Tag Archives: University of Maryland Extension

Food for Profit Workshops

Whether it’s making gourmet jams or jellies, baking bread and cakes, catering festive events or creating and packaging special dinners for one, food related businesses are becoming increasingly popular as a way to earn a living (or to add to your income). The cook’s creative flair, combined with business practicality will succeed even in tough economic times, if the enterprise is given the appropriate research and planning before its launch.

University of Maryland Extension’s Food for Profit workshop takes you step by step through the information necessary to start and run a small food product business. Although appropriate for any food business owners who want to develop their venture proactively, the workshop is especially directed to individuals who will be making and packing their products for resale.

Food for Profit is a very practical session, providing information that you will be able to use immediately to ensure that your business starts out and grows in a way that matches your vision and goals. Guiding food entrepreneurs through the initial steps to start a business, this workshop combines educational presentations, guest speakers and a highly interactive learning environment to address: getting started, regulations, developing a plan, food safety, packaging and financing.

Sessions are being held around the state. The tuition cost of $40 per person includes all materials and lunch. Pre-registration is required one week prior to the event, and may be accomplished on-line at www.foodforprofit.eventbrite.com, or by calling the hosting extension office. This program is open to anyone interested in food enterprises.

Fall Sessions:
October 11 – Harford County Extension Office, Forest Hill, MD

October 24 – Cecil County Administration Building, Elkton, MD

November 19 – Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD

 

 

Poultry Growers Meetings

The University of Maryland Extension would like to invite you to attend a growers meeting focusing on improving farm management. The topics that will be covered are “Getting Chicks off to a Good Start” and “Preparing for Winter”.

October 17, 2013
Tilghman Terrace 104 Tilghman Ave., Centreville, MD
Time: 11am-2pm
October 18, 2013
30730 Park Drive, Princess Anne, MD
Time: 11am-2pm

Light Lunch will be provided
To register: https://commercialpoultrygrowers.eventbrite.com/
Or call Shelia Shorter by Oct. 14th 410-758-0166, sshorter@umd.edu for Centreville
Or call Shelia Oscar by Oct. 15th 410-742-1178, socar@umd.edu for Princess Anne

 

It is the policy of the University of Maryland, Agricultural Experiment Station and Maryland Cooperative Extension, that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or disability. If you need special assistance to participate in the program, please contact Shelia Oscar at the Lower Shore Education and Research Center 410-742-1178.

Mid-Atlantic Precision Ag Equipment Day: Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Wednesday, August 7, 2013
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Caroline County 4-H Park, 8230 Detour Road, Denton, MD 21629

More information and registration can be found at: www.enst.umd.edu/extension/Events.cfm or by calling/emailing: Jenny Rhodes at 410¬-758¬-0166/jrhodes@umd.edu

This event is free and open to the public
Lunch will be provided free of charge

DE and MD Nutrient Management Credits & CCA credits will be available.

Farmers from around the region are invited to join us and learn how to make precision agriculture pay in their operation. Practical and informative advice will be given on sprayer and planter section control, variable rate seeding, economics and practical implementation of RTK and GPS, soil mapping, using technology for on-farm research and developing variable rate prescriptions, and much more.

This free event is hosted by Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania Extension

Thanks to the Leadership Sponsors who made this event possible in 2012: Southern States Cooperative, Willard Agri-Service, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Farm Credit, Atlantic Tractor, and Hoober, Inc.

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation Hosts “Grow Your Agribusiness Through Better Planning” Workshop

Planning is essential to any business, no matter how large or small your inventory, payroll and bank account. To be successful, a farm operation must know its current status and future plans. Keeping your business plan on your mind without putting it to paper is not enough! Join AAEDC’s workshop on April 3 and hear from University of Maryland Extension instructor Shannon Dill on how better business planning can lead to success. The class will teach agribusiness owners how to take time to formulate ideas, evaluate current operations, devise a strategy, and anticipate possible problems. Attendees will be given a workbook and CD to assist them in completing a farm business plan.

WHAT: “Grow Your Agribusiness Through Better Planning” Workshop

WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 2013
9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Multimedia Conference Room, 2660 Riva Road, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401

WHO: Farmers, producers and agricultural business owners and managers.

INFO: The class will include lunch featuring locally produced food.

For more information about this program please contact: Shannon Dill: sdill@umd.edu, or Lisa Barge lbarge@aaedc.org or 410-222-7410

Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Cancellations received up to the registration deadline will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this date. University of Maryland Extension reserves the right to cancel or postpone any event due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If an event is canceled or postponed, UME will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for other costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

“Food for Profit” One-day Workshop To Benefit Food Entrepreneurs

If creating a delicious recipe was all it took to introduce a successful commercial food product then the marketplace would be well stocked with family favorites. Instead the success rate for new food product launches stands at a meager 11 percent. However, armed with proven business management concepts, access to financial resources, and the know-how and patience to navigate government regulations, food entrepreneurs can successfully take their food product idea to market.

Two area community colleges will be presenting a one-day workshop for food entrepreneurs called “Food for Profit.” The course will be held at Wor-Wic Community College, Route 50 and Walston Switch Rd., Salisbury, on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at the Small Business Development Center at Chesapeake College, Routes 50 and 213, Wye Mills. Space is limited.

Presented by Penn State Extension, the workshop is sponsored by Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC) of Easton, Shore Gourmet, and University of Maryland Extension.

Tuition is $45 per person, which includes all materials and lunch. Pre-payment and registration are required. Register online or by phone at http://extension.psu.edu/food-for-profit or (717) 270-4391. For course content details, contact Penn State Extension Educator Winifred McGee at wwm1@psu.edu or (717) 270-4391.

Course content
Participants will receive comprehensive information, including:
• Getting Started – An honest look at the challenges and advantages of owning a food related business.
• Legally Speaking -The Maryland Food Protection and Consumer Health Services role in your venture – how the sanitarian can help your dream become a reality.
• Developing a Game Plan – A good business idea needs to be “do-able,” marketable, and profitable; your feasibility analysis is step one toward a great business plan.
• Finding a Niche – Using the four Ps: price, product, placement, and promotion to determine who will buy.
• Safe Food Handling – Good preparation and storage methods prolong shelf life and lessen liability for your business; strategies to lessen your food business liability.
• Packaging your Product – Selecting the perfect package and food labels to intrigue your potential customers.

Founded in 2006, the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center works to develop and enhance an entrepreneurial ecosystem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ESEC provides training, services and programs to help business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by creating greater access to capital, and offering programs that develop entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Included are ShoreVenture, a comprehensive 10-week entrepreneur-training program, annual business plan and student plan competitions, and an annual entrepreneur conference.

In 2012, ESEC launched “hotDesks,” providing co-working spaces for independent professionals. The first location opened in Salisbury with a second location to be announced on the Eastern Shore. For more information on the business plan competition or ESEC, call (410) 770-9330 or visit ventureahead.org.

Upcoming University of Maryland Extension Events

January 23
Talbot County Corn Club
6pm – VFW Easton
Call 410-822-1244

January 23 – March 27 (Wednesdays evenings)
Annie’s Project I
6pm – 9pm, Cecil County Government Administration Building, Elkton
For more information call 410-822-1244/410-758-0166 or visit www.anniesproject.umd.edu

January 29
Digital Toolbox
9am-2pm
Anne Arundel County Economic Development
http://digitaltoolbox.eventbrite.com
Workshop focus:
An introduction to the basics of popular social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), how to list your business on digital databases such as Google Maps, and capitalize on the hardware and digital tools available through the internet. Presented by University of Maryland Extension.
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation- MultiMedia Conference Room, 2660 Riva Road Suite 200 Annapolis, MD 21401, US
Cost: $40 per person (includes lunch and course materials).

January 30
Annie’s Project II: Managing for Today and Tomorrow
9:00am – noon, Chesapeake College EDC 27, Wye Mills
For more information call 410-822-1244/410-758-0166 or visit www.anniesproject.umd.edu

January 30
Annie’s Project II: Managing for Today and Tomorrow
9:00am – noon, Perryville Room, Cecil County Administration Building, Elkton
For more information call 410-822-1244/410-758-0166 or visit www.anniesproject.umd.edu

February 8
Grain Marketing Update
Chesapeake College, HEC 110, Wye Mills
For more information call 410-822-1244
A new year and bigger markets? This breakfast meeting will include speakers on various topics in grain marketing. Come have breakfast and discuss this year’s strategies for marketing your grain. Speakers include marketing specialists, grain elevators, traders and more. Topics include trading technology, tax considerations, crop insurance, local, national and world marketing outlook for 2013. The course is going to be held at Chesapeake College in the Higher Education Center HES-110. This program is open to all. Please register by February 1st contact sdill@umd.edu or 410-822-1244
Cost: $20 per person and includes breakfast and materials
Date: Friday, February 8th 7:30am – noon

February 11
Mid-Shore Farm Trucking Forum
Caroline County 4-H Park, 8314 Detour Rd, Denton, MD, 21629
– Want to hear firsthand about trucking rules and regulations?
– Discuss the issues facing farmers on rural roads and state highways.
– Have a question about IRP’s, permits, tags, and weight limits?
– If you have any questions please contact Matt Teffeau at Matt.mdfb@verizon.net or 410.924.4525

February 11
Large Acreage Diversification
Washington College
A full day workshop on why, how, when and what alternatives are available to large-acreage farmers, with minimal equipment investment, and how these affect profitability.
http://www.futureharvestcasa.org/events

February 25-26
Regional Women in Agriculture Conference
Dover Downs, Dover, DE
2013 will mark the 12th annual Women In Ag conference. The conference goals are to offer women who are involved with 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 risk management including marketing, financial, legal, human resource and production.
For more information http://extension.udel.edu/womeninag/

 

For additional information contact:
Shannon Dill
County Extension Director
Extension Educator, AGNR
University of Maryland Extension, Talbot County
28577 Marys Court Suite 1
Easton MD 21601
410-822-1244, 410-822-5627 (fax)
www.talbot.umd.edu
www.easternshoreagriculture.com

Producer’s Digital Toolbox Coming Your Way

Businesses everywhere are beginning to incorporate smartphone, I-Pad, social media and digital technology into their business and marketing plans. Agriculture and rural businesses are no different. Social media has seen an even greater increase. According to Nielson, people in the U.S. continue to spend more time on social networking and blog sites, with total minutes increasing 210% year-over-year and the average time per person increasing 143% year-over-year from December 2009.

With this huge increase of technology use by the public, it will be important for farmers and rural businesses to have the knowledge and skills to incorporate it into their business and marketing plans. Examples of on farm applications include:

– Registering farms on national listservs for easy consumer access – such as Google maps, Map Quest, Bing etc.
– Social media site for farm markets including events and announcements
– Smartphone apps for commodity prices, credit card purchases, weather, GPS and more

The Producer’s Digital Toolbox is a suite of seminars that will be offered at several venues starting in April 2012. These seminars will assist University of Maryland Extension clients in capitalizing on the hardware and management systems tools now available through the Web.

These seminars will cover topics on:

· Digital Databases Getting Your Business Listed – how to enter their business information in the 8-9 digital databases, such as Google Maps and others.
· Fingertip Marketing for Portable Devices and Apps – incorporating digital service and application into your marketing plan.
· Social & Professional Applications – An introduction to the basics of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for businesses. This seminar will explore basic fundamentals of popular social networking sites, examples of use, and the potential benefits social media could bring to your business and community.

The cost is $40.00 per person which includes lunch and course materials. You must pre-register! No walk-ins will be accepted. To register (see dates and locations below) go to: http://agnradmin.umd.edu/training/description.cfm?ID=179

Seminar locations (for more details go to – http://www.agmarketing.umd.edu/Documents/DigitalToolboxFlyer.pdf ) :

April 10, 2012 (8:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
WOR-WIC Community College, Building: Workforce Development Center (WDC), Room #: WDC 304, 32000 Campus Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804
Registration Deadline: April 1, 2012

April 20, 2012 (8:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
Chesapeake College, Economic Development Center, Room #: EDC-27, Routes 50 & 213, Wye Mills, MD 21679
Registration Deadline: April 11, 2012

May 10, 2012 (8:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
Hagerstown Community College, Career Programs Building, Room #: CPB142, 11400 Robinwood Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21742
Registration Deadline: May 1, 2012

May 15, 2012 (8:00 AM – 1:30 PM).
Cecil College – North East Campus, Elkton Station, Room #: Room 303, One Seahawk Dr., North East, MD 21901
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2012

For more information about this program please contact: Shannon Dill (sdill@umd.edu) Ginger S. Myers (gsmyers@umd.edu), Jonathan Kays (jkays@umd.edu)

SARE Farmer Grower Grant Writing Workshop

October 14
Time: 9am – noon
Location: Chesapeake College, EDC – 27
Register: 410-822-1244 or sdill@umd.edu

Farmer Grants are for commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, or other technique. A technical advisor–often an extension agent, crop consultant, or other service professional–is required as a project participant.

Projects should seek results other farmers can use, and all projects must have the potential to add to our knowledge about effective sustainable practices.
Note: Proposal deadlines are December 1 with awards announced in March.

If you need special assistance please register 1 week ahead of time. This course is open to anyone interested in learning more about grant writing and SARE projects.

Possible New Virus in Soybeans – September 2011

Nancy Gregory of the University of Delaware Plant Clinic sent out an alert through the NPDN (National Plant Diagnostic Network) that there might be a new virus on soybeans showing up in our region. It has not yet been confirmed, however, the pictures of the symptoms are consistent with samples or pictures I have seen from around Maryland. I have to admit I initially considered the symptoms to be either signs of feeding injury from insects, or early symptoms of Cercospora leaf blight. So far the presumptive diagnosis based on symptoms alone is of soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV). This is a relatively new problem first identified in 2008 by Dr. Ioannis Tzanetakis of the University of Arkansas. Since then it has been detected and confirmed in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. We have samples or pictures of samples from Caroline, St. Mary’s and Washington counties. Since the alert, New York has also indicated that they have samples with similar symptoms. If these all turn out to be SVNV then this new disease has spread rather rapidly, under the radar.

What is known about SVNV is that it is related to what are known as tospoviruses.

These are thrips‐transmitted viruses. The best‐known example belonging to this group is tomato spotted wilt virus, which is a very serious problem. One characteristic of this group is that the virus is persistently transmitted, meaning the virus can be transmitted by the thrips for a long time. Many plant viruses are only picked up by their vectors and are able to be transmitted for a short period, but this group of viruses replicates in the vector as well as the plant and thus the vectors can transmit the virus for long periods. This facilitates moving the virus over long distances and could explain the rapid spread. It is not yet known how serious this disease can be with regard to affecting yield. However, the pictures and descriptions from Arkansas and Illinois indicate that significant leaf necrosis and possible early defoliation can occur. The advanced stages of this disease look a lot like a leaf spot caused by Phyllositicta, a fungal disease that is generally considered a minor problem in our area. It is even possible that as the necrotic leaf spots develop as a result of SVNV that organisms like Phyllosticta are secondary invaders that colonize the dead or dying tissue. This could mean we had SVNV for a few years and missed it because we found Phyllosticta associated with the lesions.

It would be very useful to establish whether or not we actually have SVNV, how extensive it is, and whether or not we are getting the advance stages of the disease that would indicate possible losses due to the disease. We have verbal agreement with Dr. Tzanetakis that he would be willing to run some samples to confirm the presence of the virus. There is no commercially available test for this virus that we know of. Please examine some soybean fields for symptoms. Send a sample to the Plant Clinic or contact me. See if you can estimate the percentage of plants that display symptoms and typically how extensive it is in the canopy, for example, is it on the upper leaves only, or just the middle or lower canopy leaves, or is it throughout the canopy. Lastly if you can determine the cultivar this would be useful. There is some indication that there are varietal differences. A couple of good websites with information are:
http://arkansasagnews.uark.edu/5423.htm
http://agronomyday.cropsci.illinois.edu/tour-soybeannecrosis.html

If the MD and DE samples turn out to be SVNV, they appear to be earlier stages of infection.
Arv Grybauskas
U MD Extension Field Crops Plant Pathologist

Free Soil Testing

Ever thought about what we can do to maintain our landscapes without harming the Bay? Did you know a soil test is a great way to tell you how much fertilizer your lawn needs?

Soil tests usually cost $13.00. However, in an effort to encourage Bay-Wise friendly landscape practices, the Corsica River Conservancy in cooperation with the University of Maryland Extension-Queen Anne’s County are sponsoring FREE soil testing to the first 50 Corsica River watershed residents that apply between September 12 – 26.

To take advantage of this offer, visit the University of Maryland Extension Office in Queen Anne’s County at 505 Railroad Ave in Centreville, MD and ask for Rachel Melvin, UME-Queen Anne’s County Horticulture Educator. You will be provided a free soil testing kit and instructions on taking your soil sample. University of Maryland Extension will also have a booth at Corsica River Awareness Day on Saturday 17 where they will provide free soil test kits and instructions (Just look for the Terps tent).

On Thursday, October 13 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm a workshop at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville will be conducted where participants will be given specific instructions on how to use their soil test results in setting up their lawn care program.

For information contact Rachel Melvin, Horticulture Educator, University of Maryland Extension-Queen Anne’s County at 410-758-0166 or rmelvin1@umd.edu .