UMES Preparing for 5th Annual Agriculture Showcase

(PRINCESS ANNE, Md) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is getting set for their summer tradition. As more than 200 people will take part in the annual agriculture showcase.

Berran Rogers gave us a glimpse at what those two hundred people, ranging from farmers to researchers, can expect for the 5th annual Showcase.

“Hopefully this will be able to give farmers the opportunity to expand their market, find some niche markets and of course improve their bottom line,” says Rogers.

Adam Smith is one of the partners at the showcase, and for his company, which specializes in crops like soybeans and corn, it’s vital to share research findings with Eastern Shore farmers.

Smith tells us, “It’s very important. So the way the economy is right now, where grain prices are real low but expenses are real high, we need to be very precise on what we’re spending per acre, trying to gain more yield to make, again, a better return of investment…”

With unpredictable weather patterns year over year, sharing that research becomes critical.

“This local research is very crucial to look at together to figure out how we can do things a little bit more profitable. What’s working? What’s not working? So when we get that local data, it’s really priceless. Take advantage of these situations to come out. Touch, feel, look…” says Smith.

That’s the goal of bringing 200 people from the agriculture industry to this six acre plot of land.

“And what we’re hoping to do is to improve their access to resources and management solutions. And we really do feel that our UMES AG Showcase event helps achieve that goal,” says Rogers.

The event will take place on Wednesday, August 6th. Registration for the Agriculture Showcase has closed.