This Month! Olszewski Announces Grants to Support County-Based Farms in Pandemic-Related Recovery Efforts
On February 5th, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the availability of $500,000 in grant funding for County-based farms impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants, made possible through the County’s allocation of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, will assist with managing ongoing production challenges and offsetting the negative impacts of the pandemic.
Application submissions will be accepted via email from Monday, March 11, 2024 at 9 a.m. through Friday, March 22, 2024 at 5 p.m.
View Additional Grant Information
View the Grant Application
| |
Next Week! Agricultural Listening Session
Saturday, March 9, 2024
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Boordy Vineyards
12820 Long Green Pike
Hydes, Maryland 21111
Who: Baltimore County Farmers and Affiliated Service Providers have an exclusive opportunity to meet directly with Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr.
Purpose of the Meeting: County Executive Olszewski is eager to continue learning how Baltimore County Government can best serve the farm community in the county.
RSVP: Place this important event on your calendar now and RSVP to officeofagriculture@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 443-613-9359
Submit Questions: There are hundreds of issues affecting the viability and sustainability of agriculture in the Baltimore County. Attendees are asked to submit questions in advance regarding their top three or four urgent needs. This will help organizers maximize the benefits of this brief session with the county executive. Questions may be submitted with the RSVP.
| |
Due This Month! MD Farm Bureau Announces $10,000 in Scholarships for 2024-2025 Academic Year
Maryland Farm Bureau is delighted to announce the availability of five $2,000 scholarships for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025. These scholarships aim to support the educational pursuits of our dedicated young members committed to making a difference in agricultural related disciplines. The application deadline is March 22nd, 2024, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be current high school seniors with plans to embark on their college journey in Fall 2024 or already be enrolled as full-time students at any accredited community college or four-year institution. Additionally, applicants or their parents/guardians must be members of the Maryland Farm Bureau.
Read more and apply for scholarships.
| |
Women's
Leadership Program
Check out the American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Program, which is designed to empower women to become powerful advocates for agriculture. Women are essential to agriculture, as leaders on and off the farm, from running a farm or ranch business to advocating on Capitol Hill. The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership program provides women with opportunities for growth and development to sharpen their skills and strengthen their ability to inspire change. Read more
| |
Time to Travel with MD Farm Bureau and Ohio Farm Bureau
Amazing 2024 travel opportunities to Panama, Holland, South Dakota, and Italy EXCLUSIVELY for Maryland Farm Bureau and Ohio Farm Bureau members. Visit the website for more details.
| |
Due Monday! NCRS Seeking
Public Comment on
8 Conservation Practices
NRCS is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to eight national conservation practice standards.
Proposed revisions to the national conservation practice standards include:
- Field Border (Code 386);
- Filter Strip (Code 393);
- Grazing Management (Code 528);
- Hedgerow Planting (Code 422);
- Mulching (Code 484);
- Seasonal Water Management for Wildlife (Code 646);
- Structure for Water Control (Code 587); and
- Wetland Restoration (Code 657).
Proposed text can be found on this NRCS webpage. Changes are included in this notice on the Federal Register. Comments should be submitted via regulations.gov or via mail by March 4, 2024.
| |
The Maryland Horse Foundation Launches Winter Clothes Drive to Benefit Young Equestrians
On January 2nd, the Maryland Horse Foundation will kicked off the new year with a clothing drive to collect warm winter clothing and riding attire that will be distributed to young equestrians in need this winter season. The clothing drive will run from January 2nd until the end of March 2024. Inquiries about donations or clothing distribution can be directed to Jeanne Schnell via email jeanne@marylandthoroughbred.com or (410) 252 – 2100 extension 113. Read more
| |
Next Week! Upcoming Land Use Workshop
for Rural Landowners
Elizabeth Thilmany has developed an idea of peer learning groups for an upcoming workshop related to land use issues for rural landowners. UMD Extension will host its second of two workshops, this one at the Washington County UME office.
March 12, Washington County’s University of Maryland Extension Office, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713.
For more information, reach out to Elizabeth Thilmany at thilmany@umd.edu.
Register for the Workshop
| |
New! Baltimore County Extension Upcoming Events
-
Private Pesticide Applicator Exam - March 6th The Maryland Department of Agriculture will be at the Extension Office to proctor the 2024 Private Pesticide Applicator Exam. on March 6 from 9am-11am. Sign up by calling the office at 410-887-8090.
-
Nutrient Management Voucher Training- March 7th Farmers applying nutrients (synthetic or organic) to 10 or more acres of land are required to have a current Nutrient Management Voucher. Vouchers are obtained by attending an approved 2-hour training course once every three years. If you need to obtain a nutrient management voucher, please join us on March 7th from 1pm-3pm at the Baltimore County Extension Office. Sign up by calling the office at 410-887-8090.
| |
New! Maryland Climate-Smart Agriculture Project: Have Your Say….
You are invited to take the Maryland Climate-Smart Ag Survey. What is this all about? The Maryland Climate-Smart Ag Project will produce a farmer-centered, science-based report allowing our state agricultural and environmental leaders to see what farmers say about our changing weather and climatic patterns and their impacts on Maryland farms and farmers. Read more
| |
New! Anne Arundel County Young Farmers
Public Auction
Please join the Anne Arundel County Young Farmers on March 23rd for their Annual Farm Equipment Auction. All proceeds go towards scholarships and educational opportunities for local youth. View the event flyer.
| |
MDA Highlights
March 2024
Due Next Week! Enrollment Period for Maryland's 2024 Conservation Buffer Initiative Opens on January 29 On January 22nd, the MDA announced that the 2024 enrollment period for its Conservation Buffer Initiative runs from January 29 through March 8. Qualifying farmers who plant forest buffers receive a one-time $1,000/acre signing bonus in addition to the attractive incentive payment for this practice. Read more
This Month! Registration Now Open for Maryland's Farmer's Market Conference On February 1st, MDA announced that registration is open for the 2024 Maryland Farmers Market Conference.
The annual conference brings together local markets and farmers to share topics that will promote the success of farmers markets across the state. The conference will be held Tuesday, March 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis. Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks will be the keynote speaker and will be on hand for a meet and greet with participants. Read more
New! MPT Series Maryland Farm & Harvest Visits Baltimore, Harford, Kent, and Wicomico Counties On February 23rd, MDA announced that MPT Series Maryland Farm and Harvest would feature farms and locations in Baltimore, Harford, Kent, and Wicomico counties during an episode that premiered on Tuesday, February 27. Read more.
New! MPT Series Maryland Farm & Harvest Visits Dorchester, St. Mary's, Queen Anne's Counties and Baltimore City On February 16th, MDA announced that MPT Series Maryland Farm & Harvest would feature farms and locations in Baltimore City and Dorchester, St. Mary’s, and Queen Anne’s counties during an episode that premiered on Tuesday, February 20. Read more
MDA Seeks Proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program On February 12th, MDA began accepting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a reimbursement grant program aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Maryland’s specialty crops. The department anticipates that approximately $400,000 in funding will be available. Due March 31st. Read more
| |
Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grants Now Available from MARBIDCO
On January 30th, the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) announced a grant funding opportunity to encourage Maryland’s agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG). The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide grant program with approximately $31 million available for distribution in 2024.
The application submission deadline for the national USDA-VAPG program April 11, 2024. Paper applications must be submitted by close of business on April 16, 2024, in the USDA RD State Office of the State where the project is located.
Please visit the MARBIDCO website for more information and to download the MVAPMG application form
Questions about the MVAPMG may also be directed to Sierra Criste, MARBIDCO Financial Programs Associate, at 410-267-6807 or email scriste@marbidco.org.
| |
The Baltimore County Extension
Advisory Council FB Page
The BCEAC now has a Facebook page! Here they share programming and educational materials while providing a public presence. Take a moment to give them a follow, and see what info they are sharing that pertains to you and/or your business and community. Please also make recommendations to BCEAC of which pages that would be beneficial for them to interact with.
| |
Farm Stress Management Online Course
University of Maryland Extension Presents an Online Farm Stress Management Course. This online self-paced training is designed for Agriculture Service Providers to equip them with the skills and knowledge to support farms and farm families in times of distress. The training was developed by the University of Maryland Extension Farm Stress Management Team. The goals include: identify signs of distress, develop skills to communicate with those experiencing stress, and provide resources both locally and nationally. To access the course visit the online portal. For more information on the Farm Stress Management program visit the website.
| |
Maryland
Risk Management Education Blog
The College of Agriculture & Natural Resources' Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics has a blog that is focused on issues related to agricultural policy, crop insurance, and agricultural law.
The most recent blog from February 14, 2024 titled Updated: Back in a Wait-and-See Mode With Recent Dicamba Ruling can be viewed here. Earlier blogs can be accessed here on the college's website.
| |
BCFB Membership Signs
BCFB has partnered with Ad Art Signs & Graphics to provide an exciting member benefit for existing and new BCFB members.
Signs may be purchased with either aluminum or dibond* materials and are offered in two sizes. Signs may be hung via hanging sign bracket or attached to a post. Ad Art will punch hanging holes to your preference. Choose between a rounded or squared top sign.
*dibond is aluminum outsides with a solid plastic core
To claim your $60 rebate, provide proof of purchase to the BCFB via email. Questions? Please contact BCFB at 410-823-1789 or email
To order your sign, please contact:
Ad Art Signs & Graphics
410-620-9180 www.adartsignsinc.com
| |
Follow BCFB on Social Media
Did you know that in addition to a Facebook page, BCFB also has an Instagram account? Add BCFB to your regular scroll, and effortlessly keep up to date on all things Farm Bureau!
| |
Maryland's Best Producer Registration
Would you like to have your nursery featured on Maryland's Best's website? Maryland’s Best is a program managed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Agribusiness Development section. Our mission is to link Maryland farmers with consumers through this Web site, promotions and advertising. Register here to be featured on the website at no cost. Learn more about Maryland's Best.
| |
Baltimore County Farm Bureau | 410-823-1789 | Email | Website | | | | |