Farmers in Maryland are being reminded by the Maryland Department of Agriculture that cost-share grants are available to help cover expenses related to transporting certain types of manure to crop fields with suitable soil phosphorus levels. Grants are also offered for injecting liquid manure into the soil, a practice intended to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors.
The department has specified that all manure transport projects must be completed by September 9, 2026, and payment claims should be submitted to the Conservation Grants Office by October 9, 2026.
Farmers transporting poultry manure are advised to consult the department’s website for current Control Orders from the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture regarding safe handling, storage, and transportation practices. These measures aim to mitigate risks associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Program details include funding of up to $28 per ton for transporting poultry manure to qualifying fields or alternative use projects. For dairy and livestock manure transport, farmers may receive cost-share funding covering up to 87.5% of eligible costs. Both FastTrack and standard transport options are available for these categories.
Additionally, up to $45 per acre is available for costs associated with injecting liquid manure into the soil; however, this option does not apply to poultry manure due to its low moisture content.
FastTrack applications for immediate hauling of poultry and dairy/livestock manure can be downloaded from the department’s website. Farmers who do not qualify for FastTrack may contact their local soil conservation district—an entity that collaborates with the department—to apply for standard grants requiring pre-approval before transportation or injection takes place.
To qualify for these grants, applicants must be in good standing with the Conservation Grants Program and comply with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. Those seeking assistance in finding poultry manure can reach out to a broker or spreading service.
“The Maryland Department of Agriculture operates branch offices across the state to address local agricultural needs,” according to its official website. The agency provides financial and technical assistance programs—including those supporting nutrient management—and regulatory oversight aimed at strengthening consumer trust and environmental health within Maryland’s agricultural sector (source).
For more information on applying or program requirements, contact the Manure Management Program at 410-841-5864.
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