Animal and Avian Sciences (ANSC)

The AFA Leaders Conference is a 4-day experience in Kansas City, MO where you'll have the opportunity to learn from and connect with industry leaders in ag, animal, and food, meet students from across the country, and develop essential professional skills. AFA cover the majority of costs associated with participation and a travel stipend application is available to all interested AGNR students. 

Spend some time working on your application for AFA Leaders Conference with the UMD AFA Ambassador and AGNR career services program director. We'll be there to answer questions and offer advice on completing the application, plus answer any questions you may have about the experience.

Bonus: free pizza!

Join poultry producers, industry professionals, educators, and vendors for the 2026 Commercial Poultry Expo on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Somerset County Agricultural & Civic Center in Princess Anne, Maryland.

This annual event brings together the latest in poultry production through:

• Educational programs
• Industry vendors and tradeshow exhibits
• Networking opportunities
• Lunch included with registration
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Whether you're looking to discover new technologies, connect with experts, or learn about the latest developments in the poultry industry, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Attendee registration is now open! Vendor spaces are also available.

These are casual “get to know you" type events where we will share a meal and get to know each other. Participants will meet the new Frederick County Agriculture Extension Agent and network with fellow farmers and community members. We will discuss challenges, celebrate successes, share experiences, and learn from others. I will also share information about extension and provide some farm safety and farm stress resources. Small Scale farmers, beginning farmers, and equestrians are all welcome to attend! Here are the dates and locations:

• Coffee and Conversations #1 Friday, July 24th 9-11am: Fox Haven Farm Jefferson, MD.

• Coffee and Conversations #2 Friday, August 21st 9-11am: Mountain Gate Family Restaurant Thurmont, MD.

  Register Here

• Coffee and Conversations for Veteran Farmers Saturday, August 22nd 9:30-11:30am: Twin Arch Tavern, Mount Airy, MD. (This one is a special veteran & military connected farmer/homesteader/gardener meetup to begin developing a statewide network). Veterans Event Registration

This is a free event and breakfast will be provided, but space is limited. Please register in advance so we can get an accurate headcount. For inquiries or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate please contact Sara Kidd at skkidd@umd.edu or 301-600-3577

I would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this information to your networks or include it in your newsletter if you feel it's relevant!

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR. This session includes a general presentation about academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional visit to environmental science and fermentation science laboratories, as well as a visit to our on-campus farm!

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR. This session includes a general presentation on academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional tour of landscape architecture and plant sciences, and the unique opportunity to step onto UMD athletics fields to learn about turf management!

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR.  This session includes a general presentation about academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional visit to a wildlife ecology laboratory and then our on-campus farm.

Each visit date holds a unique opportunity to discover something new in AGNR. This session includes a general presentation on academic program options within AGNR. The presentation will be followed by an optional visit to environmental science laboratories and a unique opportunity to step onto UMD athletics fields to learn about turf management!!

Join us to watch our graduating students cross the stage on Thursday, May 21 from 2pm-4m. Tickets are required for the ceremony. Procession and ceremony will begin promptly at 2pm. It is recommended that guests and graduates park in Regents Garage which is ADA accessible and will have a shuttle running to/from the Armory. Campus parking as a whole will be unrestricted and pay stations will be turned off on commencement days. 

For more information: https://agnr.umd.edu/undergraduate/current-students/agnr-commencement/

Eat, Drink and Be Maryland is a relaxed chance to reconnect with fellow AGNR Terps over good food and local flavors. Share stories from campus, swap career updates, and enjoy time with friends who know what “AGNR proud” feels like.

The evening includes farm picnic dinner, wagon tour of the agronomy and horticulture programs of the Wye Research and Education Center and Strawberry shortcakes for dessert.

Your registration helps the AGNR Alumni Network keep alumni connected and support current students through mentoring, networking, and community programs. Tickets are priced at $20 and for children 10 and under it is $15. We’re looking forward to seeing you there 🎉.

Menu includes: Fried Chicken, homemade potato salad, bbq beans, fresh fruit, homemade rolls, fresh strawberry shortcake, ice tea, lemonade and water.

Join the Environmental Science & Policy program for their Spring 2026 Symposium, "Forever Chemicals: Science and Solutions to Protect Public Health." 

The event will feature a panel of experts including: 

Dr. Paul Turner, School of Public Health
Dr. Guangbin Li, School of Engineering
Mr. Zach Schafer, Maryland Department of the Environment
Moderator: Ms. Catalina Gibney, EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water and ENSP Alum