MSCD Maryland

By following #soilhealth principles, farmers are increasing their soil's organic matter, sequestering more carbon, increasing water infiltration and creating habitat - all while harvesting better profits and often better yields. bit.ly/3UaT8iK #soilhealth

Don't forget MDA is now accepting applications for the Small Acreage Cover Crop Program. This program provides financial assistance for urban and small-acreage producers. Applications are being accepted through April 30, 2024. Please find all the information on our website

Please don't forget to fill out our survey! If you rent your land for your agricultural operation or are a landlord, we are asking for your feedback. We are collecting information regarding rented agricultural land and conservation in order to better understand the roadblocks.

Cover crops help keep soil cool and moist. bit.ly/2Hfs9zq #soilhealth

“Land must be nurtured; not plundered and wasted.” Happy birthday to our founder, Hugh Hammond Bennett! 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎂 bit.ly/3Jls1Oy

Registration for the University of Maryland Extension Beginning Farmer Course is now open! Use the link below for more information regrading the course, as well as course registration. Registration will close on February 8, 2024. eventbrite.com/e/maryland-beg…

Our plant hardiness zone map has been updated for the first time in more than a decade, and the outlook for many gardens looks warmer. Learn more: n.pr/47fBwtd

****Meeting Notice**** The next MSCD Board meeting will be held next Friday, December 8th at the Agricultural History Farm Park. Please note the time change for this meeting. The agenda for the meeting can be found on our website.

The district website is taking a on a new look! Find new information regarding the district, its staff, and board members under the About Us section. Also, find new information regarding events on our calender under the Events tab.

Today, we were able to assist in holding the Montgomery County Council Work Session regarding the status of Agritourism within Montgomery County, specifcally within the Agricultural Reserve.

****MSCD Board Meeting Notice**** Due to Vetern's Day, MSCD will not hold a board meeting in November. Our next board meeting will be held on December 8, 2023.

******NEW JOB ALERT****** The Office of Agriculture is currently recruiting for a Senior Business Development Specialist (working title: Ag Land Preservation Administrator). Applications are due no later than November 27, 2023. Apply online at: ex12.montgomerycountymd.gov/ojn1/ijn1/OA_H…..

Our final award winner from our 2023 Cooperators Dinner goes to Kathleen Sigwart, who was recognized as Employee of the Year.

The next MSCD Board meeting will be held next Friday, October 13th at the Agricultural History Farm Park. The agenda for the meeting can be found on our website.

Our next award winner from our 2023 Cooperator's Dinner goes to Lissa Vincent from Richard Montgomery High School. Lissa was awarded our 2023 Teacher of the Year.

🍂 Catch Tyler from @ButlersOrchard speaking with @mymcmedia's @maryam_mcm on the importance of agritourism – especially during the autumn season! 🎃 mymcmedia.org/butlers-orchar…

🦌 FINAL REMINDER! If you are a Md farmer with ongoing deer damage please considering completing our deer survey! The anonymous information collected will be used to assist us in developing policy to address the issue. To take the survey please visit mda.maryland.gov.

As we begin to come down from the excitement of our 2023 Cooperator's Dinner, we would like to recognize our award winners this year. First up we have our 2023 Cooperator of the Year, which was awarded to Wyndham Oaks II and owner Lori Larson!

As we enter the fall season, and you are looking at all those leaves in your yard, change your mindset! Compost or mulch the leaves instead of raking and removing them. Composted leaves supply nutrients back into your yard and help build organic matter.

🍇 Save the Vineyards, SMASH the bug! 🪲 The invasive Spotted Lanternfly loves to feast on grapevines, so Susan Watson White of Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards has a word of advice for Marylanders who encounter the #Lanternfly.