USDA APHIS has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in New Castle County. The affected farm is NOT one of Delaware farms raising broiler chickens. The farm will be depopulated to prevent the spread. To report unusual bird death please call the Department of Agriculture.

MARYLAND 410-841-5810 or 410-841-5971 (after hours)

USDA 866-536-7593

Agriculture producers who have coverage under most crop insurance policies are eligible for a premium benefit from the USDA if they planted cover crops during the 2022 crop year. Producers must report cover crop acreage to their FSA office by March 15, 2022. The premium support is up to $5 an acre. Read more about it here.

Spring termination may not occur before March 1, 2022. Options for end of winter management by the Operator include green chopping (for on-farm use only), plowing under, rolling/crimping, or terminating by use of the burn-down herbicide. Planting green may not occur prior to May 1, 2022, if the applicant wishes to receive the delayed termination incentive. Be sure to report your cover crop termination by June 3rd, but preferred within two weeks of termination. More information can be found on page 4 here.

Maryland Farm & Harvest features a corn harvest and covers road safety in the latest episode. You can watch the full episode online here.

Lindsay Thompson, lindsay.mdag@gmail.com, Executive Director

Jenell Eck McHenry, jenell.mdag@gmail.com, Programs and PR Director

Marguerite Guare, marguerite.mdag@gmail.com, Administration

Jennifer Gannon, jennifer.mdag@gmail.com, Student Intern

The 2022 Maryland legislative session convened on Wednesday, January 13, 2022. The House of Delegates will be holding all committee hearings virtually and the Senate will also be virtual, at least until February 11th at which time leadership will re-evaluate having in-person hearings.

New bills are being posted daily on the General Assembly website. Those wanting to testify on bills must sign up and submit written testimony two days prior to the hearing.

MGPA SUPPORTS HB562

The University of Maryland Extension is now offering a free service to consult with farmers on the Eastern Shore to identify the top needs of their crop fields and then plan and implement cover crops that will best address those needs. Grant funds offer an additional $30 an acre. Read more here.

In response to a request from state lawmakers, the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, MDA, and MDE released a study in preparation for a Maryland agriculture climate vulnerability assessment. You can read the full report online here. The goal is to have the Assessment report delivered to the state legislature by June 30, 2023. More information can be found here.

Maryland Agriculture Secretary, Joe Bartenfelder will present the "Unsung Heroes of Maryland Agriculture" award monthly to Marylanders who embody the dedication and commitment of the state's agriculture community. Read the full article here.

LEAD Class XII consists of 25 fellowship recipients from across the state and with an array of backgrounds. Over the next two years, fellows will participate in nine multi-day seminars and an international study experience. Class XII here.

The University of Maryland will be holding the majority of its winter crop production meetings in person. There will be a few virtual options available as well. These meetings will take place until March 30th. Register online here.

The Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative is hosting a webinar on the latest research on poultry manure management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. There will be Nutrient Management CEUs offered for DE, MD, and VA participants. DLLC hopes to see you on February 25th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. More here.

Farmers regulated by the Nutrient Management Program are required to submit their 2021 Annual Implementation Reporting forms by March 1, 2022. Farmers have the option to submit their forms electronically. More information here.

The annual event will take place on Thursday, March 3rd. New this year, the Taste of Maryland will be held at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Arundel Mills. More information and tickets can be purchased online here.

The 2022 National Commodity Classic is taking place March 8th-March 12th in New Orleans. The Commodity Classic will host a series of educational sessions and updates from various commodity associations. Learn more and see the schedule here. Registration and housing is now open!

The Mid Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers will award up to two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for students enrolled in an agronomy or related field. Applications are due Friday, March 11th, and can be found online here.

For the 2022-2023 academic year, Maryland Farm Bureau is offering five $2,000 scholarships. Online applications are to b submitted by March 25th by 5:00 PM. Learn more online here.

For 2022, DCA is offering undergraduate scholarships of $2,000 and graduate scholarships of $3,000. Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 8th. Students working towards a degree in a subject relevant to Delmarva's chicken community are eligible. Find more information online here.

Growmark is offering a $1,500 scholarship program for students pursuing two or four-year degrees or trade certificates in an agriculture-related field. Applicants must complete an online application by April 14th to be judged by a panel of agribusiness professionals. More information can be found here.

Created By: Jenell Eck McHenry | jenell.mdag@gmail.com

Please contact us with any questions.