The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) will host two one-day, in-person workshops on Feb 26th at Chesapeake College and March 12th in Boonsboro. The Cultivating Knowledge Together: Maryland’s Peer-Powered Land Use workshops will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Registration is required to attend. This program is complimentary and made possible through a Northeast Risk Management Education Center grant.

Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC, and Paul Goeringer, a Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law, will lead the workshops, covering topics such as leasing land, renewable energy policy implications, estate planning, and zoning, among other topics. Through interactive elements like live polling and case scenario decision-making, participants will actively engage with the material, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the processes and considerations involved in making informed land use decisions.

"These workshops offer a unique opportunity for landowners to connect and engage in peer-driven knowledge sharing, especially relevant in the context of owning farmland in the age of renewable energy development. Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of land ownership and valuable connections," said Thilmany.

Complimentary breakfast refreshments, coffee, and lunch will be provided during the workshops. Check-in begins at 9 am, with the workshops running from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The workshop dates and locations are:

February 26, Chesapeake College, 110 Higher Education Center, 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, MD 21679, and
March 12, Washington County’s University of Maryland Extension Office, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713.

For more information or to register, go to https://agrisk.umd.edu/events. For more information, reach out to Elizabeth Thilmany at thilmany@umd.edu.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021‐70027‐34693.

Feb 27 - Starting seeds inside
It's time to start seeding your transplants and we'll have our seed starting experts discuss how to do it

March 12 - Cool weather crops
This class will focus on spring and fall leafy greens and cole crops

March 26 - Cover crops and composting
We'll discuss beneficial gardening practices that can increase your soil health and fertility

April 9 - Intro to Gardening
This class will focus on the basics of gardening to kick off the season

April 23 - Cane Berries
We'll talk about blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and which cane berries make sense for you

May 7 - Everything Tomatoes
Everyone loves tomatoes, but there are so many types and varieties how do you choose? We'll also talk about best management practices, insect and disease.

Effective public speaking is one of the many life skills that 4-H offers youth. This skill, along with many others, helps to build confidence and leadership. Public speaking fosters creativity, critical thinking skills, leadership abilities, poise, and professionalism, valuable for the job market and life. Public speaking is an individual development experience. The program's most important feature is the speaker's growth, measured against their own knowledge and accomplishments. Although the 4-H structure does identify "winners" in the competition, the primary objective is to develop strong communication skills in individual members.

Contest Details

• Date:  Saturday, April 27, 2024
• Time:  Check-in at 10:00 am, Awards Program at 3:00 pm
• Location:  University of Maryland, College Park, MD
• Registration Closes:  April 10, 2024
• Entry Fee: $5.00 per youth contestant. 
  County/city 4-H programs will be invoiced for contestants after registration closes.

Eligibility

Youth who received Champion placing for their age division at their 2024 local public speaking contest are eligible to participate. Each county/city 4-H program may register one youth contestant per age division in each category.

Join Master Gardener Volunteer, Janet Mackey, to learn about these ephemeral flowers and their fascinating roles in the ecosystem.

Located at the Talbot County Free Library, 100 W Dover St., Easton, MD (in person only)
Wednesday, April 17th from 10:30AM-11:30AM

If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Talbot County Extension Office by April 3rd at 410-822-1244

Advanced Cover Cropping Strategies Workshop
March 1, 2024 12:00pm - 2:00 pm
Approved for 2 Maryland nutrient management credits
cover crop planning, species selection, management options, and practical considerations. We will feature a panel discussion with Aaron Cooper, operator of Cutfresh organics, an organic grain and vegetable operation, and Thelonoius Cook, operator of Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest, a vegetable, herb, and cut flower operation. We will also learn from Dr. Dwayne Joseph of UMD Extension about how cover crops, coupled with conservation tillage and various IPM strategies, offer effective weed management, foster beneficial insect populations, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

Learn about growing giant Miscanthus as a perennial crop in Maryland
Tour giant miscanthus growing on land facing flooding, salt-intrusion, and deer pressure
Receive nutrient management and CCA credits

Registration: 9:00 am
Shoot Begins: 9:30 am
Last Shooter: 1:00 pm
Food Truck available: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: $50 per shooter
Gun Raffle:
Beretta A 300 camo 12 gauge.
$5 for one ticket or $10 for 3 tickets. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online or in person on the day of the event.
https://go.umd.edu/Clays2024

Shooter preregistration is not required. (Registration can be done in advance by mail or in person on the day of the event.)