{"id":13798,"date":"2025-08-18T12:12:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T16:12:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/?p=13798"},"modified":"2025-12-10T13:36:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:36:42","slug":"real-farm-research-for-agribusiness-success-umes-hosts-ag-showcase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/connections\/real-farm-research-for-agribusiness-success-umes-hosts-ag-showcase\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Real farm research&#8217; for agribusiness success, UMES hosts Ag Showcase"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ag Showcase 2025: Connecting farmers to UMES research\" width=\"1330\" height=\"748\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tUm9PoF0JkQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"770\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcasenews-080625-4553-1024x770.jpg\" alt=\"Farmers check out offerings at the 2025 Ag Showcase.\" class=\"wp-image-13799\" style=\"width:344px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcasenews-080625-4553-1024x770.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcasenews-080625-4553-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcasenews-080625-4553-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcasenews-080625-4553-1536x1155.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcasenews-080625-4553-2048x1539.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This summer\u2019s record-breaking heat took a hiatus Aug. 6 as over 200 farmers gathered at UMES\u2019 Research, Extension and Teaching Farm for the fifth annual Ag Showcase. The free event held in partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/simplotgrowersolutions.com\/\">Simplot Grower Solutions<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantictractor.net\/?keyword=atlantic\">Atlantic Tractor<\/a> 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.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHosting 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,\u201d said Dr. E. Nelson Escobar, associate dean for UMES Extension. \u201cWe are thankful for the collaboration of our sponsors and the agricultural enterprises who join us in presenting the Ag Showcase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"965\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4861-Copy-965x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Austin and Aaron Meredith look at farm equipment on display at Ag Showcase.\" class=\"wp-image-13800\" style=\"width:256px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4861-Copy-965x1024.jpg 965w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4861-Copy-283x300.jpg 283w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4861-Copy-768x815.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4861-Copy-1447x1536.jpg 1447w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4861-Copy-1930x2048.jpg 1930w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 965px) 100vw, 965px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re bringing real farm research to local growers to enable them to make better agronomic decisions,\u201d Smith said. \u201cAgribusinesses come together in a neutral place to put these resources before farmers to help them be successful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First-time attendee <strong>Austin Meredith<\/strong> <em>(second from right)<\/em> of Meredith Farms in Parsonburg, Maryland, agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s a nice event that allowed me to get more information on some of the types of products we use,\u201d said Meredith, who attended with his brother, <strong>Aaron<\/strong> <em>(far right)<\/em>. \u201cWe don\u2019t have enough acreage to do the kind of corn trials that can be done here. We can take this information away to implement.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"711\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4817-Copy-711x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Worcester County farmer Dylan Peterson.\" class=\"wp-image-13802\" style=\"width:158px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4817-Copy-711x1024.jpg 711w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4817-Copy-208x300.jpg 208w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4817-Copy-768x1107.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4817-Copy-1066x1536.jpg 1066w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4817-Copy-1421x2048.jpg 1421w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/TGD-agshowcase-080625-4817-Copy-scaled.jpg 1777w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In today\u2019s farming landscape, it\u2019s 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\u2019s event and attendee favorite was an agricultural drone demonstration by Sentinel Robotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Worcester County farmer <strong>Dylan Peterson<\/strong> <em>(at left)<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey\u2019re neat and have their time and place,\u201d he said of drone spot applications while comparing to traditional machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019 new apiary and its beekeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"965\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/c5abd409-5f40-4b7d-8135-0a6b2d839034-965x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Caitlyn Kurtz, right, of Barefoot Farm Market in Snow Hill, Maryland, with family members.\" class=\"wp-image-13805\" style=\"width:235px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/c5abd409-5f40-4b7d-8135-0a6b2d839034-965x1024.jpg 965w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/c5abd409-5f40-4b7d-8135-0a6b2d839034-283x300.jpg 283w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/c5abd409-5f40-4b7d-8135-0a6b2d839034-768x815.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/141\/2025\/08\/c5abd409-5f40-4b7d-8135-0a6b2d839034.jpg 1205w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 965px) 100vw, 965px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Caitlyn Kurtz<\/strong> <em>(far right)<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere are resources out there, but farmers don\u2019t always know about them,\u201d Kurtz said. \u201cEvents like this are important to help provide research and knowledge that we need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year\u2019s Ag Showcase was held as part of the yearlong celebration of the 135<sup>th<\/sup> anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, <\/em><a href=\"mailto:gcstephens@umes.edu\"><em>gcstephens@umes.edu<\/em><\/a><em>, 410-621-3850.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, <\/em><a href=\"mailto:tdudek@umes.edu\"><em>tdudek@umes.edu<\/em><\/a><em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This summer\u2019s record-breaking heat took a hiatus Aug. 6 as over 200 farmers gathered at UMES\u2019 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&#8230;<span class=\"cpschool-read-more-link-holder\"><a class=\"btn btn-basic cpschool-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/connections\/real-farm-research-for-agribusiness-success-umes-hosts-ag-showcase\/\">Read more <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8216;Real farm research&#8217; for agribusiness success, UMES hosts Ag Showcase<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1168,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","wds_primary_category":45,"footnotes":""},"categories":[166,45],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-13798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-august-2025-connections","category-connections"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13798","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13798"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13798\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13798"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13798"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13798"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=13798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}