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.
