Maryland
Protecting the Bay means supporting farmers as they explore new solutions – Maryland Matters
A drive over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge will have anyone wanting to protect its beauty. No one feels this more deeply than the farmers and communities up and down the Bay.
For decades, these farmers have been stuck between responding to economic forces to increase production while trying to ensure farm sustainability and prioritize water quality. Despite significant progress, it’s estimated that nearly half of the nitrogen reaching the Bay today comes from farms in the Chesapeake watershed – the largest estuary in the United States, with shared responsibility for nutrient management across several states.
Farmers have long relied on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which provide a major source of nutrients to grow their crops, but at a cost to the environment. Given the complexity of managing nutrients to protect the Bay, it is time for farmers to have all available tools at their disposal and new crop nutrition technologies are gaining their attention.
Biostimulants are made up of natural materials that enhance the uptake of nutrients in the plant. Geomaterials are naturally occurring minerals that have been shown to improve nutrient use. Biologicals like microbial nitrogen help plants create their own nitrogen and replace a portion of synthetic fertilizers. New crop nutrition options have the potential to stem the tide of nitrate pollution and achieve our nutrient goals for the Bay.
Researchers estimate that meeting nutrient targets would require taking almost half of the region’s roughly 8.2 million acres of farmland out of production or instituting other, similarly dramatic actions. These radical ideas would almost certainly hurt local farm income and negatively impact our region’s ability to contribute to the wider food supply. They are neither practical nor realistic.
More on-farm research is needed, but microbial nitrogen is one promising tool that can offer an effective solution for farmers. This crop nutrition tool may enable farmers to replace about a quarter of synthetic nitrogen needs per acre, without sacrificing yield, and may improve water quality over time.
Microbials can build soil health and improve plant uptake of nutrients, they are safer to transport and remain cost competitive despite volatility across global markets. As a result, farmers can build their on-farm sustainability, increase the watershed’s biodiversity and reduce nitrate runoff, directly addressing many of the environmental issues threatening the Bay.
Farmers are dedicated to the land. They do all they can to improve efficiency of on-farm nutrient use to improve their crops. As a Maryland small farmer, I have seen firsthand the progress our agricultural community has made in lessening our environmental impact. But these changes cannot be left to our farmers alone. They need local, state and federal support to increase adoption.
Cost-share incentives must be provided that give farmers the opportunity to make the transition to microbial nitrogen or other new crop nutrition products. State nutrient management plans and other sustainability programs are a good start, but we need to study and create more pathways for long-lasting changes that reduce risk and make sense for farm businesses and the environment.
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed has been home to generations of farmers, thanks to its rich supply of natural resources and centralized location on the East Coast. Today, one-third of the watershed is dedicated to farming. Even those who fiercely advocate for water improvements recognize that retaining this farmland is a critical component for the future of the Bay region.
To protect our state’s rich agricultural history and the shining beacon that is the Bay, it’s time we embrace new agriculture technologies such as microbial fertilizer to ensure the natural resources and beauty of our region are enjoyed by generations to come.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
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The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
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Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
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