Publications

This publication highlights the impact and effectiveness of the UMD Extension (UME) winter meetings held during 2022-2023. It provides insights into participant engagement, preferred learning methods, and the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. The survey results included in the publication demonstrate how these meetings support farmers in implementing improved crop production, pest management, and nutrient management strategies. It outlines key priorities for Extension programming and reports satisfaction with the UME Nutrient Management program. Authors: Shannon Dill, Serena Taylor Newton, Andrew Kness, Erika Crowl, Sarah Hirsh, and Jennifer Rhodes; Title: University of Maryland Extension Winter Meeting Data 2023" (FS-2024-0731).

This comprehensive guide, developed by experts from the University of Maryland Extension and University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, provides agricultural employers in Delaware and Maryland with essential insights into crafting a legally sound and effective employee manual. Covering key topics such as employment policies, workplace culture, legal compliance, and best practices, this resource helps farm owners and managers foster clear communication, improve employee relations, and ensure regulatory adherence. With practical templates, legal considerations, and expert-reviewed content, this publication is a must-have for agricultural operations seeking to enhance workforce management and operational efficiency. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Sima Majnooni, and Holly Russo; Title: Guidelines for Delaware and Maryland Ag Operations on Writing an Employee Manual (EB-2024-0725).

This paper examines how financial education significantly influences individuals' ability to make informed decisions, enhancing their economic stability and social mobility in today's economy. By reviewing literature, such as Anderson (2023) and Walstad et al. (2017), the paper highlights the benefits of early financial education for young people in managing adult financial responsibilities. Despite progress, the study notes persistent limitations in financial education accessibility across states, leaving many households vulnerable due to inadequate financial literacy. Key goals of financial education include understanding personal finance, recognizing good and bad debt, and acquiring practical budgeting skills. The paper emphasizes the need for educational leaders to implement robust financial programs and mandate financial literacy classes in high schools. By developing benchmarks for measuring financial education effectiveness, the study underscores the necessity of widespread financial education to foster a financially savvy population capable of tackling economic challenges. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson; Title: The Concept of Financial Education (FS-2024-0704).

The Beginning Farmer Resource Guide is a compilation of business, financial, regulatory, crops, and livestock information. County-specific information is given for Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard Counties. Author: Kelly Nichols; Title: Beginning Farmer Resource Guide for Frederick, Howard, & Montgomery Counties, Maryland (FS-2023-0691).

The Maryland oyster aquaculture industry reported a record harvest of 94,286 bushels in 2023, an increase of 29 bushels from the previous record in 2022. Bay scallop harvest also increased by 44.9% compared to 2022, and there was a very modest hard clam harvest reported for the first time since 2017. (The quantity and value of the bay scallop and clam harvests are not reported to maintain business privacy since there are fewer than three growers of each in the state.) The average price of single oysters remained steady while the average price for oysters sold as bushels increased slightly, as determined from grower-reported sales information standardized by volume. The estimated dockside value of the oyster aquaculture industry in Maryland for 2023 was $7,381,482. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) received 16 new shellfish aquaculture lease applications and issued 14 new shellfish leases in 2023 (Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 2024). Authors: Matthew Parker, Donald Webster, and Rebecca Thur; Title: Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Industry: 2023 At A Glance (FS-2024-0732).

Many thornless blackberry cultivars are suited for the Mid-Atlantic. Here, we highlight traits like yield, fruit quality, and cold hardiness to help growers select the best varieties for their needs. Authors: Haley Sater and Alan Leslie; Title: Thornless Blackberry Cultivars Suited for the Mid-Atlantic (FS-2024-0709).

Medication Management: Ways to save money on prescription drugs to help you manage your health. Authors: Carrie Sorenson and Lynn Matava; Saving Money on Prescription Drugs" (FS-2024-0712).

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is a perennial nonnative grass hybrid that is being investigated as an alternative crop in Maryland. Although the invasive potential of this species appears to be low, there is little information about how to manage giant miscanthus should it become weedy, or should another crop be desired following miscanthus production. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate control methods for giant miscanthus in two agronomic settings (discing and no-till) as well as herbicide options for riparian settings. Results indicated that multiple herbicide treatments or mowing followed by herbicide treatments over successive years would be needed to eliminate giant miscanthus. Authors: Kurt Vollmer and Ellie Rogers; Considerations for Terminating Giant Miscanthus on Maryland Farms (FS-2023-0685).

Dry field conditions that are ideal for a successful fall harvest also bring the danger of combine fires. Dry crop residue provides the tinder, and a tiny spark or heat source is all that is necessary for a combine fire to start. Combine fires can lead to lost time, substantial property damage, and even injury or loss of life. This fact sheet will share what you can do to lessen your risk. Author: J. Richard Nottingham; Preventing Combine Fires (FS-845).

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems team organizes annual winter agriculture production meetings to provide updates on the latest research and practices in various areas, including agronomy, vegetable, fruit, and forage production, as well as urban agriculture systems. These sessions also offer recertification opportunities for pesticide and nutrient management. The meetings attract a wide audience of participants, including farmers, industry professionals, government, and nonprofit representatives, fostering networking and knowledge sharing. To assess the impact of these meetings, the team implemented a survey to gather demographic, production, and economic data from participants. The survey results provide valuable data on production practices and profitability. Authors: Shannon Dill, Serena Taylor Newton, Andrew Kness, and Jennifer Rhodes; Title: University of Maryland Extension Winter Meeting Data 2022 (FS-2022-0642).