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Maryland Department of Agriculture

Maryland Department of Agriculture to Extend Fall Cover Crop Planting Deadline

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Updated:

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 09, 2026) Due to recent weather conditions that have impacted fall planting operations, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is extending several key deadlines for its fall cover crop grant program. These extensions are designed to assist participating farmers in successfully planting their crops, satisfying grant requirements and protecting local water quality.

The revised deadlines apply to the following seeding methods and crop varieties, moving the original October 10, 2026 cutoff date to the following:

  • Aerial Seeding: Extended to October 15, 2026
  • Incorporated Seeding Incentives: Extended to October 15, 2026
  • Oats and Mixes (containing legumes and/or brassicas): Extended to October 15, 2026

Maryland’s traditional Cover Crop Program is administered by MDA’s Conservation Grants Program and the state’s 23 soil conservation districts. Funding for this program is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund.

For more information, please contact your local soil conservation district or MDA’s Conservation Grants Program at (410) 841-5864.