PRINCESS ANNE-MD- (October 2,
2020)-COVID-19 will not prevent University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension
from holding its 17th annual Small Farm Conference November
6-7. Registration is now open for the
event that will take place this year in a hybrid format to ensure the safety of
participants.
“During
these challenging times, farmers need our support more than ever. The conference
has been instrumental in keeping them abreast of agricultural resources and
strategies that have improved their farm operations over the past 16 years,” said
Berran Rogers Jr., event chair and coordinator for UMES’ Small Farm Program. “It was therefore decided that we restructure
this year’s program to meet necessary guidelines and continue to provide this
essential service to our stakeholders.”
An average of 200 participants
reap the benefits from attending each year, Rogers said. Day one of the 2020 edition of the Small Farm
Conference will consist of on-site field tours and demonstrations limited to 15
participants per tour due to social distancing requirements, while the second
day’s schedule is full of virtual sessions and roundtable discussions. Opportunities also exist, he said, for virtual
networking.
Registrants
can choose one morning and one afternoon tour on Friday, November 6. Field tours in Princess Anne include the
Coops to Co-ops Farm, the UMES Sheep and Goat Farm and the UMES Education and Demonstration
Farm. A workshop on vegetable
fermentation will also take place on campus.
A dynamic mix of speakers will share
their expertise on Saturday, November 7, Rogers said, under the following
themes, “Alternative Agriculture,” “Farm Business & Marketing” and
“Sustainable Farming Systems.” The day
ends with afternoon roundtable discussions centered around trending topics such
as “Hemp Industry Updates and Grower Network,” “Food Safety Regulations and
Concerns” and “Financial Lending Opportunities” among others.
This
year, the first 100 to register on Eventbrite will receive a special souvenir
gift. Registration is $15 for one day
and $25 for both days. Paid registrants
will be able to view the virtual sessions for up to 60 days after the
conference.
The 2020 UMES Small Farm
Conference is sponsored by UMES Extension with funding support provided by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture and local partners. For more information, contact Rogers at blrogers@umes.edu or Sharon Ward at smward@umes.edu or by calling 410-651-6070.
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Gail Stephens, agricultural
communications and media associate, School of Agricultural & Natural
Sciences, 410-621-3850, gcstephens@umes.edu.