Tuesday, October 13, 2009
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-Farmers, landowners and gardening enthusiasts will be offered tips and tools at the sixth annual small farm conference at the Richard A. Henson Center at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Special guest, Mike McGrath, host of the nationally syndicated public radio show “You Bet Your Garden” and garden editor for WTOP news radio in Washington, D.C., will be the opening keynote speaker on Saturday, November 7.
Pre-conference sessions, a reception and a networking social will be offered on Friday, November 6, from 1-8 p.m. On Saturday, November 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., participants will explore sessions offered in alternative agriculture, production and marketing, and business and legal educational tracks.
Workshop topics will include: “Sheep and Goat Tour,” “High Tunnel Demonstration,” “Direct Marketing Farm Raised Meats,” “Backyard Vegetable Gardening Tips,” “Making Your Own Compost,” “Growing High Value Specialty Crops,” “Grant Funding Opportunities for Farmers,” “Essential Tools,” “Equipment for Your Farm” and more.
There will also be representatives from state and government agriculture agencies, farm equipment and supply companies, and other local business and organizations available to share information on current products and services offered.
Berran Rogers, conference coordinator and Small Farm Project director, said, “We have another great conference program lined-up this year that will appeal to both farmers, as well as, those who just enjoy gardening around the house.”
Registration cost for the conference is $25 per person or $40 per couple. All registrations should be received no later than Friday, October 30. For more information, call 410-651-6206/6693 or by email at mce@umes.edu. The registration form can be downloaded at www.umes.edu/1890-mce.
###
Hermetta Hudson, UMES, 410-651-6206, hohudson@umes.edu.
Contact: Berran Rogers, UMES University of Maryland Extension, 410-651-6206/6693,
