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
Farmers find cut flower opportunity in dahlias
Brilliant rows of flowers are in bloom on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s campus farm. The sun shines, illuminating 39 varieties of the perennial dahlias. Each has a personality of its own, from the large, 10-inch head of the Dinnerplate dahlia to the refined blush-colored bloom of the Café au Lait and everything in…Read more Farmers find cut flower opportunity in dahlias
UMES conference returns to strengthen small farms
UMES Extension’s Small Farm Conference aims to give farmers research-based best practices and strategies to help make their agribusinesses profitable. The 22nd annual event takes place Oct. 24-25 with a new location, the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland. This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience—Growing Strong Farms in Challenging Times, is highlighted through…Read more UMES conference returns to strengthen small farms
Aronia berry picking event proves fun and educational
Aronia berries at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm were ripe for picking Aug. 14 and the community was invited to participate. UMES Extension’s Small Farm Program hosted an Aronia berry picking contest as part of a full-day event to learn about its nutritional value, cultivation and uses in jams, wine, and even dyes for…Read more Aronia berry picking event proves fun and educational
