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QUALIFYING MARYLAND FARMS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR 5-YEAR NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANS
Qualifying agricultural operations are now eligible to extend their nutrient management plans from three to five years following a regulatory update. The update applies to no-land, pasture-only and organic poultry operations that are considered low-risk because they do not spread manure or other sources of nutrients to the land.
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EARN 5.5 NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT CEUs
Join the University of Maryland Extension Agricultural Nutrient Management Program and MDA for an all-day workshop on September 16 in Upper Marlboro. This workshop provides hands-on farming and nutrient management activities, including estimating grain crop yields and moisture levels, demonstrating harvest machinery and applying compost and cover crops to fields. You can earn 5.5 continuing education units (CEUs) by participating in this workshop.
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LAWN CARE PROS: EARN UP TO 8 CEUs
MDA's Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program is offering weekly recertification webinars for professional fertilizer applicators in need of Continuing Education Units (CEUs). These sessions will be held every Wednesday from September 23 through October 14. Each session is approved for up to 2 CEUs, allowing participants to earn a total of 8 CEUs over the 4 weeks. Attend the full session or the first hour, and earn CEUs based on your attendance time.
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** 2026 REGIONAL EMMY WINNER **
Richardson Farms in White Marsh is one of the largest growers of kale in Maryland. This is why the diamondback moth, one of the world’s most notorious crop killers, loves their fields. Instead of conventional pesticides, Brian Richardson calls in Kirk Floyd and his son, William “Bugg” Floyd, of KDrones to airdrop hundreds of thousands of parasitic wasps onto his crops...
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RURAL MARYLANDERS TO NOTICE AN INCREASE IN LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT
Marylanders residing in rural portions of the state can expect to see an increase in low-flying airplanes, helicopters, and drones from now until October 10, as farmers participating MDA's Cover Crop Program use aerial technology to plant seeds for rye, wheat, and other cover crops in their fields to protect local waterways from nutrient runoff and enhance their soil’s health for spring crops.
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MDA TO HOST PERMACULTURE FARM FIELD DAY
Join us on October 2 at the Chicken of the Woods Permaculture Farm in Gaithersburg for a full day of practical demonstrations and field-based learning. Topics include permaculture design, local food production, growing methods, financial resources and more! Please register by September 18 for this free event. We look forward to seeing you there!
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SADDLE UP AND GRAB A SPOT!
Registration is now open for our first-ever 2026 Equine Conservation Summit on Saturday, November 14, at the University System of Maryland’s Southern MD Campus in St. Mary's County. Elevate your horse farm management skills through impactful sessions on pasture and nutrient management, equine nutrition, and technical and financial assistance to help you grow your operation. Tickets cost $50 with lunch included. Secure your spot today and take your equine operation to the next level.
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MONTGOMERY TEAM PLACES 8TH AT NATIONAL ENVIROTHON
A group of students from Richard Montgomery High School finished 8th at the NCF-Envirothon competition held at Mississippi State University earlier this summer. The week-long environmental competition brought together over 200 high school students representing 41 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. Congratulations to the Montgomery County team on their impressive top-ten finish! What a great performance leading into the 2027 NCF-Envirothon, which Maryland is proud to host next summer.
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COME SEE US AT THE FAIR!
The final two weeks of the 145th Maryland State Fair run from September 3–7 and September 10–13 at the Timonium Fairgrounds. Be sure to stop by the Cow Palace to check out this year’s model conservation farm, designed and built by our very own Dwight Dotterer. While you are there, treat yourself at the Maryland Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers dairy bar, featuring delicious, fresh ice cream sourced directly from local dairy farms.
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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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