MyFaRM initiative offers free risk management education for local farmers
Registration opens in September

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 13, 2020)- A new initiative, MyFaRM (Mastering Farm Risk Management), will provide free risk management education to farmers who are underserved by crop insurance.  Educators at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension secured a nearly $100,000 Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center grant for the 18-month project. >more

Schwarz joins UMES in food safety role  

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 12, 2020)- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore welcomes back alumna and long-time resident of Salisbury, Dr. Melinda Schwarz, in the role of food safety specialist with UMES Extension. 

In her new post, Schwarz will develop training strategies for small farmers to assist them in their compliance with the requirements outlined in the Produce Safety Rule established by the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act.  She will work with food producers, vegetable growers, poultry processors, new food entrepreneurs, UMES Extension educators and partner organizations through food safety programs.  In doing so, Schwarz will also cultivate relationships with state and federal agencies that are invested in implementing and evaluating food safety guidelines. >more

Over half-million to develop sustainable sweet corn production on Delmarva

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 6, 2020)- It’s that time of year when summer fields are filled with mouth-watering local sweet corn.  A newly funded (nearly $600,000) USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Capacity Building Grant was awarded to University of Maryland Eastern Shore researcher, Dr. Simon Zebelo, to help expand sustainable sweet corn production on Delmarva. >more

Junior Master Gardener Program offers hands-on activities for youth

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (July 31, 2020)- At the end of February, before the COVID-19 lockdowns began, UMES Extension 4-H Senior Agent Associate Lisa Murphy traveled to Texas A&M University to take part in the 2020 Junior Master Gardener Leader Training Conference.  The program, of which Murphy is the Maryland state coordinator, is a youth gardening program of the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. >more

UMES researchers to aid cattle industry

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (July 27, 2020)-Multi-disciplinary researchers at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore have gained funding from the USDA to aid in a method for early detection of bovine herpesvirus type 1 infection in cows, a disease that costs the U.S. cattle industry approximately $3 billion in losses each year.  >more

New UMES research facility aims to contribute to health of Chesapeake Bay  

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (July 29, 2020)-Meeting the challenge of sustainable reductions in phosphorus loads to the Chesapeake Bay is the goal of a new Stormwater Management Research facility at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.  A $300,000 Capacity Building Grant by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture was recently awarded to UMES researchers to “implement, monitor and evaluate nutrient-reduction strategies near poultry facilities,” particularly older ones. >more

UMES study addresses increasing demand for ethnic crops on Delmarva

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (July 27, 2020)- A three-year $600,000 USDA grant awarded to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore seeks to expand and strengthen food science research, teaching and extension related to ethnic crops to meet the growing demand on the Delmarva Peninsula. >more

UMES Extension associate administrator elected to Northeast SARE council

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(July 16, 2020)- Dr. E. Nelson Escobar can add two more accolades to his 11-year career at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension as an administrator, professor and small ruminant specialist.>more

Kairo to lead nation’s 1890 and 1862 Experiment Station directors

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 30, 2020)- Dr. Moses T. Kairo is the incoming chair of the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy.  Kairo, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, was elected to the post during the organization’s fall meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 25.  He will serve a one-year term commencing July 1. >more

UMES participates in USDA-funded research to ensure food at farmers markets are safe

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 19, 2020)- Keeping products sold at Delmarva’s farmers markets safe from potential foodborne illness and preparing local farmers for the mandated 2021 compliance to the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act is the goal of a nearly half-million dollar USDA Capacity Building grant.  Dr. Salina Parveen, professor of food science and technology at UMES joins researchers at Virginia State University and Delaware State University in the project titled, "Preparing for the Future: Building Capacity for Food Safety Compliance at Farmers Markets.” >more

Learn about the health benefits and production of bok choy at free UMES webinar

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 17, 2020)- “Why Bok Choy?” is the topic of a June 24 webinar offered by University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension.  The 10 a.m. virtual seminar will be conducted by Dr. Nadine Burton-Stubbs, an alternative crop specialist with the Small Farm Outreach Program. >more

UMES is part of multi-state research team studying benefits of grazing on organic crops  

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 12, 2020)- The USDA awarded $9.5 million to 11 collaborative, multi-state projects to “enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops.” The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a collaborator on one of the projects.  UMES, in partnership with the University of California at Davis, University of Minnesota, The Organic Center in Washington, D.C. and the USDA-Agriculture Research Station in Beltsville, Maryland, were collectively awarded a nearly $1 million grant to “investigate the benefits of livestock integration through cover-crop grazing on bacterial population dynamics, food safety, and soil and environmental health,” said Dr. Fawzy Hashem, a research associate professor in UMES’ Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences and co-principal director of the project. >more

Tri-County residents focus of UMES health program

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 11, 2020)- Creating “healthier, more sustainable places to live, work and play” across the country is the goal of the Well Connected Communities Initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  Under the leadership of Dr. Virginie Zoumenou, 1890 Nutrition and Health Programs director, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the recipient of a $65,000 WAVE 2 competitive WCC sub-grant to continue its efforts to “initiate the culture of health” in the Tri-County area. >more

UMES home to International Center of Excellence 

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 3, 2020) – The National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded a $1.6 million competitive grant to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, home to the newly organized Center of Excellence for International Engagement and Development. Established to strengthen global food security and education, the center is one of three administrative units focused on fostering global engagement and leadership skills development among land-grant university faculty, staff and students. >more

Overcoming hurricanes and a pandemic to complete graduate research

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 1, 2020) -It took years of hard work and persevering through hurricanes and a pandemic for Wilmelie Cruz-Marrero, a newly minted Doctor of Philosophy in marine estuarine environmental sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to achieve her dreams. >more

LMRCSC Scholars earn NOAA scholarships

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 2020)- Teemer Barry and Semaj Fielding, NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center Scholars and University of Maryland Eastern Shore sophomores, were recipients of a prestigious STEM award.  Both received the NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions Undergraduate Scholarship earlier this month. >more

UMES fashion student forges ahead with travel plans in face of pandemic

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (June 1, 2020) - University of Maryland Eastern Shore sophomore Aleecia Joof has big plans for next year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.  Joof, who is concentrating in fashion merchandising at the university, plans on attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in the fall and studying at the Council on International Educational Exchange Global Institute in Paris next summer. >more

USDA-backed study shows small farm success linked to networks

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 29, 2020) - A four-year study of the social networks of small-scale and minority specialty-crop farmers in Maryland, Delaware and Tennessee has come to a close.  The findings show that farmers who play a prominent role in their network realize greater profits.  Supported by a half-million dollar USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Capacity Building Grant, the research can help farming groups and agricultural support organizations leverage networks to enhance farmers’ success.  It aligns with NIFA’s global food security challenge area, especially pertinent during the COVID-19 pandemic. >more

UMES Extension Offers Growing Herbs at Home Webinar

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – May 15, 2020 – Growing herbs at home is the focus for the next University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension webinar. Scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at 10 a.m., the free webinar will offer up-to-the-minute techniques for growing herbs for a variety of reasons. >more

IR-4 Project designates UMES as its Northe ast Region Center

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 11, 2020) - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has joined the National IR-4 Project network of participating institutions.  UMES was selected to provide coordination of the Northeast Region of the IR-4 Project over the next five years.  IR-4 is a USDA-funded national research program that facilitates the registration of safe and effective chemical and bio-based pesticides for fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, ornamentals and other specialty crops and minor uses on major crops (corn, soybean, cotton, wheat and other small grains). >more

ACS Seeking Scientific-minded High School Students for Summer Program

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 7, 2020) - Delmarva high school students interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry-related majors can participate in the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED summer program.  The program offers participants a $1,000 fellowship and the potential for an ACS scholarship covering the first year of college tuition.>more

New 1890 Scholarships Program Reserved for First-Time and Transfer Students

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (April 27, 2020) - A new scholarship program for 1890 land-grant food and agricultural sciences (FAS) majors is set for Fall 2020.  Reserved for first-time college students and for students who transfer from community colleges, the national 1890 Scholarships Program aims to address the shortfall of FAS graduates available to enter the nation’s workforce. >more

Parasite Management Virtual Workshop Slated for April 30

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (April 17, 2020) – In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension, like its university counterpart, is ramping up efforts to offer virtual instruction for its programs. UMES Extension is committed to continuing its mission of providing research-based solutions to the community.  The first virtual event happens Thursday, April 30, when its “Be Smart, Drench Smart” workshop, originally scheduled for March 26, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom. >more

Nearly Half a Million Dollar Grant Aims to Increase Diversity in FANH Sciences

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (April 15, 2020) - A University of Maryland Eastern Shore researcher has received a $474,500 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA to increase the diversity of students from minorities underrepresented in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human (FANH) sciences.>more

UMES Researchers Win Energy Innovation Research Funding

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (April 7, 2020) – Dr. Jurgen Schwarz, chair of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences and Dr. Sadanand Dhekney, associate professor of plant breeding and biotechnology, are recipients of an Energy Innovation Seed Grant awarded by the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute.>more 

UMES Receives USDA Funding to Embark on New Research and Extension Project

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 25, 2020)-Helping Maryland’s small farmers growing fresh produce and raising animals with primarily local marketing channels keep food safe is the focus of a half million dollar research and extension project newly funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Organic Transition Program.>more

Integrated Parasite Management Workshop Planned

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 17, 2020)-“Be Smart, Drench Smart” is the theme of a small ruminant integrated parasite management workshop tentatively scheduled for April 23 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore sponsored by Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and the UMES Extension program.>more

UMES Students Among Future Leaders in Agriculture

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 13, 2020)-UMES undergraduates Jailynn Britt and Isaiah Nance and graduate student Stephon Fitzpatrick are among 30 students selected to attend the USDA’s 2020 Agricultural Outlook Forum as participants of its Future Leaders in Agriculture Program.  Selection was based on essays on agricultural careers and challenges.>more

Johnson Appointed to White House Subcommittee

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 12, 2020)-Zoe Johnson, a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in toxicology at UMES, was recently appointed to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology subcommittee on Students, Postdoctoral Education, and Early Career Professionals.>more

Zoumenou Recognized Among EFNEP Peers

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(January 22, 2020)-Dr. Virginie Zoumenou, professor of dietetics and nutrition at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and its 1890 Nutrition and Health Programs director, will serve the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in two leadership roles this year.>more

UMES is a Partner on USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Grants

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(January 8, 2019)-The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is participating as a partner on two National Institute of Food and Agriculture-USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grants, said Berran Rogers Jr., coordinator, Small Farm Program, UMES Cooperative Extension.>more

Regents Approve $13.9 Million Ag Research and Classroom Building Plan

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (December 20, 2019)-UMES has the University System of Maryland’s approval to proceed with planning the construction of an “agricultural research and education center” on the east side of campus at a revised cost of $13.95 million.>more

Cover Crop Workshop Features Steve Groff

PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (December 5, 2019)- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension is hosting a free Cover Crop Workshop Tuesday, December 10 featuring Steve Groff, a cover crop coach. The 3-6 p.m. workshop will be held in UMES’ Richard A. Henson Center, room 1116.> more

USDA Names UMES a Center for Community Prosperity

PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(October 2019)-The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, along with another HBCU and a tribal college, were designated as Centers of Community Prosperity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on October 22. >more

Speaker Announced for UMES Small Farm Conference

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (October 25, 2019) – Mike Beatty, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement in Washington, D.C., will give the keynote address Saturday, November 2, during a luncheon program as part of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Small Farm Conference.  The conference is in its 16^th year. >more

UMES Hosts Small Farm Conference November 1-2

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (October 6, 2019) – Some 200 attendees are expected for the 16^th Annual Small Farm Conference at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore November 1-2.  The event provides an avenue for participants to network and learn about new opportunities and strategies that promote farm profitability and sustainability. >more

First Industrial Hemp Conference Slated for October 31

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (October 6, 2019) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore holds its first Industrial Hemp Conference Thursday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Services Center. >more

Medicinal Herb Workshop Planned for November 16

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (September 27, 2019) – A medicinal herb workshop is slated for Saturday, November 16, at the Caroline County 4-H Youth Park, 8230 Detour Rd., in Denton, Md.  Limited to 25 attendees, the event begins at 10 a.m. with registration at 9:30 a.m.  The cost is $14.50 per person, which includes materials and lunch. >more

Maryland STEM Festival Slated for November 6

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (September 27, 2019) – “Space and Flight” is the theme of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s 5^th annual Maryland STEM Festival slated for November 6. >more

UMES Fall Community Festival Planned

PRINCESS ANNE, MD -(September 17, 2019) - Coordinators of the 2019 UMES Fall Community Festival is expecting close to 400 people on the grounds during this year’s event, which is free and open to the public. >more

UMES Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program Events

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (August 5, 2019) – Several events associated with the UMES Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) program is scheduled for the coming week for farmers and small businesses associated with farmers. >more

Chigbu Receives Wilson H. Elkins Professorship for FY 2020

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (July 18, 2019) – The coveted Wilson H. Elkins Professorship has been awarded to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to support the work of Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, professor in the Department of Natural Sciences and director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) at UMES. >more

Min Receives Funding for Advancements in Food Technology

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 25, 2019) – Dr. Byungrok Min is the recipient of two major research grants. The university’s associate professor will embark on new innovations that will aid in the sustainability and anti-microbial state of consumed foods.  >more

Extend Your Strawberry Growing Season With UMES Extension

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 25, 2019) – “How to Extend Your Strawberry Season and Grow Quality Fruit,” a UMES Extension workshop, is sure to offer a wealth of information to anyone with an interest. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the UMES Demonstration and Education Farm. >more

UMES Extension Plans a Demonstration Farm Field Day

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 5, 2019) – The Eastern Shore community is invited to attend a UMES farm field day slated for Friday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the UMES Education and Demonstration Farm. The event is organized so that the afternoon session, from 1 to 3 p.m., is a duplicate of the morning session, from 10 a.m. to noon. >more  

UMES Extension Offers Family Fun on the Farm

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (June 5, 2019) - The Eastern Shore community is invited to attend a pair of UMES farm field days slated for Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the UMES Demonstration and Education Farm.  While registration is required, the event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served. > more  

Another Specialty Herbs Workshop In the Making

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (June 5, 2019) - UMES Extension presents another opportunity for farmers, gardeners and everyone in between to interact with Dr. Nadine Burton and Habanera Farm’s Henriette den Ouden during its next Growing Specialty Herbs workshop.  The two-hour event starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, on the UMES Education and Demonstration Farm on Stewart Neck Road.  > more


Khoza Receives Award for Excellence in International Education

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 31, 2019) - Dr. Lombuso Khoza was recently awarded the Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad Seal of Excellence award due to the UMES Center for International Education’s success with study abroad. > more


University System of Maryland Honors Parveen

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 31, 2019) - Dr. Salina Parveen, UMES professor of food science and technology, has been awarded the University System of Maryland (USM) Regent’s Faculty Award. She received the USM’s highest honor for her research, which is aimed at improving the safety and quality of seafood. > more

UMES Extension Holds Specialty Herbs Workshop

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (March 15, 2019) – UMES Extension, in collaboration with Habanera Farms, will hold a specialty herb garden workshop on Saturday, April 6, at the UMES Demonstration Farm. The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at 10789 Stewart Neck Road. >more

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Business & Legal Considerations for Your Farm Workshop

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (January 25, 2018) – A winter workshop for farmers with business and/or legal concerns is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, in the Richard A. Henson Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  . . . more

Fruit Tree Pruning Instruction from the Experts

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (January 25, 2018) – University of Maryland Extension educators are preparing to offer an informative fruit tree pruning workshop on Saturday, February 17, on the UMES campus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The workshop is reserved for the novice as well as for experienced tree planters. 

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Late January Year-round Grazing Workshop

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (December 20, 2017) - How do you go about developing a winter grazing system?  That will be the focus of a workshop, to be held January 25 and 27, 2018, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).  The theme is Year-Round Grazing – From Pasture Establishment to Grazing Management and Soil Health. Dr. Chris Teutsch is the featured speaker.  . . . more


UMES Partners with National 4-H Council and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Empower Youth in Creating Healthier Communities

PRINCESS ANNE, MD -  (October 12, 2017) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has been selected as one of five land-grant universities (LGUs) to partner with National 4-H Council (Council) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the nation’s largest health philanthropy, to improve health in local communities over the next two years. UMES is among the many LGUs that will work on this partnership over the next ten years to build a culture of health in 1,000 communities across the nation. . . . more


UMES Ag Field Day will offer year round benefits

PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (September 27, 2017) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the place to be on Saturday, October 7.  Ag Field Day begins at 9 a.m. with registration at the farm building.  Informational displays, wagon rides, an apple orchard visit and an exciting opportunity for middle school, high school and college students as well as adults will all be a part of the family fun.  While pre-registration is required, the event is free and open to the community. . . . more

Small Farm Conference to offer two informational days

PRINCESS ANNE, MD  – (September 25, 2017) - The 14th annual Small Farm Conference promises a wide variety of informational sessions and top-of-the-line speakers beginning Friday, November 2, on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. . . . more

UMES invites area high school students to Minorities in Agriculture Leadership Institute 

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (September 11, 2017) – The Fourth Annual Junior Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) Leadership Institute returns to Princess Anne on Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is pleased to invite local students in grades 9-12 to campus for this exceptional, two-day professional development and experiential learning opportunity featuring some of the top agricultural and natural resources entities from academia, industry and government. The theme for this year’s institute is Natural Resources and Sustainability. . . . more

UMES research team to aid the learning process

Princess Anne, MD – (May 17, 2017) – A team of UMES researchers propose to improve the success rate of students who take physics courses.  Led by Dr. Kausik S. Das, the team has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to improve student engagement and retention and to invigorate innovation through physics instruction and undergraduate capstone research projects.  They suggest that science and engineering students will collaborate effectively in a group environment, grow intellectually and make original discoveries. . . . more


UMES Celebrates Opening of Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (October 07, 2016) – A new center on the UMES campus has a vision to bridge the gap between agriculture and applied economics to benefit the agriculture community on the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond. In honor of its launch, the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development will host a symposium to discuss key topics related to agriculture, business and research. . . . more

SANS Seminar Series Commences with Food Security Talk 

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (January 29) - The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS) Seminar Series continues on Thursday, February 6, at 4 p.m. in the Richard A. Henson Center, Room 1116. Dr. Shanthu Shantharam begins the semester’s weekly presentations with his talk, “Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in the 21st Century Will Need Modern Biotech Crops.” . . . more