Agriculture

Speaker:    Dr. Jordan Shockley

Our speaker for this GLB will be Dr. Jordan Shockley, Associate Extension Professor, Farm Management and Poultry Specialist, with the University of Kentucky. 

Dr. Shockley was born and raised in a small rural town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He then moved to Kentucky to attend the University of Kentucky as an undergraduate and spent 10 years in Lexington, where he received both his Masters and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics.

Join us on Thursday, February 13, to get the latest information on the Economics of Biosecurity for Commercial Poultry Growers!

Register for this Zoom here:  https://go.umd.edu/GLB-economics

Topics for the event will be: Slugs and Soybean Seed Treatments, N-Rate Trails, Herbicide Trials, Economics, Soil Health, Lithos Plot Results, and Nutrient Management and Pesticide Regulation Updates.

The University of Maryland Extension and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host an all-day workshop focusing on fruits, insects, and management on Wednesday, February 19th, at the Wye Research and Education Center, 124 Wye Narrows Drive in Queenstown.

Salisbury, MD – The Eastern Shore Pest Management Conference will take place on February 11, 2025, at the Wicomico Civic Center, located at 500 Glen Ave, Salisbury, MD. This premier event brings together industry professionals for a day of insightful presentations and networking, focusing on the latest trends and techniques in pest management.

Agenda

This conference is an excellent opportunity for attendees to gain valuable continuing education credits in various categories

• MDA-NM Certification: 2 CEU for Professional Fertilizer Applicator (PFA)
• MDA Pesticide Credits: 2 (Forestry), 3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research).
• Virginia Pesticide Credits: 2 (forestry),3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research), technician.
• Delaware Pesticide Credits: 2 (forestry),3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research) District of Columbia Pesticide Credits: 3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research).
• Pennsylvania Pesticide Credits: 00 (Core 2), PC(Private 6), 06 (Ornamental and Shade Trees 3), 07 (Lawns and Turf3), 09 (Aquatic Pest Control 2), 10 (Right of Way & Weeds 3), 18 Demonstration & Research 10), 23 (Park/School Pest Control 10)
• West Virginia Pesticide credits: Cat 4A Turf & Ornamentals (6) , Cat 6 Aquatic Weed Control (4) , Cat 7 Right of Way (6)
• ISA: 3 CEUs, Maryland Tree Expert LTE: 4.0 CEUs Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional: 4 CEUs
• CPH: 1CEU (self-reporting on the MNLGA website)

Cost:

• Early Bird Registration: $81.88 (includes fees)  
• After February 7: $92.55 (includes fees) 

Reserve your spot today by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-eastern-shore-pest-management-conference-tickets-1091167825339

Join us for a day of learning, networking, and advancing your knowledge in pest management.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Ginny Rosenkranz on or before (2 weeks prior to event; may adjust depending on accommodation) at (301) 226-7715 or rosnkrnz@umd.edu

Keedysville, MD – The University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research and Education Center is excited to announce the annual Western Maryland Regional Fruit Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025. This valuable event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center, 18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville, MD 21756.

Join us for a comprehensive day dedicated to the commercial fruit industry, featuring updates on pesticide and nutrient management and other essential information for tree and small fruit production. Industry experts and representatives from the University of Maryland Extension will provide insights that are vital for growers and producers.

Attending this meeting counts toward recertification for continuing education credits (CEUs) for individuals holding a current and valid license in Maryland and West Virginia for Pesticide Recertification Training and Nutrient Management Voucher.

• MARYLAND Recertification Training Commercial/Public Agency/Consultant/Private-6 credits in Categories 1A, 10*,CORE, PVT*
• WEST VIRGINIA Pesticide Recertification Training-5 credits in Cat 1-5, Cat 11-5, Cat 12-5, Cat PA-4
• MARYLAND Nutrient Management Program- 2 hours

The cost to attend the workshop is $40 prior to February 6, 2025, and $45 thereafter. Your registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and educational handouts.

Don’t miss the opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow industry professionals. For more information and to register, please visit https://go.umd.edu/WMFM-2025.

AGENDA (Tentative-subject to change)

MORNING SESSION

• 8:30 a.m. Registration Check-In & Continental Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. Introductions & Program Overview, Dr. Joseph Fiola, Specialist in Viticulture and Small Fruit, UME, WMREC, Keedysville, MD
• 9:10 a.m. Nutrient Management Update & Recertification, Bryan Harris, Implementation Coordinator NMP, MDA, Annapolis, MD
• 9:40 a.m. Pesticide Regulatory Update & Recertification,Rob Hofstetter, Program Manager, Pesticide Regulation Section, MDA, Annapolis, MD
• 10:10 a.m. Break & Visit Displays
• 10:30 a.m. Apple Fruit Harvest and Management, Macarena Farcuh, Assistant Professor, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, UMD
• 11:15 a.m. Reminders for Managing Cane Borers, Strawberry Rootworm, and Sap Beetles, Kelly Hamby, Associate Professor/Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology, UMD
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch & Visit Displays

AFTERNOON SESSION

• 1:00 p.m. Maryland State Horticultural Society (MSHS) & Maryland Apple Promotion Board Update,Chuck Schuster, MSHS Executive Director; Bill Gardenhour, Apple Promotion Board Update, Gardenhour Orchards, Smithsburg, MD
• 1:15 p.m. Strawberry Neopestalotiopsis and its Impact in Mid-Atlantic Strawberry Fields, Samantha Ann Hasselhoff, Research Graduate Assistant, Plant Pathology, PSLA, UMD
• 1:55 p.m. Orchard “IPM” Research Update, Dr. Laura Nixon, Visiting Scientist, Entomology, USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station
• 2:30 p.m. Break & Visit Displays
• 2:50 p.m. Tree Fruit Horticulture Update, Dr. Lisa Tang, Horticulturist, USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV
• 3:30 p.m. Managing Apple Production in Warmer, Wetter, Windier, Wackier Weather, Dr. Chris Walsh, Emeritus Professor, Horticulture, PSLA, UMD
• 4:00 p.m. Discussion Questions, Comments, Pesticide and Nutrient Management Recertification, Program Evaluation, and Adjourn

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact us at (301) 432-2767.

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.

Come join us for a morning of informational talks. Speakers will present on crop variety trials, weed management, using drones, crop budgets, MDA updates, and More!

For the full agenda, please reach out to Emily Zobel. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Emily Zobel at 40-228-8800 by February 4, 2025.

Este evento se ofrece en español bajo solicitud previa. Para adaptaciones y solicitudes, contacte a Emily Zobel al 410-228-8800 o ezobel@umd.edu antes del 4 de Febrero.

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.

Farmer Training & Certification (FTC)

For Agronomic Crop and Animal Operations

Winter/Spring 2025 Sessions

Description: An opportunity for producers with cropland and pastures in Maryland who meet the minimum requirements ($2,500 gross agricultural income or 8 animal units) to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP). Interested producers may attend one of four sessions, see registration information below. Upon completion of this course producers will become certified to write their operation’s plan and will also fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.
Time and Certification: This course requires a significant time commitment. Larger, more complicated farm operations and those with high phosphorus soil test levels and multiple sources of organic amendments may require additional training. Additional optional opportunities will be announced for each session during training. Farmers are required to have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to the training. To become certified, farmers must complete all coursework, pass the certification exam, and have their first nutrient management plan approved by MDA.

Before registering, ensure you have the required materials and skills:

• Required Materials/Technology
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Email address
  • Computer with Windows 7 or later (NuMan Pro software is not compatible with Mac)
  • Printer (provided for in-person courses)
  • Microsoft Word and Excel
  • PDF reader software
  • Webcam (for online course)
• Required Skills
  • Competency in high school math
  • Intermediate computer skills including:
    • Web browsing
    • MS Office programs (Word, Excel), PDF readers
    • Ability to download/open/save computer files
    • Ability to learn a new software program (NuMan Pro)

Cost and Accommodation:

• Space is limited, register early. Registration will close one week prior to the course date or when capacity is reached.
• Cost for the course is a $20 exam fee (to be paid directly to MDA following registration, no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course) and $25 for NuMan Pro software.
• If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this training, please contact Kayla Griffith (kmgriffi@umd.edu) no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Registration: Below are the four sessions that will be available during the winter and spring 2025. Register for one session only. Please pay particular attention to location, sessions are in-person or online only, there is no hybrid option. Registration is first come, first serve for those who have updated soil tests and manure tests (if applicable). Instructors reserve the right to cancel sessions that do not meet minimum registration requirements. Lunch will not be provided for in-person sessions, please plan accordingly.

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.

Farmer Training & Certification (FTC)

For Agronomic Crop and Animal Operations

Winter/Spring 2025 Sessions

Description: An opportunity for producers with cropland and pastures in Maryland who meet the minimum requirements ($2,500 gross agricultural income or 8 animal units) to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP). Interested producers may attend one of four sessions, see registration information below. Upon completion of this course producers will become certified to write their operation’s plan and will also fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.
Time and Certification: This course requires a significant time commitment. Larger, more complicated farm operations and those with high phosphorus soil test levels and multiple sources of organic amendments may require additional training. Additional optional opportunities will be announced for each session during training. Farmers are required to have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to the training. To become certified, farmers must complete all coursework, pass the certification exam, and have their first nutrient management plan approved by MDA.

Before registering, ensure you have the required materials and skills:

• Required Materials/Technology
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Email address
  • Computer with Windows 7 or later (NuMan Pro software is not compatible with Mac)
  • Printer (provided for in-person courses)
  • Microsoft Word and Excel
  • PDF reader software
  • Webcam (for online course)
• Required Skills
  • Competency in high school math
  • Intermediate computer skills including:
    • Web browsing
    • MS Office programs (Word, Excel), PDF readers
    • Ability to download/open/save computer files
    • Ability to learn a new software program (NuMan Pro)

Cost and Accommodation:

• Space is limited, register early. Registration will close one week prior to the course date or when capacity is reached.
• Cost for the course is a $20 exam fee (to be paid directly to MDA following registration, no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course) and $25 for NuMan Pro software.
• If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this training, please contact Kayla Griffith (kmgriffi@umd.edu) no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Registration: Below are the four sessions that will be available during the winter and spring 2025. Register for one session only. Please pay particular attention to location, sessions are in-person or online only, there is no hybrid option. Registration is first come, first serve for those who have updated soil tests and manure tests (if applicable). Instructors reserve the right to cancel sessions that do not meet minimum registration requirements. Lunch will not be provided for in-person sessions, please plan accordingly.

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.

1/14/25           

Grain Budgeting - Simplified                   

This presentation is designed for producers and stakeholders interested in enhancing their decision-making processes. We'll focus on best budgeting practices via a walkthrough of our new grain budgeting website, which was designed to support improvements in planning and risk management practices. Additionally, we'll introduce our beta resource that tracks utility—and community-scale solar developments in Maryland.

Elizabeth Thilmany     

2/11/25

Setting Goals for your Farm Business

This webinar will guide you in setting clear, actionable goals to grow and sustain your farm business. Learn how to assess your farm's needs, set SMART goals, and create strategies to track progress. Perfect for farmers, families, and agribusiness owners ready to plan for the future.

Shannon Dill                                              

3/11/25                       

Small-scale berry production  

How to produce blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and other woody small fruits on small acreage (less than 10 acres). This talk is meant for anyone considering diversifying their farm by adding small fruits or just getting started growing small fruit. We'll be talking about the first steps to getting your planting going and how to take care of and manage your planting so you will continue to have a bountiful harvest for years to come.          

Haley Sater

4/8/25         

Leveraging Social Media and Consumer Insights to Boost Your Market Opportunities                    

This webinar will share insights from my research on consumer behavior and marketing practices in ornamental horticulture, offering practical strategies to explore and expand market opportunities by leveraging consumer insights and social media.

Xuan Wei  

5/13/25           

Nitrogen management in humid temperate climates   

The webinar will discuss the nitrogen cycle, pathways for nitrogen loss in cropping systems, and best management practices for conserving nitrogen. 

Sarah Hirsh    

6/10/25            NO WEBINAR                                     

7/8/25   

Pasture Renovation: Putting the Punch Back in Your Pastures  

Think your pasture may be in need of some renovation but aren't sure where to start? This presentation will provide an overview of the pasture renovation process, including how to determine if renovation is needed, different types of renovation, timing for renovation, and 10 steps for successful stand establishment.  

Amanda Grev

8/12/25            no webinar                                    

9/9/25  

Native Grasses 101     

A quick look at some of Maryland's underutilized native grasses, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into landscapes. Will also take a look at some non-native, invasive grasses that are ecologically harmful and their native alternatives.

Mikaela Boley

10/14/25           

Navigating Farm Family Finances          

Farm operations often juggle the business operation finances with the personal family finances. This workshop will provide an overview of a toolkit available designed for farmers to explore aspects of balancing personal finances.    

Jesse Ketterman & Carrie Sorenson   

11/11/25         

Understanding IPM Basics and developing an IPM plan

An overview of different IPM techniques and the best practices for implementing them, then how to develop an IPM plan for your specific growing operation as well as helpful resources

Hayden Schug

12/9/25     No Webinar   

University of Maryland Extension, the Maryland-Delaware Forage Council, Penn State Extension, and the Pennsylvania Forage and Grasslands Council invite forage producers, grazers, livestock owners, and associated industry personnel to attend the upcoming Tri-State Forage Conference in Grantsville, MD on January 22, 2025.

Topics for the conference will include:

• Mineral Nutrition and Practical Feeding Considerations
• Matching Mineral Nutrition to Livestock Needs
• Integrating Annual Forages as a Drought Management Strategy
• and more!

Morning refreshments will be available, and lunch is included in the price of the ticket. Doors will open at 8:30 am, and the meeting will start at 9 am.

Participants will be able to earn nutrient management certification credits and private and commercial pesticide applicator credits (amounts will be updated once credits are approved).

Registration is required to attend. Early bird pricing is available through January 13th. Attendees also have the option to renew or become a member of the Maryland-Delaware Forage Council with the purchase of a ticket to the forage conference (and receive a $5 discount off the cost of membership!). Payment is accepted by credit card or check payable to the Maryland-Delaware Forage Council.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact us at 301-334-6960.