Learn about herbs, including how to grow, harvest and make products to share, during a three-class series for backyard gardeners. The Share the Herb Garden series will be held April 11, May 30 and Oct. 10, 2026, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Research, Extension and Teaching Farm. UMES Extension’s specialty herbalist Henriette den…Read more Gardeners: Explore herb growing and making products with series
Biosecurity on the Eastern Shore goes beyond chickens
Avian influenza has become a growing concern for poultry producers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as recent cases have been identified in Wicomico and Caroline counties along with cases in Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware. A USDA-NIFA grant-funded project at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore aims to improve biosecurity preparedness among beginning…Read more Biosecurity on the Eastern Shore goes beyond chickens
UMES partners with ECO City Farms for specialty herbs classes
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 ECO City Farms in Edmonston, Maryland, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s partner for the series. “We will feature herbs that are commercially valuable and…Read more UMES partners with ECO City Farms for specialty herbs classes
‘Farming While Black’ filmmaker and farmers share their passion to grow and connect
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
