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 three tracks: non-traditional agriculture, business and marketing, and agricultural research and trending topics.
“Whether you consider yourself a home gardener, seasoned farmer or just want to learn more about agriculture, the conference offers a mix of sessions and workshops aimed at appealing to a broad audience,” said Berran Rogers, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Small Farm Program coordinator and event chair.
Participants in each track Friday will be offered two morning sessions, lunch with a keynote speaker and a choice of one of three afternoon tours of an off-site agricultural operation. Saturday’s schedule consists of a networking breakfast, two morning sessions, lunch with panel discussion and either a beekeeping or plant propagation hands-on workshop for the remainder of the day.
Vendors or attendee pre-registration for a single day or both days is required before Oct. 10 at www.umes.edu/extension/events. Space is limited for the tours and workshops and is first come, first served. For more information, email smallfarms@umes.edu.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Graphic by Jeremy Pope, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, JLPope@umes.edu.
