Category: Cover Crops

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: November 2025

Western Maryland

As the days get shorter and the evenings brisk, the harvest season is just about finished. Still, some late-planted corn and double-crop soybeans are standing, but they will soon fall to the combine. Wheat, barley, triticale, and other cover crops have enjoyed the recent showers, and carpets of green now cover once barren harvested fields. Once the final tally is made, I suspect we will have had an average year, whatever that is. We have seen some good yields, and we have seen fields where the only reason the combine traverses the field is for a crop insurance calculation. As with every year before, most will put another log on the fire, sip some coffee, and pray for a better year in 2026. Farmers are the most optimistic lot on earth. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends. We will see you next season.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

Corn and soybean harvest is complete. Sorghum harvest is almost complete. Some cover crops and small grains have been planted. We have gotten some rain this past week (up to half an inch); however, most of the region is still in a moderate drought.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

Harvest ‘25 is all but finished; only a few acres of corn and some double crop soybeans remain. Corn yields were very strong despite some fairly significant disease pressure. Some instances of plants falling apart and lodging, but overall it was a big crop and a smooth harvest. Full season soybeans did not fare as well, likely due to the very dry August; however, double crop beans are yielding very well as they received September rain. Cover crop and small grain establishment looks very good, setting us up for great yield potential going into 2026.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Corn and soybean harvests are just about wrapped up across the region, and most growers are reporting good to excellent yields. Wheat and cover crops planted this fall are off to a solid start, with decent moisture helping them establish well. The rains should help them put on enough root mass to overwinter effectively. Overall, this season treated us much better than last year, and hopefully we keep moving in the right direction heading into next year. All we can do now is hope.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Grain harvest is finishing earlier than typical, largely due to the dry weather this fall. Corn is approximately 90% harvested, and soybean 70%. Corn and soybean yields are average to below average, likely due to the droughts over the summer. Cover crops have been planted and are coming up nicely. Wheat has also been planted and off to a good start.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Most corn is off and farmers are working on finishing double crop bean harvest. Cover crop is in and looks good. Here is a recap of the 2025 season here in Southern Maryland. The area finally received a cold winter with a number of days in the single digits in January of 2025. Spring arrived with very good initial planting conditions. Rains slowed planting progress as we moved into May. Some areas never dried out, making for late planted corn and beans. We ended up with a split planting season- some early planted crops and many late. Striped rust on wheat made an appearance in late May. The wheat crop came off fast this year with excellent yields and good quality, though prices limited profitability. The region experienced a string of high temperatures towards the end of June and into July that stressed crops. Fortunately, the heat came with rain showers in time for pollination. Both beans and corn looked good entering the dog days of summer in late July. However as often is the case, the rains stopped with minimal precipitation throughout August and the first weeks of September. We received rains again in time for the County fair, but unfortunately much damage had already been done. Corn fared better than beans with reported yield at or above average. Beans made a lot of pods but just didn’t have the water to fill out. Double crop beans may out yield full season beans this year. The region had a good hay and pasture growth this year, with many opportunities to make good quality hay. On the vegetable front, the year turned out decent. Tomatoes struggled the most with the heat and intermittent rains causing issues with fruit set and quality resulting and very limited tomato stock in July and August. Peppers, watermelons, sweet corn, and other crops fared better. The cooler fall resulted in good catch up yields on most vegetable crops. The region had a phenomenal pumpkin season with great yields and quality.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Harnessing Cover Crops to Address Unique Farm Needs and Achieve Maximum Benefits

Sarah Hirsh, Agriculture Agent | shirsh@umd.edu, Haley Sater, Dwayne Joseph, Shannon Dill, and Jennifer Rhodes

University of Maryland Extension

Cover crops can provide various benefits, such as building soil organic matter, scavenging nutrients, or controlling pests such as weeds. Maryland already leads the nation in having the highest percent of farmland practicing cover cropping (USDA ERS). The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) cost share program recorded over 450,000 acres of cover crops during the 2023–2024 season. However, since cover crops are not a primary source of farm income, we tend to spend less time planning and managing them when compared to cash crops. Cover crops may be perceived as a one-size-fits-all bridge between the cash crops, with the same cover crop used regardless of other system factors. However, all cover crops are not equal, and different cover crops can be used for different purposes. Cover crops will be more beneficial if we tailor them to achieve a primary purpose or goal, and to fit best within the cash crop rotation. In addition, we need to be realistic about how the cover crop is likely to perform, given restraints such as the length of growing season, and the capabilities of the farm operation to manage the cover crop. Cover crop planning can greatly increase the benefits that cover crops provide, making the overall farming system more productive, sustainable and profitable.

Project partners (University of Maryland Extension, Future Harvest, Million Acre Challenge, Sustainable Chesapeake, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and Colorado State Institute for Research in the Social Sciences) worked with farmers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to plan and implement site-specific, purposeful cover crops. We recruited and planned cover crops with 12 farmers in year one, 21 farmers in year two, and 17 farmers in year three. The farms included all nine counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Farmers participated from one to three years of the project. We developed a cover crop planning protocol, during which farmers identified the top needs of the field that can be addressed through cover cropping, identified and/or created gaps in the cash crop rotation to fit cover crops, and critically evaluated the limitations of cover crops. We encouraged farmers to consider these three factors together when planning cover crops, since they are inter-related (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Framework for cover crop planning, emphasizing cover cropping goals, cropping system rotation, and limitations.

For example, cover crop selection and management would vary based on the length of the growing season and the subsequent cash crop. For example, a legume cover crop would be more valuable to a subsequent corn crop than a subsequent soybean crop. The crop rotation may also need to be modified to allow for a long enough cover crop growing season to accomplish a particular goal (Figure 2). See the published factsheet: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/cover-crop-planning-fs-2024-0743/ for more details.

Figure 2. Example of planning document in which a farmer participant, BR, identified cover crop windows within the cash crop rotation.

The collaborating farmers planted and managed the cover crops on 32 fields totaling 1,286 acres in year one, 58 fields totaling 2,197 acres in year two, and 40 fields totaling 2,123 acres in year three. Participating farmers received cost-share payments from the project to implement cover crops.

Farmers primary purposes for cover crops included building organic matter, contributing nitrogen, controlling weeds and other pests, and eliminating black plastic. To measure the success of the cover crop achieving the intended goals we measured cover crop biomass in fall and spring, and spring cover crop %C, %N, and C/N ratio.

In Figure 2, Farmer BR selected a warm/cool season cover crop mix to follow a wheat cash crop, ahead of a corn cash crop. The mix containing grasses, legumes, and forbs was drilled in July 2023. Fall cover crop biomass collected on 12/21/23 was 1,001 lb/acre. Spring biomass collected on 4/17/24 was 2,788 lb/acre. The spring biomass had a C/N ratio of 15/1, and contained 80 lb N/acre.

Figure 3. Farmer BR’s warm/cool season cover crop mix, following wheat and ahead of corn. Image: Caroline Kuchta.

Across 69 farms, after fall growth, cover crop biomass ranged from 28 to 2887 lb/acre averaging 521 lb/acre. Across 83 farms, following spring growth, cover crop biomass ranged from 156 to 8659 lb/acre and averaged 2213 lb/acre. Across 56 farms, nitrogen in the spring biomass was 2 to 124 lb N/acre and averaged 37 lb/acre. Cover cropping on 5,280 enrolled acres resulted in a reduction of 46,771 pounds of N, 98 pounds of P, and 81,453 pounds of sediment entering waterways, according to the Field Doc model. The number of spring cover crop growing days correlated to increased cover crop biomass (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Cover crop biomass vs. spring termination date for 83 enrolled fields. March 1 was used as the first termination date since Maryland farmers enrolled in the state incentive program are allowed to terminate cover crops beginning March 1.

The cover crop C/N ratio (n=56) was 26.3 for grass and/or brassica cover crops, 22.5 for cover crop mixed species that included a legume, and 11.9 for monoculture legume cover crops (Figure 5). When biomass C/N ratios are below 20/1, generally the decomposing material will provide N available for plant uptake; however, when biomass C/N ratios are above 20/1, the N in the decomposing material tends not to be immediately available for plant uptake.

In addition, we measured cover crop success through surveying and interviewing farmers to determine their experience and satisfaction with the cover crop. According to survey results, 82% of cover crop trial farmers indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied about their cover crop planning meeting with Extension. In addition, 82% of cover crop trial farmers were interested in enrolling in the program again. Sixty-nine percent of cover crop trial farmers were interested in utilizing free Extension cover crop planning consulting services, even if it did not involve cost-share for implementing planned cover crops.

Despite all farmers engaging in the cover crop planning process, cover crop biomass and N contribution greatly varied across operations. We learned through assessing cover crop biomass and through our communications with farmers that in order to increase cover crop biomass and functionality it is important to extend the cover crop growing season and manage cover crops to create an even stand across the field. It was also important to adjust the cover crop management according to external factors and actively manage cover crops. This may involve tactics such as re-seeding cover crops, extending the cover crop season later than anticipated, or applying selective herbicides to cover crops.

This research was supported by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant Improving Soil Health and Water Quality through Purposeful, Site-Specific Cover Crop Planning and Management (Award #72368) and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service grant Rethinking cover crops: How purposeful cover crop planning and management can address site-specific agronomic goals (Award #21094840).

Population Dynamics of Stink Bugs Within Cover Crops on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Emily Zobel, Senior Agriculture Agent Associate | ezobel@umd.edu
Dwayne Joseph, Agriculture Agent; and Haley Sater, Agriculture Agent
University of Maryland Extension

Figure 1. Photo of a stink bug on a sweep net. Photo by N. Krambeck. 

There is emerging concern among growers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland that our warmer winters and longer cover crop growing season may allow several stink bug species to overwinter and utilize cover crops for shelter and food. These stink bugs could then move into soybean fields after cover crop termination, potentially causing feeding injury and damping off damage to soybean seedlings. Fall-planted cover crops offer many benefits to soil health and the environment, so a survey was conducted during the 2024 growing season to investigate whether cover crops provide a suitable overwintering habitat for stink bugs.

Species of phytophagous stink bugs that are known economic pests of soybean include the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Say), and the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Stink bugs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the foliage and pods of soybeans, causing discolored, shriveled beans, reducing both the yield and quality of the crop.

Stink bugs typically overwinter as adults in protected areas such as fence rows, grassy field borders, under stones, or tree bark. Most species have one generation per year. They become active during the first warm spring days, typically in April. Females usually start depositing eggs in June. Nymphs hatch from these eggs and pass through five instars before becoming adults, with approximately five weeks elapsing between hatching and adult emergence. Adult stink bugs generally reach their highest population levels in September, when they can become an economic problem for soybeans.

To determine if stink bugs use late-season cover crops as overwintering habitat, 37 cover crop fields were sampled on the Eastern Shore of Maryland between mid-April and mid-May. The majority of fields surveyed were planted in a wheat-only cover crop. Densities of adults and nymphs were determined by taking ten sweeps with a standard sweep net at five to ten areas across each field. Fourteen fields were sampled twice before the cover crop was terminated. The other fields were sampled once due to weather constraints before terminating the cover crop. Eight fields were sampled again in June when soybean plants were 6-12 inches high. 

Ninety-nine stink bugs were counted across the 51 scouting times, averaging 1.94 stink bugs per field per scouting date.  94% of the species counted were adult native brown stink bugs. The majority of stink bugs (79%) were counted during the last week of April and the first week of May. Along with stink bugs, 225 ladybird beetle adults and larvae were counted. Fifteen stink bugs were found during the scouting of soybean seedlings in June. The low number of stink bugs found in 2024 in spring cover crops suggests they are not overwintered in cover crops, and adding an insecticide to cover crop burndown spray is unnecessary to control them.  

We want to thank all the farmers who allowed us to sample their fields. If you are interested in participating in this study in 2025, please contact Emily Zobel at ezobel@umd.edu or (410) 228-8800. The Maryland Soybean Board provided financial support for this project (project # 80333).

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: September 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to September 5, 2024.

Western Maryland

August brought us more rain than June and July combined. The hay and pasture fields responded, and there is hope for continued grazing and another cutting. The soybeans are probably the greatest beneficiary of the moisture. They are looking great as their pods fill. Modern varieties are a wonder to behold. Corn silage harvest began earlier this year thanks to the heat and drought. Many folks are glad they planted a little extra corn, primarily due to the need for forage and the low grain price forecast. Running it through livestock will add value. Triticale and oats are going in the ground for both fall and spring forage. Cool mornings and mild days have raised our countenance here in Western Maryland.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

August has finally brought some much needed rain; although amounts have been scattered throughout the region. A storm last week caused crop damage in some areas of the region. While it won’t be a year for record-breaking yields, most of the corn and soybeans are looking fairly good. The majority of corn is in the dent stage and is starting to dry down. Silage chopping has begun. Full season soybeans are in the beginning seed stage (R5).—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

About 6” of rain fell in August, which really woke up soybeans, especially later planted beans and double crops. Unfortunately, the rains have ceased, with the last measurable rainfall coming over two weeks ago. Rain is predicted for this weekend, so fingers crossed for good rainfall to finish out what could be a strong late season bean crop. Corn is rapidly drying down and a few acres have been harvested but the majority of corn is still 25% moisture or better. We are about another 10-14 days before the combines are rolling hard. Tar spot was also confirmed in the region at the end of August, consistent with the two years prior. A lot of good dry hay was put up over the last two weeks.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

July’s much-needed rains tapered off, leaving August with sporadic showers that varied significantly depending on your neck of the woods. This inconsistency has led to some challenging conditions for crops. Signs of water stress have become apparent; soybean leaves are cupping and corn leaves are curling from lack of moisture. In response, center pivots on irrigated fields have been fired up again, helping to maximize yield potential after a brief respite in July. Corn is drying down, with some early-planted fields already harvested. Soybeans are also moving along, with early maturing varieties starting to turn and double crop beans filling out their pods. The dry conditions earlier in the season provided the perfect environment for Palmer amaranth to thrive and compete with the crops. They can clearly be seen towering over the soybean and even corn in both conventional and organic fields. The region has also noticed more spotted lanternfly activity as these pests hit their final growth stage and take to the air. While they’re mostly just a nuisance in agronomic crops, controlling them can really help out your local fruit and vegetable grower, who would surely appreciate the effort.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Shore

Corn is drying down, but harvest has not yet begun. Due to low grain prices, farmers are inclined to let corn completely dry in the field, rather than take a moisture price hit at the mills. Drought stress during vegetative and early reproductive phases hurt corn. Yield is anticipated to be poor, and ears look small. Soybean is looking better than corn, especially double-crop soybean planted after wheat. There have not been reports of serious pest or weed damage. Cover crops are being flown into some corn fields via airplane.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Conditions remain very dry across the majority of Southern Maryland. Corn harvest is in full swing with reports of average to well below average yields. Yields vary greatly within and between fields depending on soil type and where isolated showers happened to fall. Grain quality is a major concern this year. Growers are encouraged to get corn off as early as possible. Beans continue to put up the good fight. Many full season beans are yellowing and drying down. Double crop beans will need some more help to fill out pods. Farmers have been scouting for pod worms and stink bugs. Thankfully, only a few fields have reached threshold and required a treatment so far. Weeds continue to require attention as fields have taken longer to canopy if at all, allowing greater opportunity for weeds to gain their share of the limelight. We continue to see ragweed, pigweeds of all types, and morning glory present. Deer damage is readily apparent in later planted beans that are failing to re-grow or canopy following deer feeding. Forages have struggled this summer with many fields of cool season grasses requiring replanting this fall or next spring.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: June 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to June 6, 2024.

Western Maryland

I have a  good friend who says, “I don’t have forty years of experience farming; I have one year’s experience forty times.” This spring has been just like that. We have had more moisture than last year, but then came the hot days, cool weather, and more moisture. Corn is planted, and the first cutting of hay is in the barn. Soybean planting is winding down, and grain harvest will be here before you know it, starting with barley. With the moisture we will see how much disease took its toll. Fungicide applications weren’t always as timely as we would hope because of the frequent showers. Until next month when harvest is underway it is then the story will be told.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

Planting is almost complete. Slugs have been an issue; some soybean fields will need replanting. It was getting a bit dry, which did provide a good hay-making window. However, a thunderstorm is rolling in as I write this, giving us some needed moisture. Small grains are looking good. Summer annual weeds like pigweed, crabgrass, and foxtail are starting to take off with this warmer weather.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

Spring has been a little challenging in our area. A dry spell in mid-late April made herbicide efficacy less than ideal, followed by several weeks of a lot of rain, which activated herbicides but prevented the timely termination of other cover crops. Early planted corn and beans are up and out of the ground, with earliest planted corn around V6 and getting it’s second shot of nitrogen. Rainy weather in late April early May delayed planting the remainder of the crop by about two weeks. These later planted fields are much further behind than usual but are looking good. There has been some slug damage present, it gets worse the further west you go in the region. Barley nearing harvest and wheat is starting to turn. There are symptoms of head scab but it remains to be seen how severe DON levels are in the grain. The wet weather has made it very difficult to make timely dry hay.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Corn acreage is looking good, with a nice color and uniform growth. Depending on when it was planted, corn is in the V2 to V5 stages right now. Most of our full-season soybeans are already in the ground. As usual, rain across the region has been hit or miss, with some areas getting a lot more than others. These downpours might not be ideal, but they’re certainly better than no rain at all. Barley harvest is just around the corner. Summer annual weeds are popping up and are ready to impact yield potential. If your residual herbicide program hasn’t kept them in check, now’s the time for a POST application. And remember, using multiple modes of action in your tank-mix slows down the evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Shore

has been planted and currently in emergence stage to around V4 stage. Corn is looking good, and being sprayed to combat early season weeds. Soybean planting is currently underway. In a few instances, early planted soybean (early April) had to be replanted due to slug damage. Wheat is looking good and drying down. Farmers are gearing up to cut wheat, which is earlier than anticipated.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

As I write this, a very welcome rain is falling outside my window. As we move into the hotter days of June, the old adage that we are only a week away from a drought at any time is holding true. Two weeks ago it was too wet to get into fields and this week we have corn fields starting to show curling leaves and drought stress. In general corn is off to a good start with most sidedress N applications completed. There have been a lot of catch up full season beans planted in the last 2 weeks. Slug feeding has been minimal this year. Barley is drying down with harvest expected any day. Wheat will not be far behind. Ryegrass continues to be a challenge for producers in both burndown situations in corn and beans, as well as small grains. Many fields may need a harvest aid to kill the ryegrass and allow for timely harvest of wheat. Given the wet conditions following flowering, we are encouraging producers to get the wheat crop off as quick as possible to maintain grain quality.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: May 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to May 3, 2024.

Western Maryland

April has brought us many showers. The triticale is all in the silos for the most part, and corn planting has begun. The wheat and the barley are looking good. Producers have a keen eye out for FHB, and thus, fungicide is on the docket. Pastures are looking good and first cutting alfalfa is not far off. Warmer temperatures are on the horizon.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

The wet, cool spring has turned into a hot, dry spring this week. Currently, the highest chance of rain (about 60%) is for this weekend. Planting is in full swing, and the first cutting of orchardgrass will start in a couple weeks. Wheat and barley are heading; if the drier weather keeps up, it will lower the risk for Fusarium.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

Rain has been hard to come by with only about 1” of accumulated rain in the last 4 weeks. Corn and soybean planting has been in rolling for 2.5 weeks now, with a very large majority of it within the last week to 10 days or so. Small grains generally look very good, pastures and hay fields have also enjoyed the cooler than normal March and April. Wheat is anywhere from boot to head emergence. After a soggy start to April, we could use some rain.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

The rains from early in the month are now just a memory, with clear skies and no significant rainfall since. Dust clouds swirling on the horizon are a clear sign that #Plant2024 is underway. Farmers are terminating their cover crops and tilling the soil, readying it for planting. This year, we’re running a week or two ahead of last year’s schedule, raising hopes for another bumper crop. Small grains are currently heading, with some currently flowering.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Shore

After a rainy stretch, we’ve gotten some dry weather this past week. About half or more of cover crop acreage has been terminated. Some ground is being tilled, while the majority will be planted no-till. Corn is currently being planted. Wheat is looking very good. If wheat varieties are susceptible to Fusarium Head Blight and if the wheat is flowering, fungicides should be considered. The first cutting of hay has started.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Field conditions are a mixed bag. Areas to the north have turned dry in the last week. Areas to the south received more rain delaying field operations. In drier areas, soil has become hard and compacted, aggravated by wet conditions over the winter. This is a year where big differences in soil conditions can be observed between no-till and tilled fields. Planters have been rolling for the last two weeks with conditions mostly ideal for planting. Corn emergence looks good so far. Slugs were a concern early, but drier weather has helped with that issue. We have many acres of early planted soybeans again this year. Burndown programs have been challenged this year with many escapes of annual ryegrass. Wheat is headed and beginning to flower now. We are observing some yellowing of the flag leaf and leaf below the flag leaf across many fields that showed up in the last 10 days. We are working to determine the exact cause, but believe it related to environmental conditions with perhaps some virus issues like BYDV as well. A lot of good dry hay has been made in the last two weeks. On the fruit and vegetable front, plasticulture strawberries look very good and are ripening now. All of our main season vegetable crops are preparing to go in the ground this week. High tunnel crops are coming off now.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Planting Green Workshop/Field Day

Farmers and ag service providers are invited to learn about the latest research on planting green techniques and slug control methods.

Activities will include:

  • Planting green demonstration
  • Biomass and root sampling activities
  • Soil pit investigation
  • Slug scouting and control methods
  • Single species and mixes, sandy and clayey soils

When: Thursday, May 9, 2024 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

*Field day will include coffee, light breakfast and lunch

Where: Central Maryland Research and Education Center

12000 Beaver Dam Rd, Glenn Dale, MD 20769

For More information and to register: https://millionacrechallenge.org/planting-green-workshop/

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: April 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to April 5, 2024.

Western Maryland

Wet, wet, wet. This spring is off to a very different start than last year. Late winter and early spring have gone a long way in replenishing soil moisture and groundwater. Soil temperature and moisture will delay planting for a few weeks, but we are happy to have the moisture. Chicken litter, dairy manure, and first-pass nitrogen have been applied. These rains are now filling pits uncharacteristically. We are seeing Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus in some triticale. This is new since triticale was once thought to be resistant to everything. Next fall, we will need to think about scouting for aphids. All in all we are off to a better start than 2023.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

We’ve had quite the up and down with the weather this month. A few days in mid-March brought highs into the 60s, but most of the month has been cooler (lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s). In the past week, areas around the region have received 2 or more inches of rain. Soil temperatures have hovered around 50 degrees F. Green-up and manure applications have gone out. Looking forward to some warmer weather next week!—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

The past week has been cool and wet, which has been the story for most of the winter/early spring thus far. Field work has been very limited due to all the rain; second shot of nitrogen on wheat and weed control is needed as soon as the weather turns. Soil temperatures are still cool and the first seeds will not be going in the ground any time soon. Cover crops and small grains are generally variable across fields and winter annual weeds have been noticeably abundant this spring.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

No report.

Lower Shore

It’s been a wet spring, which has interrupted farm activities. Many fields are waterlogged or flooded. Farmers have been applying manure as they can get into fields. Most cover crops are still growing, which has been helpful to keep the rain water in the crop fields. No corn or soybean has been planted yet.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Rains continue to fall with only a few days here and there suitable for field work. Farmers are practicing patience as much work remains spreading litter/manure, applying herbicides and completing field operations. If weather conditions allow, planting will commence in a couple of weeks. Soils are wet and cold at present. Small grain crops are at jointing stage. Most wheat acreage received a first application of N with the second application being made when field conditions allow. Aphids have been active in some fields. Alfalfa got off to an early start this year, and growers are encouraged to scout for alfalfa weevil which has also been active. In So MD, most populations are resistant to pyrethroids, leaving Steward as the best option. Cool season grass hayfields are greening up now. On the weed front, Virginia Pepperweed seems to be more prevalent this year. Marestail and Common Ragweed are around and need to be controlled prior to planting. Burndown applications are being made in preparation for planting. With cooler temperatures, we may struggle to kill larger Italian ryegrass, brassicas, and cereal grain with standard rates of glyphosate.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: November 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to November 16, 2023.

Western Maryland

Harvest is winding down. Nearly all of the corn and full-season beans are in the bins. Some of the double-crop beans weren’t even worth the cost of the fuel to harvest them. Cover crops are looking good as is the commodity wheat and barely. There are still a few acres that will get some rye. Manure is flying as we race to beat the December 15 deadline. Hay stocks are short but FSA has had the county designated a disaster area so there is some assistance available to make up for the shortfalls. Yields are all over the place depending on when the crop was planted and when the showers arrived. As always everyone is looking forward to 2024 being a better year.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

No Report.

Northern Maryland

2023 harvest has been about as smooth as anyone could ask for with very few weather interruptions. All but a few acres of corn and double-crop soybeans remain. Some rains here and there have been just enough to get cover crops and small grains off to a good start, especially those fields planted early, which have put on substantial growth and tillers. Corn yields have been very strong across most of the region and even record-setting on some farms. Soybeans on the other hand are average to below average in many fields and double-crop beans range from very poor to good. All things considered, yields (especially corn) were impressive considering how dry we started and finished the season; timely rains sure do make or break yields!—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Both corn and soybean harvest is finishing up. The high yields across the region have made grain delivery the last fewPreview (opens in a new tab) weeks a little frustrating. Tanks and piles are full. Granaries have been working to move grain out, but purchasing grain with reduced hours. On a positive note, that seems to be resolved now. The weather has cooperated to make harvest as easy and stress free as possible. We are finally receiving some rain to replenish ground water. Small grains are off to a good start.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn harvest is 95% complete. Most full season soybean has been harvested. It has been very dry in the region, and soybean moisture is below 13%. Soybeans are dusty and farmers are blowing off combines due to fire hazard. Soybean yields are coming in average to slightly above average depending on how much rain fields received. Double crop soybean following wheat is still a few weeks from being harvested. Wheat planting is underway and farmers are planting into dry fields. In many fields, cover crops are already seeing substantial growth and some farmers continue to drill winter cereal cover crops following soybean harvest.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Wrap-up: The last acres of soybeans and corn are making their way off fields as we wind into the last chapters of 2023 season. The season started early, with ideal planting conditions in early April. Many growers planted beans and corn during that early window. Conditions turned dry and cooler through the latter part of April and into May and June. Growers struggled with annual ryegrass burndown control. Rains returned as we turned the page into summer and crops responded well. Concerns over the wheat and barley crop, which appeared uneven through he late spring, were unfounded. The small grain crop was of great quality and yield. Growers struggled during the later harvest period as rains delayed harvest well into July. Most corn made it through the pollination window with adequate moisture. Dry conditions returned once again in August and September, resulting in drought stress to beans and corn. Corn harvest started a little earlier than normal. Overall yield reports are above average, and something to be grateful for given the dry conditions later in the season. Beans were more of a mixed bag. Early planted beans performed well for the second year in a row, with most of the crop made by the time the rain ran out. Double crops beans ranged from very poor to very good depending on rain timing and stage of beans. The fall harvest season has been good. Wheat and barley has germinated well and is growing fast with warmer than normal fall temperatures.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

2022 Maryland Weed Control Results

Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Figure 1. Preplant applications of Liberty (left) and Gramoxone (middle) compared to the untreated check (right) 10 days after application at Wye REC. Images: Kurt Vollmer, Univ. of Maryland.

Results from the 2022 Maryland Weed Control Trials are now available. These trials evaluate crop injury (PHYGEN) and herbicide efficacy (CONTRO) for certain weed species. This data can be used to compare herbicide options crops including corn, soybean, and wheat. Each metric is based on a visual assessment on a 0 to 100% scale with 0 being no control/injury and 100 being complete control/plant death. Products with a control rating less than 55% offer poor to no weed control. Growers should use caution when selecting an herbicide program based on one year of data as environmental conditions and weed populations can vary across locations. A copy of this report can be accessed at  https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/2023-07/2022%20Weed%20Control%20Results_FINAL.pdf or by using the QR code to the right, or by calling your local extension office for a copy. For more information on how to interpret this report, contact Dr. Kurt Vollmer (kvollmer@umd.edu).