The new year is already here and so is the cold weather! But don't let that scare you; there are plenty of exciting things still happening in our community. From farmers' markets to workshops and webinars, the beginning of this year is sure to quench your thirst for all things agriculture related. You can find more details on these exciting events and activities below. 

As you may have noticed, AAEDC's Agriculture Program is slowly unveiling a new "look". Equipped with a new logo and marketing materials, we are working toward expanding our programs and increasing our involvement with our agriculture community. Be sure to keep your eyes open for our final unveiling coming to you soon!

Sincerely,

Lisa Barge, 

Agricultural Marketing & Development Manager

Looking for ways to diversify your farm? Need assistance with farm business planning? Interested in selling your products at farmers markets?

Join us for this informal networking event to learn about agriculture programs and opportunities such as farm equipment rental, land preservation, financing, farmers markets and more. Displays from various County and State departments/agencies will be available for you to visit throughout the evening.

Location:

Greenstreet Gardens

391 W. Bay Front Road, Lothian, MD 20711

Schedule:
6:00 pm - 6:15 pm - Sign In, Food, Refreshments
6:15 pm - 6:45 pm - Brief Introductions and Program Announcements
6:45 pm - 7:05 pm - Presentation: Ray Greenstreet, Greenstreet Gardens
7:05 pm - 8:00 pm - Questions and Networking

Lite fare provided by Skipper's Pier Restaurant & Dock Bar. 

Please click here to register. Registration is free but required. 

For more information, please call 410-222-7410 or email [email protected].

Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market
Every Sunday, 10am to 1pm
Sunday, January 7 -March 25, 2018

A variety of locally grown/produced products including: winter produce, greens, micro greens, meats, eggs, milk, yogurt, butter, herbs, honey, soaps, and lotions, hand spun wool, jams, applesauce, baked goods and more.

Location: Corner of Harry Truman Pkwy and Riva Road in Annapolis.

Click here to view the full postcard. 

On-farm Food Safety and Recall Readiness Training for CSA operators
When: January 10, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm*
Where: Priapi Gardens
5996 Augustine Herman Hwy, Cecilton, Maryland 21913 

Register here. *Snow date is 1/17/2018

On-farm Food Safety and Recall Readiness Training  for an On-farm market
When: January 19, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm*
Where: Butler's Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876 

Register here.  *Snow date 1/26/18

On-farm Food Safety and Recall Readiness Training for Agritourism Operators
When: January 25, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm*
Where: Forrest Hall Farm
39136 Avie Ln., Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Register here. *Snow date is 2/1/2018. 

This project supported by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)  program. SARE is a program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Join us for three days of local farm and food workshops, farm fresh meals, inspiring speakers, and networking opportunities.

Interact during 8 pre-conference, skill-building workshops for farmers and their allies! 3 Free pre-conference trainings!

Experience 6 conference tracks and 30 sessions and participate in our new Farmer-to-Farmer Chat sessions where you can come together with peers to problem-solve and get advice!

Enjoy delicious farm-to-table meals, this once-a-year networking opportunity, the Foodshed Photo Contest, and the Farmer of the Foodshed Awards!

Click here for registration and more information about the conference.

"Lambing and Kidding - Before, During and After", the second workshop in the Small Ruminant series, will include the preparation, nutrition and care of ewes/does through gestation to birthing and aftercare of ewes/does and newborn lambs/kids, as well as facilities and related equipment.

Using models to simulate and demonstrate certain situations, workshop attendees will be guided through a normal birthing process and how to assist with difficult births. Presenters will discuss vaccinations, peri-parturient egg rise and health issues in late pregnancy. How to deal with aftercare problems including reta ined placenta, poor mothering, weak babies, hypothermia and neonatal care (tube feeding and artificial rearing) will also be covered.

The workshop is co-presented by Susan Schoenian, UME Sheep and Goat Specialist and Enrique Nelson Escobar Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Small Ruminant Extension Specialist, University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Both bring a wealth of knowledge, research and practical experience to their presentations. 

Experienced producers, as well as beginners and youth exploring what's involved in raising sheep and goats are encouraged to attend. A Workshop fee of $15 includes all materials and a catered lunch. As a meal is provided, registration is requested by January 8, 2018. To register, click here.

For more information call Susan McQuilkin: 301-274-1922, Ex. 1, or email: [email protected].

10am to 2pm- Stop in anytime!

harder to reach farms and producers to our customers, ensuring the availability of the best local products each season!

Please RSVP to Jacquelyn Daly by January 3 at  [email protected].

Join University of Maryland, MDA, Nationwide, Alliance for the Bay and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission for an intensive one-day workshop focused on assisting you to communicate your objectives to your family and plan for a smooth and secure transition of the farm or forestry lands to future generations.

Cost: $10 (includes lunch)

This workshop is sponsored by the Maryland Farm Bureau and Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commision.

To register, please click here.

Questions? Contact the Prince George's County UMD Extension Office at 301.868.8780 or [email protected].

Women across the region coming together to EDUCATE, ENGAGE, EMPOWER. February 9, 2018 will mark our 17th Annual MidAtlantic Women In Agriculture Regional Conference. The conference goals are to provide women involved in agriculture an opportunity to come together to learn about current issues and topics so they can make informed decisions concerning their agribusinesses and family lives. Sessions will cover topics in marketing, financial, production and legal.

Back by popular demand we will offer a preconference, February 8, 2018 with the option of two topics: Social Media and Specialty crops. 

Location: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Dover, Delaware (room rates available).

Registration is open: www.extension.umd.edu/womeninag

 
Early Bird Pricing Available until 12/31/17. For further information, contact: Shannon Dill at [email protected] or (410) 822-1244.

Annie's Project courses have been announced for 2018! Annie's Project is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing and the legal field. Annie's Project provides a relaxed, fun, dynamic way to learn, grow and meet other women in agriculture. The target audience is women in agriculture with a passion for business and involvement in the farm operation.

Annie's Project will be held at the following Maryland locations: Central Maryland in Westminster, Caroline County in Denton, Southern Maryland in Upper Marlboro and Washington County in Boonsboro. Classes start in January.
The cost of the course including meals and materials is $75.  Space is limited, so register today. 

For more information visit www.extension.umd.edu/annies-project, email Shannon Dill at [email protected] or call Talbot County Extension Office at 410-822-1244. 

If you require special assistance to attend the classes please contact the site at least two weeks prior. The program is open to all and is sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension and Delaware Cooperative Extension. Annie's Project has been approved for FSA Borrower Training. For more information, please contact your FSA loan officer.

Offered the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.  Topics cover all areas of risk management.  The first four sessions include: Farm Financial Statements, Urban Agriculture, Divorce and Farming and Health Insurance.  

To see the full listing and to register visit:  http://extension.umd.edu/womeninag/webinars