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AIR DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 1 MDA has extended the deadline for farmers to submit Annual Implementation Reports (AIRs) for 2025 nutrient applications. Due to unexpected printing delays, AIRs for several regions of the state were not mailed until the first week of February. The new submission deadline is April 1, 2026. This extension also applies to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).
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HEALTHY HERDS START WITH CLEAN WATER
MDA has launched a new outreach campaign to educate farmers about the environmental and animal health benefits of fencing livestock out of streams and providing them with a clean, reliable water source. This campaign spotlights the department’s full range of incentive programs for stream protection practices that benefit herd health.
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Clean water is essential for healthy livestock. In this video, you’ll see how best management practices, such as pasture waterers, stream fencing, and designated stream crossings, help protect waterways while keeping cattle healthy and productive. Farmers should contact their local soil conservation district for free technical help and cost-share assistance to install these stream protection practices.
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UPDATE YOUR NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLAN SESSIONS
Have you updated your nutrient management plan for the upcoming cropping season? UME Nutrient Management Specialists can help you update your plan using NuMan Pro 5.3 software. Sessions are scheduled for multiple dates and locations in February and April. Participants should be comfortable with a computer and may bring a keyboarding assistant if needed.
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ROADMAP TO RESILIENCE: MARYLAND CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
A report from the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology at the University of Maryland provides guidance for farmers and policymakers to strengthen agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. It presents 13 recommendations for adopting climate-smart agriculture practices to maintain productivity and improve resilience to climate stress. MDA's Hans Schmidt and Nadya Chehab contributed to the report.
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HOFFMAN TO LEAD LEEF
Elizabeth Hoffman has been tapped to lead the state's new Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) Program. This statewide program will recognize and reward conservation efforts, promote effective implementation, and honor Maryland farmers who adopt practices that benefit both the community and the agricultural industry. Hoffman previously served as Watershed Strategies Administrator for the Office of Resource Conservation since 2018.
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AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE
MDA has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Caroline County. This is the first case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Caroline County this year and the first case in Maryland in 2026.
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DIG DEEPER INTO SOIL HEALTH
Join the Frederick County Soil Conservation District for its 5th Annual Digging Deeper into Soil Health event on February 25. This exciting gathering will take place at the county's New Midway Volunteer Fire Company. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of soil health and learn from the experts at this free event.
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MARYLAND LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD SEEKS APPLICANTS
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award. The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. The application deadline is July 15, 2026.
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DON'T USE FERTILIZER TO MELT ICE
MDA reminds citizens that fertilizer products should never be used to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces. When temperatures rise, these products can easily wash into nearby storm drains and streams with the first rain or snowmelt. For tips on melting ice safely, please click the link.
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Tina Stevens is the new Field Assessment Supervisor and Program Administrator for Resource Conservation. An MDA field assessor since 2021, Stevens will manage field operations while coordinating staff, site visits, and soil health assessments across the state.
Lynn Buehler has joined Resource Conservation as the new Grants Administrator. She is transitioning from her role as Accountant Supervisor in MDA’s Fiscal Services office.
THIS JUST IN...
Joseph Bangnikon and Michael Bzdil have joined MDA's Conservation Grants Program. Between them, they bring five decades of specialized experience to MDA.
Joseph will assist the MACS Program, bringing over 25 years of experience in international development focused on agriculture and food security. His diverse background in agriculture, business, and public health makes him a valuable addition.
Michael will support the Manure Transport and Cover Crop Programs. He comes to MDA with 25 years of distinguished service, primarily with USDA-NRCS.
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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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