Livestock Forage Disaster Program
Allegany Farm Service Agency
As many of you know, Allegany County fell under a D3 (Extreme Drought) beginning on July 16, 2024 and up to August 13, 2024. This allowed the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) to kick in for Allegany livestock producers. Eligible producers qualify for four (4) months of payments, as a lump sum, to help against this devasting event. Livestock must have been grazed during that period of time and had to be weaned grazing animals and owned by the producer to qualify for this program. To apply, please contact Brianna LeMay, FSA Progrm Technician for Allegany and Garrett Counties. Allegany County: 240-609-3492; Garrett County: 301-501-5885;
Email: brianna.lemay@usda.gov.
Apply Now For FY 25 Conservation Assistance
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is committed to helping farmers with financial and technical resources to plan and implement sustainable conservation practices through programs such as EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program) and AMA (Agricultural Management Assistance). Using conservation practices can lead to healthier soils and cleaner water and air.
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Some of the conservation practices NRCS cost-share include but are not limited to:
Cover Crops Grazing High Tunnels HUA Pads Irrigation Practices Riparian Buffers
Pollinator Habitat Conservation Crop Rotation Nutrient Management
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To apply for any of these practices,
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Stop by the Allegany Soil Conservation District at 12407 Naves Cross Road NE, Cumberland and ask about which practice fits your operation best. A member of our staff will complete a Conservation Plan if you don't already have one. The Conservation Plan will tell what areas need to be addressed with either new structures and/or different management practices. Then you can apply for funding and get your conservation practice under way!
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Currently, and over the next 3 years, funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will increase by 45 million dollars for the State of Maryland! If you have a conservation project you want to complete, now is the time.
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Any IRA funds not used for voluntary conservation practices could be transferred to regulatory agencies like the EPA to address issues.