Planting season has arrived on Delmarva for gardeners and small farmers and with it the need to think about small engine machine operation, maintenance and safety. A June 14 workshop to that end is being hosted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension in partnership with Future Harvest.
Shane LaBrake, (below right, at center) who has 45 years of experience in agribusiness, will be on hand at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to lead the intensive workshop focused on small engine machines and the BCS two-wheel tractor. LeBrake is certified as a chain saw specialist with the Tree Care Industry Association and owns, operates and maintains over 20 machines as the owner of an outdoor-work contracting business.
“This type of training is always popular among beginning farmers,” said Berran Rogers Jr., coordinator of UMES Extension’s Small Farm Program. “Mr. LaBrake is well known for his ability to communicate and train attendees of all levels in his workshops on the challenging use and care of machinery.”
Topics include an overview of how gasoline-powered, two- and four-stroke engines work, common problems encountered and how to troubleshoot, along with information on maintenance. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe operation of small engines and the BCS two-wheel tractor will also be discussed and demonstrated. Information will also be disseminated on the pros and cons of lithium-ion battery-powered tools.
Lunch is included in a $30 per person registration fee. Visit https://bit.ly/433wJrZ to register and select the UMES ticket by using the code “YAYUMES.”
The workshop is partially supported by Improving Farmers Access to Resources and Management Solutions (IFARMS) grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photos submitted.
