Join UMES Extension’s Small Farm Conference to learn tools and strategies that can increase profitability for small farms.
The 23rd annual conference, produced by our Small Farm Program, takes place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, 2026, in the Student Services Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne.
The theme of this year’s conference is: Building Small Farms Together.
The overall conference will consist of four tracks: Alternative crops and non-traditional agriculture; farm business management, and ag marketing and sales; ag research and trending topics; and human health and other topics. Demonstrations and tours will round out the conference.
On Friday, Oct. 23, the conference will offer two morning sessions per track, followed by lunch with a keynote speaker and an afternoon tour of an off-site agricultural operation. Three options for off-site agricultural tours are available, with the bus departing at 2 p.m. and returning around 5 p.m. Each tour is limited to 40 participants.
Breakfast and networking will kick off Saturday, Oct. 24. The remainder of the day offers two morning sessions per track, followed by lunch and three options for an afternoon hands-on workshop. Each hands-on workshop is limited to 25 participants.
TICKETS:
Pre-registration is required for each participant; no walk-ups will be accepted. This event is geared toward adults. Early-bird registration ends Aug. 23, and regular price registration begins Aug. 24 and ends Oct. 9. Lunch will be included on both days, and breakfast will be provided Saturday.
Early-bird registration cost:
$50 per day per participant or $100 for both days (ends Aug. 23)
Regular price registration cost:
$60 per day per participant or $120 for both days (ends Oct. 9)
[Select your Friday tour destination and/or Saturday hands-on workshop AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE.]
HOURS:
- Friday: Check in 8 a.m. Program runs 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with lunch included.
- Saturday: Check in is at 8 a.m. Full buffet breakfast and networking are from 8-9:30 a.m. Programing runs 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with lunch included.
BECOME A VENDOR, EXHIBITOR OR SPONSOR
The cost for Vendors/Exhibitors will be $150. It includes an exhibitor booth, 1 complimentary registration and logo recognition in the conference program. For sponsorship opportunities, contact cjsankar@umes.edu or 410-651-7351.
WHEN: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24
WHERE: Student Services Center, 30617 College Backbone Road, Princess Anne, MD 21853
REGISTER: Pre-registration is required
CONTACT: Crystal Sankar at cjsankar@umes.edu or 410-651-7351.
LEARN MORE: Visit our conference website.
