Delaware Ag Week event makes in-person return, highlights new industry advancements

HARRINGTON, Del. – “Several of us don’t socialize a whole lot, but when we run into each other it shows how good it feels at events like this. It’s good to see each other,” Baker said.

After two years of virtual sessions, Delaware Ag Week made it’s awaited in-person return.

It’s sponsored by both the University of Delaware and Delaware State University Cooperative Extension’s and the Delaware Department of Agriculture. “It’s a week that farmers and basically the entire agriculture community can come together to network and get the latest and greatest information. Farmers can also get their continuing education credits,” University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Services Agent Cory Whaley said.  

The event covers a variety of topics from soil management, crop production, beekeeping, and more.

Farmers also got updates on the risk of the Avian Influenza locally. Poultry Extension Agent Georgie Cartanza says seven farms on Delmarva were impacted by the disease last year. “Our afternoon session is going to focus on what do you do to prevent it, how do you identify that you have it, what’s the process if you do get confirmed for having Avian Influenza and what the process looks like on your farm,” Cartanza said.

Poultry Farmer Terry Baker of Millsboro says that COVID-19 impacted his daily operations.

As things start to bounce back, he says events like this allow him to learn more ways to keep his food supply steady. “There’s a lot of efficiency things to improve performance which also adds stability and profitability on the farm,” Baker said.  “With four kids and a wife I need all the profit I can get.”

As communities change and grow across Delaware, those we spoke with say they’re not only helping these growers make a profit but make them better neighbors. “We live on those farms too. I’m a poultry girl myself. We live on those farms and our children are on those farms. We all want to work together so it’s the best environment it can be,” Cartanza said.

The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension is also looking into the recent attention put on air admissions for poultry houses and how they impact farmers and the environment.

Delaware Ag Week 2023 will run through Thursday, January 12th.

To find out more information and the schedule of events, click here