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 smart-farming agronomy, technology and equipment, along with a variety of crops.
“Hosting this event is important to us as a service to the Delmarva Peninsula. It not only serves farmers and their profitability, but the community in general when it comes to food production and supply,” said Dr. E. Nelson Escobar, associate dean for UMES Extension. “We are thankful for the collaboration of our sponsors and the agricultural enterprises who join us in presenting the Ag Showcase.”
Simplot Grower Solutions crop advisor Adam Smith and colleagues shared results of corn and soybean field trials planted with seed varieties from three participating seed companies; Innvictis, Brevant and Seed Consultants. Comparisons were also made on liquid fertilizer and fungicide applications made at planting.
“We’re bringing real farm research to local growers to enable them to make better agronomic decisions,” Smith said. “Agribusinesses come together in a neutral place to put these resources before farmers to help them be successful.”
First-time attendee Austin Meredith (second from right) of Meredith Farms in Parsonburg, Maryland, agreed.
“It’s a nice event that allowed me to get more information on some of the types of products we use,” said Meredith, who attended with his brother, Aaron (far right). “We don’t have enough acreage to do the kind of corn trials that can be done here. We can take this information away to implement.”
In today’s farming landscape, it’s all about precision and conservation of resources and Atlantic Tractor was on hand to demonstrate the latest in precision agricultural equipment, such as their Furrow Vision upgrade for John Deere planters. A newcomer to this year’s event and attendee favorite was an agricultural drone demonstration by Sentinel Robotics.
Worcester County farmer Dylan Peterson (at left) of Dirty Bird Farm, said he returned for a second year for the corn and soybean plots, but cast his eyes skyward for the drone demonstration.
“They’re neat and have their time and place,” he said of drone spot applications while comparing to traditional machinery.
Faculty researchers from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore highlighted projects in emergent technologies in urban agriculture (FarmBot), grapevine cultivation, trees as sources for energy from plants among others. UMES Extension specialists provided data-driven information on niche crops, including vegetables, berries and herbs, and their potential to provide value-added sources of income. Participants were also introduced to UMES’ new apiary and its beekeeper.
Caitlyn Kurtz (far right) of Barefoot Farm Market in Snow Hill, Maryland, and her extended family members did the proverbial divide and conquer to take in all they could of the demonstrations and exhibits. It was her first visit to the Ag Showcase, while others in her party were returning.
“There are resources out there, but farmers don’t always know about them,” Kurtz said. “Events like this are important to help provide research and knowledge that we need.”
This year’s Ag Showcase was held as part of the yearlong celebration of the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
