Join UMES this week for their 16th Annual Small Farm Conference

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — 47 ABC’s Erica Murphy was joined on the desk by Mr. Berran Rogers, who was here to represent the local HBCU — UMES.

Mr. Rogers came to Good Morning Delmarva to talk about the school’s upcoming 16th annual Small Farm Conference taking place this Friday and Saturday, November 1st to November 2nd at the Student Services Center, which is on the campus.

The school is holding its first Industrial Hemp pre-conference on Thursday, Oct. 31, one day before the actual conference from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mr. Rogers says the hemp crop is pretty new to Maryland, so they want to feature the crop so that way, anyone interested in growing the crop, can know the myths and extended information on the plant.

And for the 16th year, the Small Farm Conference will be held on university grounds.

The theme for this two-day event is “Sustaining Small Farms…360 Degrees.”

On Friday, participants will get to go to two popular home food preservation classes where they will learn about dehydrating herbs and canning apple butter along with other workshops and tours.

Friday participants will also be able to enjoy fresh produce and baked goods that local farmers will be selling from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday’s events will include  informational sessions and a luncheon program with a keynote address.

It wasn’t mentioned in the interview but, Mike Beatty, the director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement in Washington, D.C., will speak during the luncheon on Saturday.

The conference will also feature an exhibitor expo with vendors from agriculture agencies, agri-businesses and organizations committed to supporting small-scale agriculture in Maryland and on Delmarva.

The cost to attend the conference $60 for both days and $30 for just one day. To register, you can visit umessfc.eventbrite.com.

Also, for more information on the Small Farm Conference, you can visit their website at www. umessmallfarm.com or call 410-651-6070.