The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding citizens in rural areas to expect an increase in low-flying airplanes or helicopters through Oct. 10, 2022 due to aerial seeding of small grains. Farmers enrolled in Maryland’s Cover Crop Program use this method of seeding in their fields to help protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. 

“Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is our most popular conservation practice,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “In the fall, participating farmers plant wheat, rye, and other small grains on newly harvested fields to recover any leftover nutrients from summer crops. This helps protect water quality in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay while building and maintaining soil health. People living in rural Maryland should expect an increase in low-flying aircraft over the next several weeks while seeding occurs.”

Farmers enrolled in the Cover Crop Program may plant small grains and other qualifying species by incorporating seeds into newly harvested fields or aerially seeding them into standing corn, soybeans, or sorghum. Once established, cover crops work all winter long to provide a living, protective cover against erosion and nutrient runoff while building the soil’s organic matter for the next year’s crop. No pesticides or fertilizers are applied to cover crops. For aerial seeding, small planes will take off from local airports serving the county or region.

Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is funded by the Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The program is administered by MDA and the state’s 24 soil conservation districts through the Conservation Grants Program. For more information, please contact your local soil conservation district. 

Chesapeake Bank and Trust Company is pleased to announce that Lynn Payne has joined its staff as Chief Financial Officer. She will replace Pat Stanley, who is retiring after serving the Bank for nearly 9 years as CFO.

“With her extensive experience in local community banking, Lynn will make a wonderful addition to our organization,” said Mr. Altieri. “We look forward to having her join our management team.”

Mrs. Payne obtained her B.S. in Accounting from University of Maryland College Park and has held a CPA designation since 1994. After 21 years with Prince George’s Federal Savings Bank, she joined CNB as its CFO. Her career continued with Shore United Bank, where she served as Director of Finance and Director of Asset Liability Management (ALM), and had budgeting, Treasury and CECL responsibilities. Mrs. Payne and her husband, Greg, reside in Centreville with their two sons, Sean and Eric. She enjoys gardening, tennis, hiking, and traveling with her family.

“I’ve spent my entire career in community banking and most of it as a CFO. I look forward to joining the Bank and continuing with their great legacy,” said Mrs. Payne.

About Chesapeake Bank and Trust

Chesapeake Bank and Trust is a full-service community bank, locally owned and directed by area business and community leaders. The Bank is committed to providing area residents and business owners with a broad range of financial products and an unparalleled level of individual service. Chesapeake Bank and Trust’s main branch is located at 245 High Street, Chestertown, Maryland 21620.

For more information, contact Chesapeake Bank and Trust at 410-778-1600, or e-mail Bob Altieri directly at [email protected].