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COUNTDOWN TO COVER CROPS!
MDA's annual cover crop sign-up opens June 23. This is your opportunity to apply for attractive grants to help cover the cost of planting fall cover crops to enhance soil and water quality. Local soil conservation districts will accept grant applications through July 17, 2025. Want to learn more about this year's program and the water quality and soil health benefits of planting fall cover crops? Join our webinar on June 18 at 11 am.
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BAY LEGACY ACT CREATES NEW AG CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
On May 13, Governor Wes Moore signed the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act into law. The new law aims to improve Bay water quality, support sustainable agriculture, and boost regional economic growth. A key feature is the creation of the Maryland Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming (LEEF) program, which recognizes farmers for their conservation and community efforts.
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MDA's Cover Crop Program provides farmers with grants to help cover the costs of planting fall cover crops to enhance soil and water quality. But did you know the program allows enrolled cover crops to be grazed or chopped for on-farm livestock forage after becoming well-established? Learn how this Kent County dairy farmer's cover crops are helping both his soil and his livestock thrive.
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MEET OUR AG EDUCATION CHAMPIONS!
MDA's Nutrient Management Program (NMP) was recently honored by the Linganore High School FFA Chapter for its support of agricultural education. The award was presented at the Chapter’s Annual Awards Banquet on May 6. For over a decade, the NMP has provided students with opportunities to learn about environmental and agricultural issues in Maryland through internships and work-study programs, helping around 20 students gain valuable on-the-job experience. Way to go, team! |
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PRINCE GEORGE'S SCD HONORS COOPERATOR OF THE YEAR
Dwayne Catterton of Bonnie Breeze Farm was recently honored as the Prince George's Soil Conservation District's 2024 Cooperator of the Year. Dwayne has installed numerous conservation practices at his crop and livestock operation and has permanently preserved his property with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Program (MALPF).
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GOOD NEWS FOR PROCRASTINATORS
Professional Fertilizer Applicators can earn 2 CEUs by attending the upcoming 2025 Eastern Shore Procrastinator's Virtual Conference on June 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is hosted by the University of Maryland Extension and offers tips from experts on controlling new invasive insects, diseases, and more.
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SHOUTOUT TO A STELLAR INTERN
MDA's Office of Resource Conservation bids farewell to Lucas Randazzo, our spring intern from the University of Maryland's Global Fellows Program. A junior majoring in Environmental Science and Policy, Lucas has been busy helping MDA map solar facilities to assess their impact on critical natural resources, including prime soils and wetlands. We are grateful for his work and wish him continued success in his career in environmental science and conservation. |
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IN THE NEWS —
The Saint Mary's Soil Conservation District has published its 2024 Annual Report. You can read the report here.
Celebrate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week June 7-15. The week will include various online and in-person events, volunteer opportunities, and social media conversations so everyone can participate in celebrating the Chesapeake Bay. Check it out.
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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.
WANT TO WORK FOR MDA?
Check out the latest job openings on our website.
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