Program

Noxious Weeds in Maryland ​

• Johnsongrass

• Shattercane

• Palmer Amaranth

• Common Waterhemp

• Canada Thistle

• Musk Thistle

• Plumeless Thistle

• Bull Thistle

The Weed Control Program enforces the Maryland Weed Control Law and assists farmers or landowners in the battle against the designated noxious weeds Johnsongrass, shattercane, and thistles. The law requires landowners to manage noxious weeds on all types of land. Johnsongrass and thistles are considered two of the more persistent and destructive weeds in Maryland since they are very difficult to eradicate. Both the seed and the root system of these weeds must be managed for effective control. Control methods include cultural, physical, mechanical, biological or chemical. MDA enters into an agreement with each of the 16 participating counties to provide technical assistance to landowners for initiating noxious weed control programs.​

Maryland Noxious Weed I.D.

Noxious Weed Regulations

Noxious Weed Law

Maryland Noxious Weed Website

The 2023-2024 Cover Crop Sign-up will start in the beginning of July.

Official dates will be forthcoming.

Cover crops are your first line of defense against erosion and runoff in the winter

For more information on the Cover Crop program and the New Cover Crop Plus Program go to:

Maryland Cover Crop Program

Cover Crop Plus (3-year commitment, 5 acre minimum and 500 acre maximum)

Cover Crop Flyer

Nutrient Management Plan Certification Form (Needed if applying for the Cover Crop Program) 

Cover Crop Application  Cover Crop application Instructions Cover Crop Requirements and Agreement

Conservation Spotlight - Cover Crops

   

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Agriculture has increased its one-time signing bonus to $1,000 per acre for eligible farmers and landowners who install forest buffers along qualifying stream corridors through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Farmers and landowners with new contracts for CREP practice CP22 riparian buffers effective on or after October 1, 2021, are eligible. All other CREP contracts and re-enrollments remain eligible for a $100 per acre signing bonus. For more Information: Click Here