UMES Extension & 4-H

10/23/2026

Our annual Small Farm Conference is in full swing!

10/23/2026

Good news! The deadline to book a room at the picturesque Hyatt Regency in Cambridge at a special conference-exclusive rate has been extended to Nov. 10! Join us for UMES Extension's second , Nov. 15-17. Learn more at https://www.umes.edu/extension/community/agritourism-conference/

10/16/2026

Today is your LAST CHANCE to get tickets for the UMES Extension Small Farms Conference, Oct. 23-24, on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Secure your spot to learn tools and strategies that can increase profitability on your small farm: https://ow.ly/QW7o50ZYuph

10/16/2026

Today is the last day to take advantage of our group hotel rate for the upcoming Maryland Agritourism Conference, Nov. 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland. Learn more and grab your discounted hotel room today at https://ow.ly/USzX50ZYu8n

10/16/2026

Join the The Salvation Army - Lower Eastern Shore and UMES Extension on Saturday, Oct. 24, for a Community Harvest Festival and Sponsor-a-Coat Challenge!

10/15/2026

Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit, associate professor of horticulture and UMES Extension specialist, is hosting a series of in-person workshops on fruit and flower cultivation, starting this weekend! For a full list, visit https://ow.ly/3qhg50ZYcSi

10/14/2026

UMES wants you to be the first to know when applications will be accepted for the inaugural class of its new School of Veterinary Medicine coming in the summer of 2027.

This unique three-year DVM program offers a rigorous, year-round curriculum featuring simulation-based learning, clinical skills training, and hands-on exposure to various animal species.

Don't miss the opportunity for the career of your dreams. Watch the School of Veterinary Medicine's website for the official opening date for application submissions!

Read more about it here 📖: https://www.umes.edu/scm/umes-advances-towards-historic-milestone-opening-first-veterinary-school-at-a-public-hbcu/

10/09/2026

UPDATE: The deadline for ticket sales has been extended to Friday, Oct. 16! 🎉

The 23rd Small Farm Conference by University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension will focus on enhancing small farm profitability.

10/08/2026

Ticket sales for the annual UMES Extension Small Farm Conference end tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 9. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn about non-traditional agriculture, farm business management, ag research and human health, all focused on small farms:

The 23rd Small Farm Conference by University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension will focus on enhancing small farm profitability.

10/08/2026

Check out this amazing agritourism opportunity!

Thinking about hosting guests on your farm or ranch? There's funding to help you start. 🌾

Airbnb and American Farmland Trust have launched the Farm to Stay Grant Program. It offers $250,000 in total for farmers and ranchers who want to start or grow agritourism.

▪️ Awards of $5,000 to $10,000 per farm or ranch
▪️ About 25 to 30 grants
▪️ Funds can cover property renovations, getting ready for overnight guests, or launching farm tours, farm-to-table dinners and hands-on workshops
▪️ Applications open in late November 2026

Timing matters. AFT will accept about 350 applications and review them in the order they come in. Start gathering your information now so you're ready when applications open.

There are two free webinars on the application process. You need to register:
📅 Wednesday, October 14 | 5:00 p.m. ET
📅 Friday, November 13 | 12:00 p.m. ET

A farm stay can bring in extra income. It also lets guests walk the pasture, meet the herd and see what grassfed really means.

Learn more and register: farmland.org/farm-to-stay

Know a producer who'd be a good fit? Share this with them.