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COVER CROP GRANT APPROVAL LETTERS ARE IN THE MAIL
Farmers who signed up to plant traditional cover crops in their fields this fall should check their mailboxes for their award letters and planting instructions. New this year, farmers can download fact sheets on seeding, planting, and payment rates for qualifying cover crop species. A downloadable calculator for cover crop mixes is also available online. Best wishes for a successful fall planting!
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MDA INVESTS $670,000 IN INNOVATIVE SOIL HEALTH & AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES
Nineteen projects have been selected for grant funding through MDA's 2026 Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. A total of $670,000 will be awarded this year to help recipients adopt innovative soil health and agroforestry practices. These practices are designed to improve climate resilience, soil health, and water quality.
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The old rumor that goats will eat "anything" isn't really true, but they do eat a lot of different plants. That's why farmers Brian Knox and Jennifer Vaccaro run Eco-Goats, where they rent out a herd of goats to clear unwanted weeds and vegetation.
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COMMERCIAL POULTRY EXPO OFFERS LATEST UPDATES AND NM CEUs
If you're interested in exploring new technologies, connecting with experts, or learning about the latest developments in the poultry industry, this is an event you won't want to miss. The event is free and will take place on September 2 from 9 AM to 2 PM. It will feature an on-farm Field Day held "indoors" at the Somerset County Civic Center in Princess Anne. Lunch will be provided, and nutrient management credits will be offered.
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MDA TO HOST AGROFORESTRY FIELD DAY SEPTEMBER 4
Join us at Seven Springs Perennials, a 330-acre former row crop farm in Harford County, for a free Agroforestry Field Day on September 4. Discover how to integrate all five agroforestry practices—alley cropping, forest farming, silvopasture, riparian buffers, and windbreaks—into sustainable farming. Learn from experienced farmers about enhancing farm resilience, reducing costs, and increasing profits. We look forward to seeing you there!
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LEARN ABOUT REGENERATIVE AG AT GRAZY DAYS FAMILY FARM
Join the University of Maryland Extension on September 21 for an educational pasture walk at Grazy Days Family Farm in Frederick County. This mother and daughter led farm raises 100% grass fed lamb and local chestnuts. It focuses on regenerative agriculture, emphasizing grass-fed livestock, biodiversity, and silvopasture with fruit and nut trees.
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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.
Hayfield photo courtesy Jim Ensor
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