HPAI Found in Livestock

Several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been detected in livestock recently, including a goat kid in Minnesota and in several dairy cattle herds (two in Texas and two in Kansas).

For more information on HPAI, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Avian Influenza website.

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

Earth Day is an annual event held globally on 22 April to promote environmental protection and climate action.

EARTHDAY.ORG is aiming to raise awareness about plastic's harm to human and biodiversity.

Cecil County Agriculture Education Days

April 30 - May 2, 2024

Ag Education Days is a brand-new venture envisioned by various members of the organizations listed below. We are collaborating to create a stellar event at Fair Hill Fairgrounds to expose young people to agriculture, potential agricultural careers, and are using agriculture as a foundation for learning in conjunction with Cecil County Public Schools and the Next Generation Science Standards. We are creating an annual 3-day event, which will run from April 30 to May 2, 2024.

All 7th graders in Cecil County’s Public School System will attend on one of the three days. In con-junction with expert educators within the field of agricultural science, we are creating a series of stations for youth to pass through that cover four broad topical areas: Ag Tech & Equipment, Animal Science, Food Systems, and Land & Water. Our event is modeled after and building on the successes that Queen Anne’s County has had already over the last seven years with their Ag Awareness Day.

Extension is partnering with Cecil County Farm Museum, Cecil Soil Conservation, Horizon Farm Credit, Maryland Park Service, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Fair Hill Nature Center, Cecil County Office of Economic Development and Cecil County Public Schools to plan and make this event happen!

2024 Jump Start Grant Program

Applications Being Accepted Now through April 19, 2024!

JumpStart is a new and beginner farmer grant program from Horizon Farm Credit. Each year they award up to 15 farmers a grant of $10,000 to help get them started on their agricultural journey.

For eligibility and application information, visit the Horizon Farm Credit Jump Start Program website.

Cost-Share Grants for Spring Manure Transport and Injection Available

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 5, 2024) –The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers they may apply for cost-share funding to help cover the cost of transporting all types of manure to crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Grants are also available to offset the cost of injecting liquid manure into soil to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors.

Barriers Preventing Transitioning to Organic Grain Production

For a variety of reasons, farmers may want to convert part or all of their grain production to certified organic. However, this transition can be challenging and risky. University of Maryland and Future Harvest would like to gain insight into the barriers preventing grain farmers from transitioning fields to certified organic production. This will help us tailor educational and research programs to best help farmers that are interested in transitioning acreage.

WIA Webinar: Strategies to Extend the Grazing Season

Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 12 PM

This presentation will discuss a variety of strategies that can be used to extend the grazing season, including the use of legumes, annual forages, stockpiled forage, corn stalks, and cover crops.

Presenter: Amanda Grev