SPARKS, Md. (AP) –It’s going to be a record year for cover crops in Maryland’s coming season.

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance are scheduled to join agricultural leaders and farmers on Thursday to announce the milestone.

They will be talking about the program at Cold Bottom Farms Inc., in Baltimore County.

The family-owned farm has been one of the biggest participants in the program. It’s set to plant 2,000 acres this fall.

A state program gives grants to farmers who plant cover crops immediately after the summer harvest.

Cover crops like wheat and barley absorb unused nutrients and control soil erosion.

They also help protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)