Maryland Farmer Battles Slugs in Cover Crops

Trey Hill shares lessons from managing nitrogen, inputs and pests on his 10,000-acre no-till operation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:08am

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An abstract painting with sweeping geometric shapes and botanical patterns in earthy tones, conceptually representing the complex ecological factors a no-till farmer must balance when using cover crops.An artistic rendering of the intricate relationship between cover crops, nitrogen, and pest management that farmers like Trey Hill must navigate on their no-till operations.Rock Hall Today

Trey Hill, a fourth-generation farmer in Rock Hall, Maryland, has been constantly refining his nitrogen management and cover crop program on his 10,000-acre no-till operation, Harborview Farms. One of the key challenges he faces is controlling slugs that can thrive in his cover crop fields.

Why it matters

Cover crops are an important tool for reducing nitrogen leaching and improving soil health, but they can also create an ideal habitat for pests like slugs that can damage cash crops. Farmers like Trey Hill are constantly experimenting to find the right balance between the benefits of cover crops and managing the associated pest challenges.

The details

Hill has been trying various techniques to reduce slug populations in his cover crop fields, including adjusting planting dates, using different cover crop species, and applying slug baits. He is also carefully monitoring his nitrogen inputs to optimize efficiency and minimize excess that could feed slug populations.

  • Trey Hill has been farming around 10,000 acres in Rock Hall, Maryland his whole life.

The players

Trey Hill

A fourth-generation farmer who runs the 10,000-acre Harborview Farms in Rock Hall, Maryland.

Harborview Farms

A family-run 10,000-acre no-till farming operation in Rock Hall, Maryland.

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The takeaway

Trey Hill's experience highlights the ongoing challenges farmers face in balancing the benefits of cover crops with the need to manage associated pest pressures like slugs. His willingness to experiment and adapt his practices demonstrates the innovative spirit required to be a successful no-till farmer today.