Visit research and demonstration plots and get updates on weed management issues in the region.
Saltwater intrusion represents one of the foremost challenges related to climate change facing farmers in coastal communities in the Mid-Atlantic region. SALT, a two-day conference focused on saltwater intrusion and sea level rise in coastal agroecosystems, will be held June 11 and 12, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Md., and hopes to address what is happening in academics and on the ground to face it.
SALT stands for “Salinity-Affected Lands in Transition.” The conference will feature expert speakers discussing saltwater intrusion and sea level rise, case studies of areas across the country and hemisphere, environmental justice, coastal farming, ghost forests, adaptation solutions and mitigation strategies.
“The SALT Conference will bring together practitioners, policy-makers, and scientists to discuss issues related to sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion across the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. I am excited to share some of our lessons learned from projects in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia (funded by USDA-NIFA, NFWF, and the NSF) and learn from others who are facing similar challenges across the U.S. and the world,” said Dr. Kate Tully, a University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources researcher investigating saltwater intrusion on the Delmarva Peninsula. “The SALT conference will provide a platform for information sharing, partnership building, and networking. I'm hoping for a great turnout.”
This conference highlights research being conducted by the University of Maryland (UMD) Agroecology Lab, the University of Delaware (UD) and George Washington University (GWU) on the Delmarva Peninsula, which comprises the coastal areas of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. The partners have been researching the extent and economic impact of saltwater intrusion in the region and developing potential mitigation strategies for land affected by saltwater intrusion. The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology has been partnering with researchers from these institutions on outreach and stakeholder engagement for the project.
This research and conference are supported by grants from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the National Science Foundation. People can register for the conference online at go.umd.edu/SALT. Registration is open until June 3, 2024.
This conference is complemented by a podcast series called Delmarva’s Invisible Flood. The three-episode series features conversations with the researchers at UMD, UD and GWU who are working on the ground to test and implement mitigation strategies, map saltwater intrusion’s extent, and deduce its impact on society. The podcast series can be found at hughescenter.podbean.com.
Key Speakers:
Equine Extension Specialist: Dr. Amy Burk
With a wealth of experience in equine health and management, our equine extension specialist will delve into the unique needs of horses in a rotational grazing environment. From grazing behavior to nutritional requirements, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to ensure the well-being of their equine companions.
Forage Extension Specialist: Dr. Amanda Grev
Our forage specialist will share her expertise on cultivating and maintaining high-quality pasture for horses. From grass species selection to rotational system management, attendees will learn essential techniques for fostering forage that supports optimal equine health.
Howard County Extension Agriculture Agent: Nathan Glenn
With years of comprehensive experience in agriculture education, and a unique understanding of farm economics, our local county ag agent can help farm owners learn when pasture management techniques can help with the bottom line expenses associated with horse keeping, especially on smaller acreages.
Event Highlights:
- Comprehensive overview of rotational grazing principles and benefits for horse owners.
- Practical guidance on designing and implementing rotational grazing systems tailored to equine needs.
- Strategies for pasture rotation scheduling, stocking rates, and fencing design to maximize forage utilization and minimize pasture degradation.
- Q&A sessions with our expert speakers, providing attendees with the opportunity to address specific concerns and gain personalized advice.
Whether you are looking for additional tips to improve what you already have in place or are new to rotational grazing, this educational event offers invaluable knowledge and resources to help you unlock the full potential of your pastures and promote the well-being of your horses. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow horse owners and gain insights from leading experts in the field of equine and forage management. Join us and take the first step towards a healthier, more sustainable approach to pasture management for your equine companions.
Event: Equine Grazing School (2 part)
Cost: Earlybird $45.00; Regular $65.00
Registration: https://go.umd.edu/equinegrazing
Enrollment is limited to 30 people to keep the group small and allow for more interaction, networking, and hands-on opportunities. Lunch and morning refreshments will be provided for the in-person portion. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors, so be sure to plan ahead and dress accordingly.
Part 1
Date: June 19, 2024 | Wednesday
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Online Zoom session (a zoom link will be sent to those who register)
Description: This online session will cover several foundational topics related to pasture management and rotational grazing to help set the stage for part 2.
Part 2
Date: June 22, 2024 | Saturday
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Baltimore County Extension Office, Center for Maryland Agriculture & Farm Park, 1114 Shawan Road, Suite 2, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Description: Part 2 will include a combination of classroom and hands-on exercises to provide participants with opportunities to work with grazing tools and fencing materials and to implement some of the practices learned. Participants will also have an opportunity to talk with course instructors to begin developing a customized grazing plan for their farm.
If you have questions or need assistance please contact either your local county Extension office or the Western Maryland Research and Education Center at 301-432-2767. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity please contact us at least two weeks prior to the event.
This event is brought to you by University of Maryland Extension, the Maryland-Delaware Forage Council, and the Maryland Horse Industry Board. Thank you to our event partners!
University of Maryland Extension 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 reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
Registration available through Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/29th-annual-procrastinators-pesticide-and-…
University of Maryland Extension, in cooperation with Montgomery College, is pleased to announce the 29th Annual Procrastinator's Pesticide and Urban Nutrient Management Conference. The meeting will be in person only.
Topics include exciting happenings in the insect and mite world, turf organic herbicide efficacy trial results, using the pest predictive calendar, disease updates, and equipment calibration. The full agenda will be available in late May.
Yes, this year is a true procrastinator's meeting. And yes, this will still count for Maryland pesticide credits!
Pending credits:
Maryland Pesticide
Maryland Professional Fertilizer Applicator
Maryland Licensed Tree Expert (LTE)
D.C. Pesticide
Virginia Pesticide
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Date: June 24, 2024 | Monday
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: 14010 Montevideo Road, Poolesville, MD. 20837 | Cost: Free
Description: Join University of Maryland Extension, NRCS, and Amanda Cather for an educational pasture walk at Plow and Stars Farm in Poolesville, MD (Montgomery county). Plow and Stars Farm raises grass-fed Katahdin lamb and poultry with a focus on diversified grazing and soil health practices. Topics of discussion will include raising grass-fed lamb, practices to build soil health, and parasite management on pasture. Sponsored by University of Maryland Extension and NE SARE
Registration: https://go.umd.edu/pw-june
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
Attend this in-person event to receive certification for Good Agricultural Practices from the Maryland Department of Agriculture. All-day attendance is mandatory to earn the certificate.
Agenda:
| Time | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Registration open |
| 8:30 – 9:05 a.m. | Introductions, expectations, Introduction: Writing a Food Safety Plan |
| 9:05 – 9:55 a.m. | What is hazard analysis? Workers: Health Hygiene, and Training (35 min talk + 10 min plan work and discussion) |
| 9:55 – 10:05 a.m. | Break |
| 10:05 – 10:40 a.m. | Wildlife (25 min talk + 10 min plan work and discussion) |
| 10:40 – 11:45 a.m. | Production Water (40 min talk + 15 min plan work and discussion) |
| 11:45- Noon | Questions? |
| Noon – 1:00 p.m. | lunch break |
| 1:00 pm – 1:50 p.m. | Waste: Fertilizers/Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin (BSAAO’s) (40 min talk + 10 min plan work) |
| 1:50 - 2:40 p.m. | Good Handling Practices: Harvest and Postharvest, (35 min talk, 15 min plan work) |
| 2:40 – 2:50 pm | Break |
| 2:50 – 3:30 pm | Postharvest Water, (30 min talk, 10 min plan work), |
| 3:30 – 4:00 pm | Standard Operating Procedures (15 min talk, 15 min writing, 1 example report out) |
| 4:00 pm | What is next? GAP implementation, record keeping questions, the audit |
| 4:30 pm | Adjourn |
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.
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.’
The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:
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.
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
Attend this in-person event to receive certification for Good Agricultural Practices from the Maryland Department of Agriculture. All-day attendance is mandatory to earn the certificate.
Agenda:
| Time | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Registration open |
| 8:30 – 9:05 a.m. | Introductions, expectations, Introduction: Writing a Food Safety Plan |
| 9:05 – 9:55 a.m. | What is hazard analysis? Workers: Health Hygiene, and Training (35 min talk + 10 min plan work and discussion) |
| 9:55 – 10:05 a.m. | Break |
| 10:05 – 10:40 a.m. | Wildlife (25 min talk + 10 min plan work and discussion) |
| 10:40 – 11:45 a.m. | Production Water (40 min talk + 15 min plan work and discussion) |
| 11:45- Noon | Questions? |
| Noon – 1:00 p.m. | lunch break |
| 1:00 pm – 1:50 p.m. | Waste: Fertilizers/Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin (BSAAO’s) (40 min talk + 10 min plan work) |
| 1:50 - 2:40 p.m. | Good Handling Practices: Harvest and Postharvest, (35 min talk, 15 min plan work) |
| 2:40 – 2:50 pm | Break |
| 2:50 – 3:30 pm | Postharvest Water, (30 min talk, 10 min plan work), |
| 3:30 – 4:00 pm | Standard Operating Procedures (15 min talk, 15 min writing, 1 example report out) |
| 4:00 pm | What is next? GAP implementation, record keeping questions, the audit |
| 4:30 pm | Adjourn |
