For Blades Orchard, reinvention is key to success After 14 years of operating as a u-pick, the owner-operators of Blades Orchard in Federalsburg, Maryland, shifted their agribusiness model. They now offer their fruit and value-added products at farmers markets, a CSA and pre-order online sales for pick up at the farm by appointment. Why? Steve…Read more UMES Traveling Agritourism Workshop
UMES and partners offer free Ag Showcase August 7
Agricultural producers from farms of all sizes can get the latest information geared toward increasing their bottom lines at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Ag Showcase Aug. 7. The free event is sponsored by UMES Extension in partnership with Atlantic Tractor LLC and Simplot Grower Solutions. The focus of this year’s showcase is…Read more UMES and partners offer free Ag Showcase August 7
Traveling Agritourism Workshop offers lessons directly from farm proprietors
UMES Extension is offering an opportunity to learn about successes and challenges directly from agritourism operators in a follow-up to its Maryland Agritourism Conference. A Traveling Agritourism Workshop, slated for June 10, will visit agribusinesses in Dorchester and Caroline counties in Maryland. The bus will depart at 8 a.m. for tours of Blades Orchard in…Read more Traveling Agritourism Workshop offers lessons directly from farm proprietors
Shore youth experience eclipse through UMES 4-H STEM
People across the nation hunted for special viewing glasses, created pinhole projectors, planned parties and flocked to areas of totality in anticipation of the Great North American Eclipse and getting the most from the rare occurrence. The April 8 celestial event promised the first opportunity since 2017 and the last until August 23, 2044, to…Read more Shore youth experience eclipse through UMES 4-H STEM
Learn how to operate and maintain small engines and BCS machines
Planting season has arrived on the Delmarva Peninsula for gardeners and small farmers and with it the need to think about small engine machine operation and maintenance. A May 1 workshop will be hosted by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s Small Farm Program. Shane LaBrake, (at left, center) who has over 45 years…Read more Learn how to operate and maintain small engines and BCS machines
UMES Extension offers specialty crop workshops
A full-day Meet the Growers workshop Feb. 13 served as a one-stop shop connecting specialty crop growers to buyers and financial assistance programs. Nearly 40 participants took advantage of the opportunity aimed at increasing farm profitability. “Getting farmers in one place with available resources to learn all that is available is what today is about,”…Read more UMES Extension offers specialty crop workshops
UMES hosts inaugural Maryland Agritourism Conference
Whether their agribusiness ventures are on-farm markets, U-picks, CSAs, creameries, farm breweries, pumpkin patches with corn mazes and hay rides or overnight stays, a common theme emerged among small farmers attending a University of Maryland Eastern Shore-sponsored agritourism conference. The buzz was how to keep farms profitable in the face of challenging economic times by…Read more UMES hosts inaugural Maryland Agritourism Conference
UMES Small Farm Conference celebrates 20 years of helping farmers
Nearly 200 agricultural producers and stakeholders across the Mid-Atlantic descended on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore from Nov. 2-4 for the 20th anniversary of its Small Farm Conference. “Positioning Farmers for Success,” this year’s theme, has been at the forefront of the annual event for two decades. “Agriculture and aquaculture are our (Delmarva’s) largest…Read more UMES Small Farm Conference celebrates 20 years of helping farmers
Film screening focuses on Delmarva farmers leading the way in environmentally friendly agricultural practices
UMES Extension is offering a free film screening of “Delmarva and the Ground for Change” on Nov. 2 in conjunction with its Small Farm Conference at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The environmental documentary follows three family-owned farming operations on the peninsula working to protect soil health and subsequently, the Chesapeake and Delaware bays….Read more Film screening focuses on Delmarva farmers leading the way in environmentally friendly agricultural practices
UMES educates community at Delmarva Chicken Festival
UMES Extension and SANS drew the attention of festivalgoers of all ages with outreach activities at the special 2023 edition of the Delmarva Chicken Festival. The event returned on Oct. 7 after a nine-year hiatus to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first dedicated broiler chicken farm on Delmarva. Held at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium…Read more UMES educates community at Delmarva Chicken Festival
