Following the recent outbreaks (see below), the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced limitations on poultry litter transport. As of March 9th and effective until August 9th, no poultry litter may be transported in or out of:

Read the full restriction here and find the map here.

Another flock in New Castle County has tested positive for HPAI following a confirmed case in Cecil County at a commercial layer farm. Most recently a broiler farm in Queen Anne's County tested positive. All facilities have been quarantined and birds are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread. You can read more here.

The Ecks, who operate MAE-VUE Farms in Ingleside, MD., joined the Governor's Agriculture Hall of Fame during the Taste of Maryland Agriculture event held on March 3rd. The Eck family emigrated to Baltimore from Germany in the mid-1800s. By 1977, Carl and Doris' son, Mark began contributing to the farm operation. As a sophomore in high school, Mark built his first chicken house and share-cropped 20 acres. Read more about MAE-VUE Farms here. Congratulations!

Two Senators introduced the Emergency Relief from Duties Act which would create emergency waivers for duties levied on fertilizers by the U.S. International Trade Commission. Read more online here.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland Environmental Service will hold an agricultural scrap tire collection event during Spring of 2022. The collection has begun and will continue until May 6th across the state. More information can be found 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 Maryland legislative session is well underway. Both the House and Senate office buildings are now open to the public and Senate committee hearings have returned to in-person. Overall, things are going fairly well for agriculture. The crossover date (when bills without a cross file need to make it to the opposite chamber) in March 21st.

MGPA SUPPORTS HB562

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Maryland to establish that every person has the fundamental and inalienable right to a healthful and sustainable environment; and requiring the State to serve as the trustee of the State's natural resources, including the air, land, water, wildlife, and ecosystems of the State, and to conserve, protect, and enhance the State's natural resources for the benefit of every person.

MGPA believes this gives all Maryland citizens and organizations standing to sue or contest state permits and licenses given to farmers (nutrient management plans, Pesticide applicators licenses, etc) if they feel they violate their environmental right.

MGPA Opposes SB783/HB596

SB800/HB1002 - Sales and Use Tax - Electricity for Agricultural Purposes - Exemption

Litter injection preserves the benefits of no-till with minimal soil disturbance, puts the litter in the soil which reduces ammonia volatilization and nutrient runoff, and uses a locally-made natural fertilizer in an efficient way. Challenges do remain in commercializing the equipment. Read more here.

The Advocating for Corn Effectively (ACE) Series brought together grower leaders from 12 states to further develop their advocacy skills. The program is designed to create prepared, informed, and effective advocates to carry the message of corn growers to elected officials across the nation. Learn more online here.

To provide relief at the pump in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector, six farm and biofuel organizations wrote to President Biden urging his administration to use existing authority to allow for the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol. Read more here.

The 141st fair will be open for three long weekends beginning in August and running into September instead of its previous format of 12 consecutive days. The fair will be open August 25th to 28th, September 1st to 5th, and September 9th to 11th. More information can be found here.

Decades of scientific research tell us that improving nutrient management and rebuilding soil health in farm fields can increase productivity for farmers and deliver a range of conservation benefits. By using both in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices, producers can improve long-term sustainability and resiliency. Read the full story here.

The IWM workshop scheduled for Monday, March 14th has moved to a virtual-only option due to the spread of HPAI. There are two more meetings scheduled for March 15th and March 24th. Learn more and register today here.

The final University of Maryland meeting will be taking place lower shore on March 30th. Register online here.

At this time you are able to terminate your 2021 cover crop. If you plan to plant green and receive cost-share, this may not occur prior to May 1st. Please report your termination by June 3rd. Read more on page 4 here.

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.