Cost-Share Grants for Spring Manure Transport and Injection Available

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 20, 2025) –The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers they can apply for cost-share funding to help cover the cost of transporting all types of manure to crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Additionally, grants are available to offset the cost of injecting liquid manure into the soil to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors. This reminder comes just ahead of March 1st when farmers may resume spreading these materials in accordance with their nutrient management plan recommendations, provided that fields are not saturated, snow-covered, or hard-frozen. 

When transporting poultry manure, please visit our website to check for important Control Orders from the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture regarding safe handling, storage, and transport practices to mitigate the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Program highlights include: 

• Receiving up to $28/ton to transport poultry manure to qualifying fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels or alternative use projects that can safely utilize the product

• Cost-share grants are available to transport dairy and livestock manure to qualifying fields, covering up to 87.5% of eligible costs

• FastTrack and standard transport options are available for both poultry and dairy/livestock manure

• Farmers can receive up to $45/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.

To apply for FastTrack (haul now, apply later) applications for poultry and dairy/livestock manure, please download the application from the website. If you don’t qualify for FastTrack, contact your local soil conservation district to apply for the standard grants. These grants require pre-approval before manure is transported or injected. 

If you plan to transport manure this spring and summer, please note that all projects must be completed by September 9, 2025. Claims for payment should be submitted to the department’s Conservation Grants Office by October 9, 2025.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Grants Program administers manure transport and injection grants. To apply for these grants, you must be in good standing with the program and in compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. Visit the Delmarva Chicken Association’s website at www.littr.io to find manure or contact a poultry manure broker here. For more information, please contact the Manure Management Program at 410-841-5864.

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