Category: Connections!

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

‘Real farm research’ for agribusiness success, UMES hosts Ag Showcase

This summer’s record-breaking heat took a hiatus Aug. 6 as over 200 farmers gathered at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm for the fifth annual Ag Showcase. The free event held in partnership with Simplot Grower Solutions and Atlantic Tractor offered an opportunity for agricultural producers to learn the latest in research and results for…Read more ‘Real farm research’ for agribusiness success, UMES hosts Ag Showcase

At UMES Aronia berry picking contest, learn about jam, winemaking and more

Aronia berries at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm are ready to pick and the community is invited to participate Thursday, Aug. 14. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Small Farm Program is hosting an Aronia berry picking contest as part of a full-day event to learn about its nutritional value, cultivation and uses in…Read more At UMES Aronia berry picking contest, learn about jam, winemaking and more

Goats help save Chesapeake Bay? Animals reduce reliance on herbicides

When Mary Bowen, owner of Browsing Green Goats, set a herd of goats to browse on a Somerset County property to clear unwanted vegetation around a pond near the river, it was with 15 years of experience and a partnership with UMES Extension’s Dr. E. Nelson Escobar behind her. Yes, that’s right, goats are browsers,…Read more Goats help save Chesapeake Bay? Animals reduce reliance on herbicides

Agritourism workshop to be held in Ellicott City

Small-scale farmers interested in expanding their agribusiness to include farm experiences can attend a destination agritourism workshop to Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland. The full day visit is organized by UMES Extension and takes place Sept. 5. “The owners will share their experiences starting and managing a successful agritourism operation. Mary’s Land Farm…Read more Agritourism workshop to be held in Ellicott City

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