health practices. Grants are available to farmers and agricultural organizations for innovative, next-level soil health projects that minimize soil disturbance, maximize soil cover and diversity, and increase living roots.
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FARMER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR CROP AND PASTURE OPERATIONS
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 for agronomic crop and animal operations. The workshops will take place online and at Extension offices in Dorchester and Washington counties on multiple dates beginning February 17.
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FARMER TRAINING & CERTIFICATION FOR NURSERY OPERATIONS
Registration is now open for our February 5 Farmer Training and Certification (FTC) class for operators of nurseries, greenhouses, or controlled environments. This training program will help you write a nutrient management plan for your operation that meets Maryland's nutrient management requirements.
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Dave Tribbett had already made his mark as a poultry industry innovator before he discovered the dual benefits of growing giant miscanthus grass. The son of an FFA advisor started out by leasing farmland and chicken houses while still in high school. With hard work, strategic diversification, and a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability, he never looked back. Today, his Twin Maples Farms raises more than 1 million chickens annually in eight poultry houses, and 1,500 acres of crops, including corn, soybeans, and lima beans.
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5 MILLION TREES PROGRAM SURPASSES 1.5 MILLION TREES PLANTED
More than 555,330 trees were planted in Fiscal Year 2025, according to a new report by Maryland's 5 Million Trees Program. Through the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program and partner programs, MDA supported the installation of 148 acres of riparian forest buffers and 358 acres of tree plantings across Maryland.
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PRELIMINARY TESTING CONFIRMS BIRD FLU IN QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY
MDA continues to urge growers and backyard flock owners to enhance biosecurity practices following last month's presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Queen Anne’s County. This is the second case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Queen Anne’s County this year and the tenth case in Maryland in 2025.
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MDA's Office Resource Conservation bids farewell to the following team members who retired in 2025:
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Howard Callahan, Nutrient Management Specialist
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Kenny Favorite, Nutrient Management Specialist
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Pat Gitlin, Grants Administrator
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Moana Himes, Nutrient Management Specialist
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Bonita Sims, Administrative Officer
In fond remembrance...
MDA mourns the passing of our friend and coworker, Dr. Rowland Omodele Agbede, who passed away on December 1st. Rowland was known and loved by many during his 30-plus years of state service with MDA's Office of Resource Conservation, and will be truly missed. You can read his obituary here.
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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.
STATE OF MARYLAND JOB OPENINGS
Check out the latest job openings on our website.
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