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APPLY NOW FOR OUR SMALL ACREAGE COVER CROP GRANTS
MDA is now accepting applications for its 2026 Small Acreage Cover Crop Program. This program offers up to $1,500 a year to small-scale and urban growers who plant cover crops in their production areas. These grants are designed to help farmers build healthy soils, improve crop yields, and protect local water quality. Applications are due by April 24, 2026. Don't miss this opportunity!
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GIVE YOUR SPRING PLANTING A BOOST
MDA reminds farmers that cost-share funding is available to transport all types of manure to crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Grants are also available to help offset the cost of injecting liquid manure into the soil. This practice helps prevent nutrient runoff and reduces odors.
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Small farms are growing in Maryland! Learn how MDA's Small Acreage Cover Crop grants have made a difference for this small vegetable farm in Howard County.
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REGISTER NOW FOR MDA'S FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSE
This two-day training will take place on June 24 and 25 in Annapolis. It covers key topics for the upcoming August 7 Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam, including state regulations, nutrient management principles, soil science, and fertility recommendations. Instructors are experts from universities and government.
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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 13 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.
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BIRD FLU SUSPECTED IN CECIL COUNTY
Preliminary testing confirmed a presumptive positive case of H5 Avian Influenza on a commercial pullet farm in Cecil County. This is the first case of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Cecil County this year, and the fifth case on a commercial poultry farm in Maryland in 2026. Read the news release.
THE CHARLES SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT will host its annual Cooperator Dinner on May 20, 2026. Please contact the district for more info.
SOIL CONSERVATION SUPERVISOR WANTED
The Charles Soil Conservation District seeks county residents interested in land use and natural resource conservation for its Board of Supervisors. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend a monthly Board meeting before applying, as attendance at monthly meetings is expected. For more information, contact the district at 301-638-3028.
COVER CROP KILL DOWN IS UNDERWAY
Cover crop kill down has begun. Mixes that were planted using a legume are required to delay termination until after May 1, 2026. Check your agreement for details.
FERTILIZER BLACKOUT DATES HAVE ENDED
March 1 marked the end of lawn fertilizer blackout dates. Lawn care pros and do-it-yourselfers may now apply fertilizer products containing nitrogen and phosphorus to lawns, as long as the ground is not frozen or snow covered and heavy rain is not predicted. A soil test is required before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns. Go to the website.
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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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