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JULY 2026

COVER CROP SIGN-UP ENDS JULY 17
MDA's 2026-2027 Cover Crop Sign-Up ends soon. Don't miss this opportunity to apply for attractive grants to plant fall cover crops to improve your soil and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Soil conservation districts are standing by to help you complete your application. Ask about our new and improved Cover Crop Plus+ grants for enhanced soil health benefits.

NUTRIENT MGMT EXAM IS AUGUST 7
The Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination is scheduled for August 7, with locations in Annapolis, Keedysville, and Easton. The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions, covering a range of knowledge areas essential for creating effective nutrient management plans. If you want to prepare certified nutrient management plans for Maryland farmers, you'll need to pass this exam. 

How One Young Farmer is Fighting Food Insecurity | MDF&H

2026 REGIONAL EMMY WINNER!
From ginger to okra and hot peppers, 26-year old Tolu Igun is on a mission to make fresh and culturally rich foods accessible to surrounding communities while fostering a farming community of her own. 

NURSERY/GREENHOUSE OPERATOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Do you want to become certified to create a nutrient management plan for the nursery, greenhouse, or controlled environment that you manage? Join us on October 1 for a two-day training and certification program at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, Maryland. Additionally, certified nutrient management consultants who participate in this workshop can earn 6 hours of continuing education credits.

GET INSPIRED AT THE COVER CROP SHOWCASE 
Maximize your field management strategies at the upcoming Cover Crop Showcase on August 19 at Kings Grant Farm in Chestertown. This free event includes lunch, live field demonstrations, species spotlights, expert insight, and more. Sponsors include the University of Maryland Extension, Future Harvest, and the Million Acre Challenge. This event provides pesticide and nutrient management credits.

FARMERS: LOOKING FOR NEW WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR OPERATION? 
The Nature Conservancy and partners have announced the launch of the Expanding Agroforestry Project, an effort to help U.S. farmers strengthen their operations, diversify revenue, and improve land health. Eligible producers throughout the 30-state project area–which includes Maryland–are invited to apply for financial and technical support to adopt agroforestry practices—the intentional integration of trees and shrubs with crops and livestock.

TRAINING CALENDAR & DATES TO REMEMBER

July 15 –Pasture Walk at Maryland Solar Grazing Solutions

July 17 – Last day to apply for our 2026-2027 Cover Crop Grants 

July 23 – Anne Arundel County Urban Farm Tour and Ice Cream Social

July 24 – Last day to apply for our 2026-2027 Cover Crop Plus+ Grants 

July 24 – Last day to apply for our new Urban Agriculture Grants

July 25-26 – Montgomery County Farm Tour

July 27 – Pollinator Garden Seminar, Baltimore County Ag Center

August 3-5 – Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts Annual Meeting

August 4 – Mid-Shore Grain Marketing Breakfast 

August 4 – Fields Crops Research Twilight, Barbecue and Ice Cream Social at CMREC

August 7 – Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Exam

August 19 – Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification Exam, Salisbury, MD

Available Anytime – On-Demand Continuing Education Webinars for Turfgrass Pros (Please scroll to the bottom of the page)

Available Anytime – Agricultural Nutrient Management Learn and Earn CEUs

Ongoing – University of Maryland Events Calendar

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.