2008-2009 Winter Cover Crop Program
The Montgomery Soil Conservation District received 63 applications for the 2008-2009 Cover Crop Program. All indications from the Maryland Department of agriculture are that there is sufficient funding for all of the applications that have been received. $18 million in cover crop funding is available to Maryland farmers—more than double last year’s cover crop budget. However, there is still some question on whether funds will be available for Stand-By Commodity applications. Please come in within one week of planting to certify your fall cover crop. The required information for all certification includes maps identifying fields and acres planted, planting method, seeding rate, and type of crop planted. Please do not forget to bring in your seed tag or seed test.
The agricultural community has made great strides in protecting the Chesapeake Bay. Cover crops are one of the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable ways to control soil erosion and reduce nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries during the winter. Thanks for enrolling into this program and supporting the efforts to Go Green for the Bay. Below are some pictures from last year’s efforts.
Wheat planted by October 1, 2007
Wheat planted by October 15, 2007
Wheat planted by November 5, 2007