Cost-share funding is available to assist farmers in covering expenses related to the transport of any type of manure to fall crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. These grants also cover expenses associated with the injection of liquid manure into the soil to help prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors.
To be eligible for reimbursement, all fall manure transport and injection projects must be completed by December 15, 2026 and payment claims for livestock/dairy manure transport and injection must be received by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Conservation Grants Program by January 15, 2027. Poultry claims are due within 40 days of final transport.
This fall, there are new requirements for Fast Track Livestock applications. Organic nutrient recommendations from the receiving farm’s Nutrient Management Plan must be included within the application package. Only submit the pages of the Nutrient Management Plan that pertain to the fields listed in the application and not the entire plan itself.
Here are some additional program highlights and details:
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Farmers can receive up to $28 per ton to transport poultry manure to qualifying fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels or for alternative use projects that can safely utilize the product.
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Farmers who plan to transport dairy and livestock manure to qualifying fields can receive up to 87.5% in cost share funding.
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FastTrack and standard transport options are available for both poultry and dairy/livestock manure.
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Farmers can receive up to $45 per acre for costs associated with injecting liquid manure into the soil. Please note that poultry manure is not eligible for this option due to its low moisture content.
Farmers may apply for the Haul Now, Apply Later FastTrack option for poultry and dairy/livestock manure by downloading the corresponding application directly from the Manure Transport Program website. Producers that do not qualify for the FastTrack option may still apply for standard manure transport grants. These grants require pre-approval before any manure is transported or injected. Contact your local Soil Conservation District to apply for our standard manure transport grants.
MDA’s Conservation Grants Program administers manure transport and injection grants. Applicants must be in good standing with the program and in compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. Need help finding a poultry manure source? A listing of poultry manure brokers can be located on MDA’s Manure Transport Program website.
For more information, please contact the Manure Management Program at 410-841-5864.
