You are invited to attend the 2024 LESREC Fruit and Vegetable Twilight Tour on August 6. Come listen to extension educators and specialists showcase their vegetable and berry research plots. This event is free, but registration is requested for a dinner count.
Program Objectives:
• Interact with professionals and increase awareness of various careers within the umbrella of One Health.
• Meet teens with similar interests in pursuing careers in animal, environmental, and human health.
• Gain knowledge, understanding, and skills around career and college readiness.
• Network with professionals to identify opportunities for career development in One Health-related fields.
Audience:
Youth ages 13+ (as of Jan 1) with a spark in animal sciences, environmental sciences, healthy living, and interested in learning about One Health careers.
Participation Fee: $5.00 per youth
Registration: Limited, closes June 26, 2024
Lunch provided
For reasonable accommodation to participate in this activity, contact Kevin Huang, khuang14@umd.edu, or (301) 405-8105 at least two weeks before the event.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Event: Pasture Walk at Western Maryland Research and Education Center
Date: July 23, 2024 | Tuesday
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: 18330 Keedysville Rd., Keedysville, MD 21756 | Cost: Free
Description: Join University of Maryland Extension and NRCS for an educational pasture walk at the University of Maryland Western Maryland Research and Education Center in Keedysville, MD (Washington county).
Extension educators are working on an ongoing mixed-species grazing management study utilizing annual forages as a means to extend the grazing season and will discuss grazing and parasite management, mixed-species grazing, and strategies for working annual forages into a pasture system. A variety of warm-season annual mixtures have been established at the reserach station, discussion will also include options for annual mixtures and pros/cons for a variety of annual forage species and mixtures.
Sponsored by University of Maryland Extension and NE SARE
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: https://go.umd.edu/pw-July
Adult 4-H Volunteers may register by invitation only. 4-H Volunteers must have an approved enrollment for the current program year. Contact Jessica Mellon at jmellon@umd.edu for more information.
Youth should enroll in 4-H Online.
This event will introduce several agricultural and mechanical sciences-related 4-H/FFA project areas. Participants will learn these state-level competitive events' general knowledge, safety, and requirements.
This event is open to enrolled 4-H youth members ages 8-18 and FFA youth members ages 13-18. Age is determined by the youth's age on January 1, 2024.
Age-appropriate activities will be based on 4-H youth age divisions. 4-H age divisions are:
Junior - ages 8-10
Intermediate - ages 11-13
Senior - ages 14-18
Adult 4-H Volunteers may register by invitation only. 4-H Volunteers must have an approved enrollment for the current program year. Contact Jessica Mellon at jmellon@umd.edu for more information.
This 4-H event must have at least 15 registered youth to take place. The event is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of registrations are not received by June 15, 2024.
There is no fee for this event.
Participants will provide their food and drinks. Water and light snacks will be provided.
Due to the limited availability of local dining options, it is strongly recommended that participants bring their lunch, drinks, and snacks. Refrigerators will be available.
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.
UMD Alumni Ticket: $40.00
Purchase this ticket if you attended the University of Maryland for your certificate, undergrad or graduate degree.
Non-Alumni & Friends: $45.00
Purchase this ticket if you did not attend UMD and are 18 and above.
Future Terp-Youth 6-17 years old $20.00
Youth are welcome to join us for an evening on the farm. Ages 6-17 are $20. 5 & under are free.
Join the University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources and the AGNR Alumni Network for a night on the farm!
Held on the Central Maryland Research and Education Center - Clarksville Facility, this casual farm to table event will include a picnic dinner, wagon tour and showcase of the research and education happening at the facility. Connect with faculty, staff, alums and family, enjoy a delicious meal and support AGNR student clubs at the silent auction.
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
