For 35 years the Talbot Soil Conservation District has sponsored the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Land Stewardship Poster Contest. Each year Talbot SCD provides poster board and a theme to public and private schools in Talbot County. The 2026 theme is “Soil. Where it All Begins”.

For the County Wide Land Stewardship Poster Contest, each school sets up a panel of judges and provides 1st place winning posters in five age groups (grades K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12) to the Talbot SCD for County wide judging that coincides with Earth Day Celebrations. 1st place winners receive a $50 gift card, 2nd and 3rd place winners receive $25 gift cards.

>> Learn More about the Poster Contest

As spring approaches, Maryland farmers should keep several cover crop deadlines in mind. Standard cover crop termination may not begin before March 1, 2026, unless an early season vegetable crop is being planted. After termination, operators must certify with the Talbot Soil Conservation District within two weeks and no later than June 1, 2026.

Farmers should also remember that grazing does not count as an acceptable spring termination method under the program. In addition, no spring payment will be issued until the 2025 Annual Implementation Report is complete and on file with MDA. Looking ahead, Maryland’s next Cover Crop Program sign-up is scheduled to open June 22, 2026.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to challenge agricultural communities, especially poultry producers and the families who depend on them. In addition to affecting bird health, outbreaks can disrupt farm operations, create economic hardship, and add stress to rural communities.

During these events, Soil Conservation Districts play an important role in supporting agriculture and natural resource protection. In recent years, Talbot Soil Conservation District staff, along with staff from other county districts, have assisted with depopulating infected flocks, composting affected birds, monitoring compost temperatures, and sampling poultry houses after composting to help confirm poultry houses are bio-secure and can resume operating.

District staff also work closely with poultry producers on biosecurity practices to help reduce further spread, including guidance on manure management, composting procedures, and runoff control at affected sites.

While HPAI has brought many challenges, it has also highlighted the importance of partnership and the role conservation districts play in helping agriculture through difficult times.

As of March 12, 2026, a new U.S. Farm Bill has not yet been finalized. The 2018 Farm Bill has been extended through September 30, 2026, allowing important agricultural and conservation programs to continue. Most recently, the House Agriculture Committee approved its version of a new Farm Bill on March 5, 2026, but the legislation still awaits action by the full House and Senate before a final bill can be signed into law.

As planting season gets underway, farmers are encouraged to scout fields and field borders for Maryland’s eight listed noxious weeds: Johnsongrass, shattercane, Canada thistle, musk thistle, plumeless thistle, bull thistle, Palmer amaranth, and tall waterhemp. These weeds can compete with crops, reduce yields, and create long-term management challenges if they are allowed to go to seed. Early detection and prompt control are especially important for Palmer amaranth and tall waterhemp, two aggressive pigweeds known for herbicide resistance and rapid spread.

Maryland farmers and landowners are reminded that USDA-NRCS conservation programs continue to be available through continuous sign-up. Although the main FY 2026 batching deadline for several major programs has passed, it is still worthwhile to contact the Talbot SCD to discuss program eligibility and future funding opportunities.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) continues to provide both technical and financial assistance for conservation practices on working farms.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) remains a strong option for producers who are already using conservation practices and would like to build on those efforts through a 5-year contract. The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) continues to help protect working farmland and wetlands across Maryland, while Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) remains available for eligible producers seeking support for conservation and risk-management practices.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) in Maryland continues to support selected partner-led conservation efforts, including projects focused on achieving WIP goals, engaging small animal feeding operations, and connecting small and urban farms. Maryland NRCS has also noted that additional cutoff dates may be announced if funding becomes available.

In addition, NRCS’s newer Regenerative Pilot Program remains available through the NRCS application process and uses a single regenerative application through both EQIP and CSP. Farmers and landowners interested in any of these programs are encouraged to stay in touch with Talbot SCD. Applications can remain on file, and additional funding opportunities may become available throughout the year. Maryland NRCS also continues to review state conservation priorities through its State Technical Committee process.