Extension

Salisbury, MD – The Eastern Shore Pest Management Conference will take place on February 11, 2025, at the Wicomico Civic Center, located at 500 Glen Ave, Salisbury, MD. This premier event brings together industry professionals for a day of insightful presentations and networking, focusing on the latest trends and techniques in pest management.

Agenda

This conference is an excellent opportunity for attendees to gain valuable continuing education credits in various categories

• MDA-NM Certification: 2 CEU for Professional Fertilizer Applicator (PFA)
• MDA Pesticide Credits: 2 (Forestry), 3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research).
• Virginia Pesticide Credits: 2 (forestry),3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research), technician.
• Delaware Pesticide Credits: 2 (forestry),3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research) District of Columbia Pesticide Credits: 3A, C, (Ornamentals and Turf) 5 (Aquatic) 6 (Right of way), 10 (Demonstration & Research).
• Pennsylvania Pesticide Credits: 00 (Core 2), PC(Private 6), 06 (Ornamental and Shade Trees 3), 07 (Lawns and Turf3), 09 (Aquatic Pest Control 2), 10 (Right of Way & Weeds 3), 18 Demonstration & Research 10), 23 (Park/School Pest Control 10)
• West Virginia Pesticide credits: Cat 4A Turf & Ornamentals (6) , Cat 6 Aquatic Weed Control (4) , Cat 7 Right of Way (6)
• ISA: 3 CEUs, Maryland Tree Expert LTE: 4.0 CEUs Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional: 4 CEUs
• CPH: 1CEU (self-reporting on the MNLGA website)

Cost:

• Early Bird Registration: $81.88 (includes fees)  
• After February 7: $92.55 (includes fees) 

Reserve your spot today by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-eastern-shore-pest-management-conference-tickets-1091167825339

Join us for a day of learning, networking, and advancing your knowledge in pest management.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Ginny Rosenkranz on or before (2 weeks prior to event; may adjust depending on accommodation) at (301) 226-7715 or rosnkrnz@umd.edu

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.

Come join us for a morning of informational talks. Speakers will present on crop variety trials, weed management, using drones, crop budgets, MDA updates, and More!

For the full agenda, please reach out to Emily Zobel. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Emily Zobel at 40-228-8800 by February 4, 2025.

Este evento se ofrece en español bajo solicitud previa. Para adaptaciones y solicitudes, contacte a Emily Zobel al 410-228-8800 o ezobel@umd.edu antes del 4 de Febrero.

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.

Join us for the next MomentUMD Live with Kevin Atticks at The Stamp Atrium on January 29. 

The workshop will feature Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. The workshops will also involve research related to solar development by Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC.

The workshop will feature Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. The workshops will also involve research related to solar development by Elizabeth Thilmany, a Faculty Specialist in AREC.

Farmer Training & Certification (FTC)

For Agronomic Crop and Animal Operations

Winter/Spring 2025 Sessions

Description: An opportunity for producers with cropland and pastures in Maryland who meet the minimum requirements ($2,500 gross agricultural income or 8 animal units) to learn how to write their own nutrient management plan (NMP). Interested producers may attend one of four sessions, see registration information below. Upon completion of this course producers will become certified to write their operation’s plan and will also fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.
Time and Certification: This course requires a significant time commitment. Larger, more complicated farm operations and those with high phosphorus soil test levels and multiple sources of organic amendments may require additional training. Additional optional opportunities will be announced for each session during training. Farmers are required to have current soil and manure/organic tests prior to the training. To become certified, farmers must complete all coursework, pass the certification exam, and have their first nutrient management plan approved by MDA.

Before registering, ensure you have the required materials and skills:

• Required Materials/Technology
  • Reliable internet connection
  • Email address
  • Computer with Windows 7 or later (NuMan Pro software is not compatible with Mac)
  • Printer (provided for in-person courses)
  • Microsoft Word and Excel
  • PDF reader software
  • Webcam (for online course)
• Required Skills
  • Competency in high school math
  • Intermediate computer skills including:
    • Web browsing
    • MS Office programs (Word, Excel), PDF readers
    • Ability to download/open/save computer files
    • Ability to learn a new software program (NuMan Pro)

Cost and Accommodation:

• Space is limited, register early. Registration will close one week prior to the course date or when capacity is reached.
• Cost for the course is a $20 exam fee (to be paid directly to MDA following registration, no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course) and $25 for NuMan Pro software.
• If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this training, please contact Kayla Griffith (kmgriffi@umd.edu) no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Registration: Below are the four sessions that will be available during the winter and spring 2025. Register for one session only. Please pay particular attention to location, sessions are in-person or online only, there is no hybrid option. Registration is first come, first serve for those who have updated soil tests and manure tests (if applicable). Instructors reserve the right to cancel sessions that do not meet minimum registration requirements. Lunch will not be provided for in-person sessions, please plan accordingly.

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.

The AGNR Alumni Network is hosting our first tour of the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show and Happy Hour! 

The event has two parts! Join us for one or both:

Part 1- MANTS Tour @ 2pm - You must purchase your own registration here from the MANTS website directly. But let us know you are planning to attend the tour so we know how many tour guides we need.

Part 2- After the show closes- join us at Pratt Street Ale House from 5-7pm. Tickets are purchases on Zeffy for $25 to include complimentary drink ticket and food! Menu includes: Nacho Bar, Wings, Mini Crab cakes, Fresh Veggies and Mini Desserts.

UME will host town hall meetings across the state to gather feedback and input from community residents and stakeholders. This is a unique opportunity for community members to help shape UME’s strategic focus and influence future programming and outreach efforts. These town hall meetings offer a forum for community members to share insights on local needs, discuss pressing opportunities, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback on UME’s future direction. The perspectives and ideas shared during this event will be instrumental as UME develops a plan that responds to the challenges and priorities identified by Maryland communities.

You're invited to the 8th Annual Urban Farmer Winter Meeting, organized by UMD Extension.
Attend this annual professional development event to be updated on the latest local issues and research results.

This year we will meet at Allen AME Church, in Baltimore, MD. A big thank you to them for allowing us to meet in their space this year.

Draft agenda:
- Panel on land access
- Allen AME's experiences with community development through gardening
- Updates from new Urban Agriculture Extension Specialists
- Preliminary results of rainwater harvesting and treatment research
- Dinner and networking
More to be announced soon!

Registration and attendance options
In person attendance is capped at 60. This event will also be broadcast online. In the event of inclement weather, we will move the event fully online.

Registration is $15, plus eventbrite fees. This registration fee enables us to pay for dinner for in-person attendees and for the broadcast equipment to enable online attendance.

If this cost is a financial barrier to your participation, please fill out this scholarship application: https://ume.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BwkBtD8wSdTNdQ