Want to learn how to grow the elusive pawpaw, learn about beekeeping or transition to agritourism? Trending topics in agriculture like these and more will be featured at the 21st annual UMES Small Farm Conference. The event takes place at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s main campus with one- or two-day options from Nov. 1-2.
Attendees can register under three tracks with two informational sessions each morning, an afternoon bus tour on the first day and a hands-on workshop the second. Track selection includes either business and market sense, ag research and trending topics, or non-traditional agriculture.
“The goal of the conference is to help agricultural producers increase profitability and sustainability by sharing research-based solutions, connecting them to resources and allowing them to network with other farmers and agribusinesses,” said Berran Rogers Jr., coordinator of the UMES Small Farm Program and event organizer.
One of the ways the conference does this, he said, is to take participants to visit farms or agricultural operations to see first-hand what others are doing successfully. On the list for this year’s bus tours for registrants to choose from are Go Green OC in Worcester County, and The Bay Mushrooms LLC and Delmarva Native Plants, both in Dorchester County.
“The off-site bus tours have been popular among attendees over the years and have served as a drawing card for the conference,” Rogers said. “They offer a fun, informal way to educate and add value to the overall experience.”
Farms are about food. The hands-on workshop choices this year are geared toward instructing growers on how to preserve food (pickles) and value-added products from specialty herbs, both conducted by UMES educators. The keynote speaker for Saturday’s luncheon, Green Raven Organics CEO Shamilla Roberts, will share her vision of creating a place “where organic, locally grown and fresh produce flourish” to benefit her community and help eradicate food deserts in North Carolina.
Registration is required before Oct. 23 by visiting www.umes.edu/extension/events. The cost is $80 per person for the full conference or $40 for one day. Friday’s ticket includes lunch, while Saturday’s ticket includes breakfast and lunch. Contact smallfarms@umes.edu or call 410-651-7351 with questions.
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.
Photo by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
