As the 2018 crop production season begins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact Maryland producers to determine their plans for the upcoming growing season. This data will be used for the agency’s annual “Prospective Plantings” report. “NASS surveys produce the most credible agricultural data available,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary […]
Detection of West Nile Virus in Bowie
First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquito Pool in 2015 Confirmed Simple Actions Can Reduce Risk The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) announces the first detection of a West Nile virus (WNV) mosquito pool in Maryland in 2015. On August 5, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) confirmed the presence of WNV in mosquitoes […]
All of Maryland to Fall Under Federal Quarantine
MDA Rescinds Statewide Quarantine on Movement of Hardwood; All of Maryland to fall under Federal Quarantine Because the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) confirmed the presence of the invasive, highly destructive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle on the Eastern Shore last month, MDA will rescind the statewide quarantine that prohibited the movement of hardwood from […]
New Livestock Tagging Facility in Hagerstown
Maryland Department of Agriculture Approves New Livestock Tagging Facility in Hagerstown The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has approved the Four States Live Stock Sale in Hagerstown as an official tagging facility, which allows the auctions to apply official identification to animals as required by the USDA Animal Disease Traceability Rule (ADT). The traceability rules […]
MDA Extends Deadline for Pesticide Use Survey
State Agriculture Department Extends Deadline for Pesticide Use Survey to August 15, 2015. Survey is the only comprehensive measure of pesticide use in Maryland The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), which is responsible for enforcing the Maryland Pesticide Applicator’s Law, today announced that the deadline to completed the 2014 Pesticide Usage Survey has been extended […]
MDA Cover Crop Sign-Up
2015-2016 MDA Cover Crop Sign-Up Runs June 24 – July 15 The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced that its 2015-2016 Cover Crop Sign-Up will take place June 24 through July 15 at soil conservation district (SCD) offices statewide. This popular program provides grants to help farmers offset seed, labor and equipment costs associated […]
Please Think When Applying Herbicides
MDA Encourages Communication between Herbicide Applicators, Specialty Crop Producers As trees and plants green up and soil temperatures rise across the state, farm operations of all sizes and types are getting into full swing of planting season. Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Secretary Joe Bartenfelder is encouraging anyone who will be applying herbicide products during […]
MDA to Introduce Farmers Market Finder
A Mobile Site for FMNP Participants Beginning June 1, participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), seniors in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and participants in the WIC Fruit & Vegetable Check (FVC) Program will be able to find farmers markets near them on the Farmers Market […]
MDA Seeks Commission Nominations
Maryland Agricultural Commission Seeks Nominations The Maryland Agricultural Commission – an advisory body to the Secretary of Agriculture which represents all major commodities in Maryland – is seeking nominations to fill eleven positions. As a group, Commission members address legislative and policy issues that affect Maryland agribusiness. The open positions represent: Agriculture Education Agri-Tourism Bio-fuels […]
Avoid Illnesses from Chicks during Easter
State Agriculture Department Discourages Residents from Buying Chicks for Easter The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) warns citizens that incorrectly handling live poultry, including chicks and ducklings, can cause serious illnesses, and MDA strongly discourages citizens from buying chicks as presents for children during Easter and Passover celebrations. “We ask people to think twice before […]