ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers that fall grants are available to support proper manure management on crop fields. The program provides funding to transport poultry, dairy, and livestock manure to fields with safe soil phosphorus levels and encourages injecting liquid manure into the soil to reduce runoff and odors. Poultry manure is eligible for transportation grants but not for injection because of its low moisture content.
Farmers must complete all projects by December 15, 2025, and submit claims to the department by January 15, 2026, or within 40 days for poultry manure. Applications are available through the department’s FastTrack program, which allows farmers to haul manure first and request reimbursement later, or through their local soil conservation district.
Eligible farmers must have a certified nutrient management plan. Fields with a soil phosphorus Fertility Index Value of 100 or less may use nitrogen-based nutrient recommendations, while fields with values between 101 and 150 must follow phosphorus-based recommendations. Fields with a Fertility Index Value above 150 are not eligible for the program. Applicants must also be in good standing with the department’s Conservation Grants Program and comply with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. The grants aim to help farmers manage manure safely, maintain soil health, and protect water quality across Maryland’s agricultural lands. For more information, farmers can contact the Manure Management Program at 410-841-5864.
