This event stood out for San Francisco-based film director Mark Decena (at right) among the 200 screenings across the country of “Farming While Black.” It was his first time accompanying the film to take part in a post-screening panel discussion at a historically Black college or university. “I’m excited to be here at an HBCU…Read more ‘Farming While Black’ filmmaker and farmers share their passion to grow and connect
UMES series covers specialty herbs from seedling to selling
The expertise of UMES Extension’s specialty herbalist can be tapped during a three-class series on growing medicinal herbs for profit. Each will be held in a different growing season at the UMES Research, Extension and Teaching Farm. “We will feature herbs that are commercially valuable and grow well in the Chesapeake Bay region. The classes…Read more UMES series covers specialty herbs from seedling to selling
Learn how to grow elderberry, explore markets for DIY products
Elderberries are native to eastern states and the Delmarva Peninsula. They are known for their flavor in jams, wines and syrups, in addition to teas and gummies for their high antioxidant value and potential immune support. UMES Extension is offering a workshop Feb. 28 to teach interested growers how to cultivate the woody plant, along…Read more Learn how to grow elderberry, explore markets for DIY products
The year in review, a look back at the best of 2025 UMES Extension
December 2025Donation funds UMES Farm Incubator Training Program November 2025UMES Small Farm Conference helps family farms profit, explore shifting trends October 2025UMES beekeeper visits DelmarvaLife to talk bees and UMES’ Small Farm Conference September 2025Farmers find cut flower opportunity in dahlias August 2025‘Real farm research’ for agribusiness success, UMES hosts Ag Showcase July 2025Goats help…Read more The year in review, a look back at the best of 2025 UMES Extension
Donation will fund UMES farm incubator training program
A $20,000 gift will be used toward establishing a farm incubator training program on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Welburn Management, a family-owned McDonald’s franchise operating 45 restaurants across Maryland, Delaware, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., donated the funds for helping beginning farmers in partnership with UMES Extension. The program provides access to start-up…Read more Donation will fund UMES farm incubator training program
How alley cropping can boost farm profits
UMES Extension taught small-scale farmers in its service region about alley cropping and associated ecologically friendly practices. Alley cropping involves planting vegetables or herbs between rows of fruit trees or shrubs, said Lila Karki (far right), an associate professor of agricultural economics and extension specialist. The agroforestry practice can provide farm income streams through cultivation…Read more How alley cropping can boost farm profits
UMES Extension honors area farmers
Small-scale farmers working with UMES Extension specialists in their respective programs were recognized Nov. 25, 2025 at an award ceremony during the 22nd annual UMES Extension Small Farm Conference. Young Farmer Achievement Award Chris Malaughin (far left), 21, from Caroline County, Maryland, took home the Young Farmer Award along with a certificate of appreciation for…Read more UMES Extension honors area farmers
UMES Small Farm Conference helps family farms profit, explore shifting trends
UMES Extension’s 22nd annual Small Farm Conference provided agricultural producers with valuable takeaways no matter the stage and focus of their farming operations,. “There are tremendous challenges in agriculture in the nation. Our job is to serve farmers by sharing advances in the field to help them be successful in what they do, satisfying the…Read more UMES Small Farm Conference helps family farms profit, explore shifting trends
Farmer and educator combines love of the land, dance and helping others
Attendees at UMES’ Small Farm Conference are in store for a special keynote address Friday, Oct. 24, as Tomia MacQueen (at left) takes the podium at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. MacQueen is the driving force behind Wildflower Farm, Dance for LIFE, Gardening for LIFE and the Healing Waters Project. She has worn many…Read more Farmer and educator combines love of the land, dance and helping others
Military veterans explore agricultural opportunities at UMES conference
Helping train U.S. military veterans in fruit and vegetable cultivation to improve their livelihood is among the extension efforts of UMES associate professor Naveen Kumar Dixit (far left). The horticulturist has been sharing his expertise with this special group of small and beginning farmers by presenting workshops over the past seven years at TALMAR horticultural…Read more Military veterans explore agricultural opportunities at UMES conference
