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MDA Cover Crop Deadlines!
Attention Maryland farmers: Don't miss these critical planting and certification deadlines for the MDA Traditional Cover Crop Program.
- Plant oats/mixes by October 10
- Aerial seed by October 10
- Plant by October 10 to qualify for the incorporated seed incentive
- Plant cereal grains by November 5
- Certify cover crops by November 12
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Register Now: MDA's Annual Nutrient Management Update Training
Join us for the latest updates and insights for certified nutrient management consultants and farm operators. Earns 6 continuing education units. Choose the location that works best for you:
December 2 - MDA Headquarters, Annapolis, MD
December 3 - New Midway Fire Company, New Midway, MD
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Follow a day in the life of Liberty Delight Farms’ Shane Hughs who raises livestock—hogs, cattle, chickens and rabbits—using sustainable practices that balance productivity, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship. See how thoughtful animal husbandry connects to the health of the land, the water, and future generations. “We’re not just raising animals—we’re managing an ecosystem,”.
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Earn 6 CEUs at the Upcoming Nutrient Management Plan Writing Workshop
This workshop, offered on October 28-29 by the University of Maryland Extension Agricultural Nutrient Management Program, provides a comprehensive introduction to the Maryland nutrient management planning process from start to finish. Participants will use this information to develop a complete plan using NuMan Pro 5.3 software. Earns 6 continuing education units.
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Falls Creek Farm Field Day Set for Thursday, November 12
Trees for Graziers will demonstrate how to install a silvopasture system at the Falls Creek Farm Education Center in Harford County on November 12. Attendees will learn about tree planting, staking, caging, mulching, and wiring. The session will cover system functions, production benefits, species characteristics, stock size, materials, and design options. MDA will also discuss funding assistance and technical resources.
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Secure Your Spot and Head on Over!
Own or manage a horse farm? Don’t miss our first ever Equine Conservation Summit on Saturday, November 14 in California, Maryland! Join MDA and fellow horse enthusiasts for workshops on...
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Soil Health & Pasture Maintenance Nutrient Management credits available for select sessions!
- Equine Nutrition & Resource Planning
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Secure your spot today! Registration closes October 30th.
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FARMERS: Take a Load Off!
MDA reminds farmers that cost-share funding is available to help cover expenses to haul all types of manure to fall-planted crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Grants are also available to help cover expenses to inject liquid manure into the soil to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors. To receive payment, complete all fall livestock manure transport and injection projects by December 15, 2026 and submit payment claims by January 15, 2027. Poultry manure may be stockpiled throughout the fall and winter. Poultry manure claims are due within 40 days of final transport.
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UMES Annual Small Farm Conference Set for October 23-24
Learn tools and strategies to increase farm profitability and promote farm sustainability at UMES Extension's Small Farm Conference 2026. This year's theme is Building Small Farms Together. The conference offers topics ranging from alternative crops and non-traditional agriculture to farm business management, marketing and sales, ag research, human health, and other topics. Demonstrations and tours will round out the conference.
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Apply Now for 2027 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
Applications are now open for the 2027 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program. This program offers up to $50,000 to nonprofit groups to plant trees on agricultural land. The initiative supports Maryland’s goal of planting 5 million trees by 2031 and is funded by the Maryland Environmental Trust, MDA, and the Maryland Department of Transportation. Apply by December 1.
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Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Underwater Grasses Expanded Nearly 13% in 2025
Underwater grass abundance increased in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries last year. In Maryland’s portion of the Bay, underwater grass coverage expanded from 36,799 acres in 2024 to 41,419 acres in 2025, an increase of nearly 13% in a single year. Bay-wide, SAV acreage reached an estimated 89,385 acres – up 7% from 83,252 acres in 2024.
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Want to Work for MDA?
Check out the latest job openings on our website.
Need Help with a Conservation Project?
Please contact your local soil conservation district for additional information on MDA conservation programs, grants, and services.
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