Somerset County

This is a contest in which teams compete. Youth and coaches who wish to participate should contact the county/city 4-H office for information about team selection. Team members selected for statewide competition must be registered using the 4HOnline system and approved by their county/city 4-H office. Entries are due by November 17th. For more information on the structure of teams, please refer to the section entitled, “Teams”. 

The contest will feature Junior, Intermediate, and Senior age divisions. Registration for the event will open soon in 4-H Online and will be due by November 17, 2024.

The rules and regulations for the 2024 contest are posted on the Maryland 4-H webpage at: Dog Bowl Rules and Information

Contact Ashley Travis at ashley90@umd.edu or Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu if you have questions

Join us for the 2024 Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum in Ocean City, MD! 

This event is open to all 4-H volunteers, teen youth, and 4-H faculty/staff members. The Forum provides time to network and connect with others from around the state and learn more about the 4-H program's wonders. It is an excellent opportunity for 4-H teens and adults to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders in their local 4-H programs and Grow and Grow. 

The Forum can also be a fun 4-H Family Getaway to Ocean City! It offers something for the whole family, from fun drop-in activities to free time on the beach or boardwalk to workshops for adults and Teens and classes for younger 4-Hers and Cloverbuds where they can learn and have fun while their parents attend activities for adults. 

The Forum provides professional development workshops, connection sessions during the day on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and fun, hands-on drop-in activities on Saturday evenings. Professional development workshops are designed for adults and teens aged 13 and older. Youth classes will also be offered on Saturdays to engage and educate.

Completed registration is due by November 21, 2024.
Hurry while space lasts.

If you require accommodation, please check that box when registering and indicate the reasonable accommodation. 

Schedule

8:15 Leave Chester Park & Ride (Under the west side of the Kent Narrows Bridge)

9:00 Arrive Davidsonville Park & Ride (Davidsonville Road, at Rt. 50/301 Exit 16)

9:30 Leave Davidsonville Park & Ride

9:55 Stop 1: Arrive Greenstreet Gardens (95 minutes) - 391 W Bay Front Road, Lothian 20711. For more information visit https://greenstreetgardens.com/

11:30 Leave Greenstreet Gardens

12:00 Stop 3: Arrive Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards (110 minutes) – 15800 Croom Road, Brandywine 20613

Lunch Location - https://www.robinhillfarmandvineyards.com/

1:50 Leave Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards

2:15 Stop 4: Arrive Montpelier Farms (75 minutes) – 1720 Robert S. Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro 20774. For more information visit https://www.montpelierfarms.com/

3:30 Leave Montpelier Farms

3:45 Arrive Davidsonville Park & Ride

4:00 Leave Davidsonville Park & Ride

4:30 Arrive Chester Park & Ride

Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RFJKEUMYMWwtncfD7

Notice of Filming and Photography - When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By attending this event, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction.

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Kate Welch at the Talbot County Extension Office at 410-822-1244 by September 19, 2024.

May 9, 2024 9:30am-2:30pm
Planting green demonstration, Biomass and root sampling activities, Soil pit investigation, Slug scouting and control methods, Single species and mixes, sandy and clayey soils
The field day will include coffee, light breakfast and lunch

PSA Produce Safety Rule (PSR) Grower Training
Date: May 18, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: $35
Location: 10789 Stewart Neck Rd, Princess Anne, MD 21853

This training will cover the Produce Safety Rule and how to reduce sources of microbial contamination in produce production.

Registration Includes:

• • Course Materials (Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v 1.2)
• • Course Certificate from the Produce Safety Alliance upon successful completion of course materials
• • Light breakfast & lunch provided

Who Should Attend?

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires

‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?

The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:

• Introduction to Produce Safety
• Role of Maryland Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews
• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
• Soil Amendments
• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors.

Participation requirements for in-person attendees include:

• Course attendance and participation will be monitored. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.
• A hard-copy Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2 will be available to each attendee prior to the course administration.
• Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations after completing the course.

Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

For More Information: Megan Todd, motodd@law.umaryland.edu

The topics that will be addressed include: farm management, site management and maintenance, best management practices, mortality, manure handling, litter management, vegetative environmental buffers, financial/recordkeeping, nutrient management, inspections, and emergency preparedness. We will also share all the information in a memory stick to take back to the farm for future reference. Certificate of completion will be awarded to each participant.

When: Monday, May 20, 2024
Where: Snow Hill Lions Club, 5458 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Register: On or before May 16, 2024: https://Poultry-Management-5-20-24.eventbrite.com or call Sheila Oscar at 410-742-1178 or email soscar@umd.edu
Registration is $20 with lunch provided - payable by check or cash on the day of the workshop.

Maryland and Delaware Nutrient Management Credits will be available

This workshop is open to all. If you need special assistance, including dietary needs, please contact Sheila at soscar@umd.edu by Monday, May 6.

This year’s Poultry Grower Expo will include a tradeshow with 25+ businesses and several educational sessions throughout the day, including generators, generator maintenance, energy savings, solar opportunities, heater repair, and summer readiness.

Registration Includes:
• Course Materials (Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v 1.2)

• Course Certificate from the Produce Safety Alliance upon successful completion of course materials

Who Should Attend?
Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires

‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’
What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?
The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:

• Introduction to Produce Safety

• Role of Maryland Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews

• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

• Soil Amendments

• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)

• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors.

Participation requirements for in-person attendees include:
• Course attendance and participation will be monitored. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.

• A hard-copy Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2 will be available to each attendee prior to the course administration.

• Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations within one week of completing the course.

Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The 2024 Agronomy Meeting  will take place at 4:30 pm on February 22, 2024, at the Caroline County 4-H & Youth Park, located at 8230 Detour Rd., Denton, Md. 21629.

This event is free and counts for 2024 private pesticide and nutrient re-certifications.

Register to reserve a spot at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-agronomy-meeting-registration-780369625557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

2024 Poultry Grower Expo!

This event will include a tradeshow and educational sessions throughout the day, including generator maintenance, controller training, energy savings, summer readiness, and more.

Enjoy a free lunch and fellowship.

MD and DE Nutrient Management Credits Offered

Biosecurity is essential!  Take all precautions with clothes and footwear.

Please contact with any questions: Jon Moyle, jmoyle@umd.edu, Jenny Rhodes, jrhodes@umd.edu, Maegan Perdue, mperdue@umd.edu, Jennifer Timmons, jtimmons1@umes.edu, Georgie Cartanza, cartanza@udel.edu, and/or Holly Porter at porter@dcachicken.com

Date:  Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Time:  9 AM - 2 PM
Location:  Somerset County Civic Center, Crisfield Lane, Princess Anne, MD 21853
Registration to attend:  https://bit.ly/42vnpyj
For Sponsorship Opportunities:  http://tinyurl.com/2024growerexpo

Hosted by The Delmarva Poultry Team, UME, UMES, UDEL, DCA