Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

At this field day you will get to see a rainwater harvesting system built onto a high tunnel (hoop house), which uses gutters, IBC totes, and rain barrels to collect and store rainwater. A drip irrigation system then waters crops in the high tunnel with the collected rainwater. The system also tests two different water treatment technologies to reduce the risk of human pathogens affecting the crops being irrigated with the rainwater.

This demonstration and research project is funded by USDA-NIFA and has been implemented by a multi-organization team led by Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein's Water Quality, Outreach, and Wellness Lab: https://sph.umd.edu/research-impact/laboratories-projects-and-programs/…

This is a contest in which teams compete. Youth and coaches who wish to participate should contact the county/city 4-H office for information about team selection. Team members selected for statewide competition must be registered using the 4HOnline system and approved by their county/city 4-H office. Entries are due by November 17th. For more information on the structure of teams, please refer to the section entitled, “Teams”. 

The contest will feature Junior, Intermediate, and Senior age divisions. Registration for the event will open soon in 4-H Online and will be due by November 17, 2024.

The rules and regulations for the 2024 contest are posted on the Maryland 4-H webpage at: Dog Bowl Rules and Information

Contact Ashley Travis at ashley90@umd.edu or Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu if you have questions

Join us for the 2024 Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum in Ocean City, MD! 

This event is open to all 4-H volunteers, teen youth, and 4-H faculty/staff members. The Forum provides time to network and connect with others from around the state and learn more about the 4-H program's wonders. It is an excellent opportunity for 4-H teens and adults to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders in their local 4-H programs and Grow and Grow. 

The Forum can also be a fun 4-H Family Getaway to Ocean City! It offers something for the whole family, from fun drop-in activities to free time on the beach or boardwalk to workshops for adults and Teens and classes for younger 4-Hers and Cloverbuds where they can learn and have fun while their parents attend activities for adults. 

The Forum provides professional development workshops, connection sessions during the day on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and fun, hands-on drop-in activities on Saturday evenings. Professional development workshops are designed for adults and teens aged 13 and older. Youth classes will also be offered on Saturdays to engage and educate.

Completed registration is due by November 21, 2024.
Hurry while space lasts.

If you require accommodation, please check that box when registering and indicate the reasonable accommodation. 

Become a plant detective and enhance your diagnostic skills! Join Madeline Potter, UME Faculty Specialist for Entomology & IPM, for a three-part plant diagnostic training series with a focus on diagnosing plant damage by insects and other arthropods. Live attendance is highly encouraged to participate in interactive portions of the training, but each training will be recorded if you cannot join us live. Training topics will include diagnostic tools, identification of plant damage categories and types, identification of common arthropod pests, plant diagnostic case studies, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to put their new skills to practice by virtually submitting monthly plant damage specimens. Register to receive webinar recording links and materials.

Schedule:
-Sept. 11th: Diagnosing plant problems
-Oct. 9th: Insect identification
-Nov. 13th: Integrated pest management & working with the public

Join Baltimore City, Maryland based non-profit Backyard Basecamp for their annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 27th from 2pm to 6pm (EST). The festival will feature local vendors, family-friendly activities, cooking and food demonstrations, workshops, crafts, food, music and more!

Extension Educator Madeline Potter, will be tabling with an activity about sustainable fall gardening and the benefits of leaving the leaves.

Event Highlights:
-Cooking Demos & Tastings: Savor mouthwatering cooking demonstrations and tastings that will tantalize your taste buds.
-Fun for Kids: Enjoy face painting, pony rides, pumpkin carving, and more activities designed for kids and families.
-Local Vendors: Explore the talents of local vendors and discover unique, handcrafted items.
-Food Truck Delights: Treat yourself to delectable offerings from our food truck.
-Farmstand with Chloe: We’re bringing back the farmstand with Chloe, who will be selling our amazing produce and farm goods.

The Small Ruminant sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 7 pm EST. Registration is required.

o November 5, 2024: Are Dairy Goats a Good Fit For My Farm?
o November 12: Managing Manure and Mortalities on Small Farms
o November 19: Meet the New UME Ruminant Specialist, Plus Q&A
o December 3: Farm Signage from a Legal Specialist's Perspective
o December 10: Guardians

Figs, Master Gardener Program, GI-EI

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (Directions: Participants will meet in the new teaching and research building at 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. After turning from Folly Quarter Road make the first left and continue around the building to park.)
Cost: $30 for the day, paid by September 27, 2024 via check to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, covers materials and a box lunch.
Description: Hands-on activities to enhance any certified farmer or certified nutrient management consultant’s skill set. This year’s session will focus on topics most relevant to diverse agricultural operations. Topics to be covered include: Dr. Amanda Grev: "Pasture and Hay Management,” UMD Ag Nutrient Management Program: “Corn yield checks,” MDA Q&A during lunch, and UMD Ag Nutrient Management Program: “Manure Spreader Calibration.” CEUs: 4 hours of credit toward consultants’ or operators’ continuing education
requirement will be earned from full participation in this event.
Who should attend: Certified nutrient management consultants/operators and any individual interested in learning hands-on aspects of nutrient management are encouraged to attend.
For more information: Email Kayla Griffith at kmgriffi@umd.edu
Register online:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhB5JENEREw3k7e-AypjnyFpI9WKaW5T_EELxuuYbLnXPCbQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0 (Payment link, agenda, and directions will be sent to registrants)

Complementing the options to visit and tour the University of Maryland, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) will be hosting college-specific Information Sessions on select visit days. Prospective students and their families will have the chance to learn about AGNR, its majors, minors, student clubs and more! Each Info Session will also provide an opportunity for visitors to interact with current students in these agricultural- and environmental science-based majors. Each session will include an opportunity to interact with representatives of the majors in AGNR.

Complementing the options to visit and tour the University of Maryland, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) will be hosting college-specific Information Sessions on select visit days. Prospective students and their families will have the chance to learn about AGNR, its majors, minors, student clubs and more! Each Info Session will also provide an opportunity for visitors to interact with current students in these agricultural- and environmental science-based majors. Each session will include an opportunity to interact with representatives of the majors in AGNR.