In spring 2022, the Maryland Food Bank’s director of nutrition, Kate Long, presented UMES Extension’s alternative crop specialist with a proposal; assist farmers in cultivating non-native crops to supply two food pantries on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The growers would be compensated helping to diversify their farm, while filling a growing demand for vegetables that a…Read more Alternative Crop Program helps farmers turn profit, provide ‘taste of home’
Learn how to cultivate mushrooms to add to your small farm operation
Looking to add a revenue stream to your agribusiness? UMES Extension in collaboration with The Bay Mushrooms in Dorchester County, Maryland, is hosting a workshop on growing mushrooms. The hands-on, information-packed event takes place Saturday, March 8, at the Federalsburg farm from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Farm operator and plant pathologist Jose Prieto will…Read more Learn how to cultivate mushrooms to add to your small farm operation
UMES Extension debuts reimagined beekeeping program
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore rings in the new year with a reimagined Honeybee Keeping/Apiary Program. Beekeeper and program assistant Stephen Goewey (at left) recently joined UMES Extension and is planning a full slate of classes and workshops. Offerings will range from beginners to ones for experienced beekeepers who want to hone their skills…Read more UMES Extension debuts reimagined beekeeping program
Learn beekeeping basics with UMES Extension in January
Want to learn about beekeeping? UMES Extension is offering a beginner’s class Saturday, Jan. 25, to learn the basics of bee biology, hive management and the tools needed to care for a healthy colony. “Whether you’re looking to start your own apiary or simply curious about the role bees play in our ecosystem, this class…Read more Learn beekeeping basics with UMES Extension in January
UMES winter webinar series and field day focus on medicinal herbs
Learn what you need to know about growing medicinal herbs during a free, four-part UMES Extension webinar series this winter. Participants should plan on viewing all sessions in order to apply the knowledge they have grasped at a culminating, hands-on field day in spring. “If you are considering growing herbs for value-added products or…Read more UMES winter webinar series and field day focus on medicinal herbs
4-H collaboration makes STEM summer camp possible
UMES Extension 4-H STEM succeeded in making a free, weeklong youth summer science camp available to a historically Black maritime community thanks to a collaboration with its county extension office. The Bellevue community, located nearly two hours from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus in Princess Anne, Maryland, lies on the north shore of…Read more 4-H collaboration makes STEM summer camp possible
Workshop focuses on herb growing, processing know-how
Specialty herbs consultant, Henriette den Ouden, lends her expertise to a full-day workshop on Nov. 19 at Kharis Lavender Fields in Gaithersburg, Maryland. UMES Extension is partnering with the lavender farm and the Montgomery County Office of Agricultural Services in offering the event. Designed for beginners and experienced herb farmers, it covers a wide range…Read more Workshop focuses on herb growing, processing know-how
UMES Small Farm Conference fosters cooperation, innovation
A record drought this fall has area farmers looking for ways to remain viable in the ever-challenging agricultural industry, one of the top economic drivers on the Eastern Shore and in Maryland. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s iconic Student Services Center was abuzz Nov. 1-2 with more than 200 agricultural stakeholders seeking solutions, ideas…Read more UMES Small Farm Conference fosters cooperation, innovation
Farm experience sows fresh tourism opportunities
For some, it’s hearing bees buzz in the calming key of C while walking among the hives or being lulled to sleep in a loft above an apiary. For others, it’s collecting eggs from a chicken coop and picking veggies fresh from the garden to make a meal after a day on the farm, brushing…Read more Farm experience sows fresh tourism opportunities
UMES conference sprouts fresh, prosperous paths for small farmers
Want to learn how to grow the elusive pawpaw, learn about beekeeping or transition to agritourism? Trending topics in agriculture like these and more will be featured at the 21st annual UMES Small Farm Conference. The event takes place at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s main campus with one- or two-day options from Nov….Read more UMES conference sprouts fresh, prosperous paths for small farmers
