ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 4, 2024) ~ Annapolis, MD - As the winter season approaches, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers of the upcoming ban on spreading manure and other nutrient sources on cropland. The ban, which includes food processing residuals (FPRs), will begin on December 16, 2024 and will continue until March 1, 2025.

According to Maryland's nutrient management regulations, farmers are prohibited from spreading manure, FPRs, and other nutrient sources on fields during the winter months. This is due to the increased risk of runoff into local waterways. Farmers are required to store liquid manure in designated structures on their farms and the department is authorized to assist in preventing overflows from these storage structures.

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In the event of a potential overflow, farmers must contact the Nutrient Management Program for emergency authorization before any spreading occurs. This is to ensure that water quality is not compromised.

While temporary field stockpiling of "stackable" poultry litter and other qualifying organic nutrient sources is permitted during the winter months if the moisture content is 60% or less, farmers are not allowed to apply these materials to fields under any conditions. If farmers have concerns about storage or need guidance on storage requirements, they are encouraged to contact their regional nutrient management specialist.

For more information on the winter ban and nutrient management regulations, farmers can visit the department's Nutrient Management Program website. It is important for all farmers to adhere to these regulations in order to protect local waterways and maintain a healthy environment for all.

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