UMES Extension will host a free workshop focused on multi-species grazing and soil health in collaboration with Future Harvest, the Million Acre Challenge and the University of Maryland Extension. The event takes place Thursday, April 23, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Small Ruminant Farm on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus with lunch provided.
“Grazing two or more livestock species, including cattle, sheep or goats, can help small-scale farmers better use and mix the variety of forage in their pastures,” said David Brown, an extension small ruminant specialist and assistant professor of animal science at UMES.
Improved nutrient cycling from diverse manure sources, enhanced soil structure and increased organic matter are among the soil health benefits to be highlighted during the workshop, Brown said.
A demonstration of the Maryland Soil Health Card, which assesses physical and biological indicators of soil health and can help monitor the outcomes of soil management practices, will also be featured. The workshop qualifies for Nutrient Management CEUs.
Come for the mid-day event and stay for a farm-to-plate American lamb educational workshop and dinner from 6-8 p.m. at the university’s Richard A. Henson Center. Chef Paul Suplee of UMES’ Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management will prepare the four-course meal.
The evening event is aimed at increasing awareness of American lamb, including the nutritional benefits and how to prepare and cook lamb. It is supported by a grant from the American Lamb Board. Recipe books and other educational materials will be on hand.
“The goal is to educate and to strengthen connections between local producers and consumers across the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” Brown said.
The cost is $25 per person for the lamb dinner event.
Pre-registration for the above events can be found on the UMES Extension Calendar of Events at www.umes.edu/extension/events.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, 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.
