2017 Annual Implementation Reporting Forms in the Mail, Available Online

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that 2017 Annual Implementation Reporting Forms and instructions will be mailed in early January to about 5,500 Maryland farmers who are regulated under the Nutrient Management Program. These farmers are required to follow nutrient management plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure and submit annual reporting forms to the department by March 1 describing nutrient applications made during the previous calendar year.  The 2017 reporting forms are available for download on the department’s website.

Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) operating under a permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment should submit one combined Reporting Form along with a manure analysis to the Nutrient Management Program.

Farmers should follow these guidelines when completing their Annual Implementation Reporting Forms:

• Use the pre-filled reporting form that arrives in the mail. Additional reporting forms and instructions can be downloaded from the website.
• Do not leave spaces blank. If nutrients were not applied, place a zero in the box.
• If the information requested does not apply, write N/A in the box.
• Use the pre-printed envelope to mail the report by the March 1 deadline. Affix appropriate postage.
• Failure to submit a reporting form may result in fines and/or loss of eligibility to receive cost-share funds.

 “Now is a good time for Maryland farmers to begin gathering records needed to complete your Annual Implementation Reports,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder.  “The forms are due March 1, 2018, and will be used to help us fully account for everything that you are doing to protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.”

Farmers should check their mailboxes for this year’s nutrient management reporting forms beginning January 8, 2018.  For more information, contact your regional nutrient management office.

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