UMES
Partners with Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine to Further
Strengthen Pipeline of Diverse Students
PRINCESS ANNE,
MD – (September 10, 2021)–
In an effort to increase diversity in the veterinary profession, RUSVM
has expanded its Ross Vet Articulation Partner Scholarship initiative
for Hispanic Serving Institutions and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. The initiative, which is offered through a
growing number of partnerships, now includes UMES. Scholarships are available
to students who intend to begin the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree
program during the 2021-22 academic year. more>
Youth can participate in a UMES
Extension 4-H STEM Junior Master Gardener course
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(September 9, 2021)-Area youth aged 8-11 can register now through
Sept. 20 for a series of six Junior Master Gardener classes this fall. Hosted by University of Maryland Eastern
Shore Extension 4-H STEM, participants can earn Level One certification upon completion
of the course. more>
Integrated
Pest Management is key to protecting the Chesapeake Bay
UMES
receives $630,000 USDA grant to assist farmers in improved IPM practices
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(September 1, 2021)-Agriculture is Maryland’s largest industry,
employing 350,000 people and contributing $8 billion annually to its economy,
according to a Maryland State Archives report.
The Chesapeake Bay is the second most important economic resource, which
makes creating eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management programs essential to
the state. more>
UMES Extension workshop showcases 38
varieties of grapes that can be grown on Delmarva
PRINCESS
ANNE-MD- (August 30, 2021)-UMES Extension is hosting a workshop on grape
cultivation Sat., September 4, at 10 a.m. at the University of Maryland Eastern
Shore’s orchard on campus. Growers and gardening enthusiasts can view 38
varieties of grapes grown there and learn about tips for successful cultivation
on the Eastern Shore. more>
UMES researcher uses CRISPR to combat fungal diseases in grapevines
USDA grant funds research for advanced breeding technologies to improve mildew resistance
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(August 30, 2021)-Dr. Sadanand Dhekney, an associate professor of plant breeding and biotechnology at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, will lead a project supported by a recent $500,000 United States Department of Agriculture, capacity building grant to improve powdery mildew resistance in grapevine cultivars using genome editing technology. >more
UMES Extension receives EXCITE grants
to help bolster vaccine confidence
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD- (August 26, 2021)-The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and
the Cooperative Extension System are banding together to bolster confidence in
COVID-19 vaccines and to address health disparities among rural and other
underserved communities. The University
of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension will champion this effort as the recipient
of over $200,000 in grants to implement the Extension Collaborative on
Immunization Teaching and Engagement initiative. more>
UMES
Extension offers free Asian vegetable cooking class and workshop
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(August 12, 2021)-UMES
Extension is offering an Asian vegetable online cooking class August 28 and an
on-site workshop for growers and gardening enthusiasts August 21. Both begin at 10 a.m. and are free, but
require advanced registration at www.umes.edu/SANS/Events. The workshop will be held on the UMES Farm located
on College Backbone Road near the Food Science and Technology building. >more
UMES
Extension offers free pear orchard tour and tasting workshop
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(August 10, 2021)-Local growers and gardening enthusiasts can learn
about pears at an on-site workshop August 14, sponsored by the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s Horticulture and Fruit program. The free event begins at 10 a.m. and features
information, and best of all tasting, on 12 varieties grown on UMES’ orchard,
including the easy-to-grow and newly popular Asian pear. >more
Chigbu appointed to Maryland Commission on Climate Change
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(August 5, 2021)-Ben Grumbles, Maryland's Secretary of the
Environment, recently announced that the University of Maryland Eastern
Shore's director of the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science
Center, Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, has been appointed to the Maryland Commission on
Climate Change. Chigbu will serve on one of its working groups, the
Science and Technology Working Group. >more
UMES
and Washington Inn and Tavern present “Taste of Jamaica” culinary event August
6
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(August 2, 2021)-University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s Dr.
Nadine Burton is sharing her knowledge of ethnic specialty crops and recipes native
to her home country of Jamaica with the chef at the Washington Inn and Tavern
in Princess Anne for a special culinary experience, “Taste of Jamaica.” Chef Russell Robbins hosts the event on
Jamaican Independence Day, August 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the Inn where he will
present a three-course meal featuring locally grown ingredients common to
Jamaica. >more
Ag Showcase slated for late August
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (July 26, 2021) – University
of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension, in partnership with Atlantic Tractor LLC,
is hosting an Ag Showcase at the UMES Research and Education Farm on Stewart
Neck Road on Wednesday, August 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The showcase is the
inaugural event between the two organizations, both interested in the success
of the Eastern Shore farmer. >more
UMES Industrial Hemp
Program offers free field tours
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD – (July 22, 2021) – A hemp variety screening trial involving more than
50 varieties is the focus of a July 30 tour on the University of Maryland
Easter Shore campus. The event, set to begin at 4 p.m., is free and open to
growers and potential growers. >more
UMES
researcher awarded $1 million U.S. Navy Minority Serving Institution Grant
Dr. Victoria Volkis
aims to combat biofilms on submerged surfaces while training students for
careers in science
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD- (July 7, 2021)-A University of Maryland Eastern Shore researcher and
students from underrepresented minorities in STEM who are majoring in natural
sciences will be tackling one of the U.S. Navy’s most costly problems –biofilm
formation, or fouling. Biofilms, which
lead to attachment of barnacles, cause millions of dollars of damage to naval
ships and platforms each year and contribute to ecological changes with the
potential to cause fish mortality and algal blooms. >more
UMES professor is among first
graduates of medical cannabis science degree
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD- (June 28, 2021)-As medical cannabis has made its way from the debate
floor to federal and state legislation, a professor at the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore has joined an elite group of scientists, health care
professionals, attorneys and entrepreneurs who have earned the first master’s
degrees in medical cannabis science in the nation. The program aims to set standards for
clinical information and assist in continued research to build the science
behind the fast-growing industry. >more
Collaboration
reaps FRUITS of their labor
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(June 21, 2021)-Three years in the making, the Fruitland Mini Orchard
is ready for its first harvest.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s Well Connected
Communities and Horticulture and Fruits programs partnered with the City of
Fruitland to serve the community by providing outreach activities to learn
about backyard fruit cultivation and sustainability while addressing food
insecurity in the Tri-County area. >more
UMES’ 2021 AgDiscovery summer camp in full
swing
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(June 17, 2021)-A group of
19 middle and high school students from the Mid-Atlantic are fortunate that COVID-19
restrictions have lifted per Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan for them to experience
an in-person AgDiscovery summer program this year at the University of Maryland
Eastern Shore. As with many activities,
the 2020 edition was canceled. >more
UMES researchers
conduct hemp cultivar trial
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(June 2, 2021)-University of
Maryland Eastern Shore researchers involved in its Industrial Hemp Pilot
Research Program took to the fields early last month for a hemp cultivar
screening trial. Some 43 cultivars were
planted that will be screened for cannabinoid production on the Eastern Shore
where it shows promise as a potential cash crop for farmers. >more
UMES Extension specialist helps veterans
this Memorial Day through horticulture
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(May 27, 2021)-Serving the region’s military veterans through
horticulture training is one of Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit’s passions. The horticulturist and University of Maryland
Eastern Shore Extension specialist has partnered over the past three years with
regional agencies to provide free workshops on fruit and vegetable cultivation
and is on the road to forming a Veterans Agriculture Association on Delmarva. >more
Health benefits of
ginger could combat obesity—known risk factor for COVID-19
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(May 19, 2021)-Obesity is a
growing problem in the United States and is one that affects some groups more
than others. According to the Centers
for Disease Control, 42% of adults in the nation fell within the range
considered to be obese in a 2017-2018 study. Not only does obesity put people
at risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer,
it is also a risk factor for experiencing negative outcomes from COVID-19. >more
UMES among recipients of $5.76 million in USDA funding to establish Center of Excellence
PRINCESS ANNE, MD
– (May 12, 2021) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of
Food and Agriculture announced today that the University of Maryland Eastern
Shore is one of four 1890 land-grant institutions set to receive funding from its
total investment of $5.76 million reserved for 1890 Centers of Excellence
grants.>more
Online lecture series features innovations
in agriculture
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(April 27, 2021)-University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension is
offering a free online lecture series for produce growers and consumers,
“Ingenuity and Innovation in Agriculture: Talk with a Farmer,” beginning
Saturday, May 1. The first installment
features John McMahon, founder and farm manager of an organic,
controlled-environment farm, Schuyler Greens Company near Charlottesville,
Virginia.>more
Asian
vegetables an emerging market for Mid-Atlantic growers
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(April 16, 2021)—University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dr. Naveen Kumar
Dixit aims to help farmers and gardening enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic tap
into consumer demand and an emerging market for Asian vegetables. As part of a spring series, he will offer two
free webinars focusing on cultivation of the ethnic crops.>more
Spring
and early summer webinar series geared to fruit growers and enthusiasts
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD- (April 12, 2021)—University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension is
offering a free webinar series aimed at helping local growers hone skills
necessary to successfully cultivate fruit in the Mid-Atlantic. >more
Learn about pruning fruit trees in
free UMES Extension webinar
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD-(April 6, 2021)—Fruit growers, property owners and gardening
enthusiasts can benefit from a free University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension
webinar April 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Assistant professor, Extension specialist and horticulturist Naveen
Kumar Dixit will share his expertise on pruning apple, pear and peach
trees. Registrations will be accepted
through April 9.>more
UMES Extension offers free webinar on
growing elderberry
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD- (March 10, 2021)-University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension is
offering the second installment of a free, two-part webinar series on
“Elderberry Growing and Marketing” on March 25, from noon-1 p.m. Henriette den Ouden, a specialty herbs
consultant with UMES’ Small Farm Program, will present information on how to
market the plant along with an overview of value-added products such as wine,
syrup and jellies and the regulatory aspects associated with them.>more
UMES
Extension offers free growing ginger webinar
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(March 9, 2021)-Ginger, used
worldwide as a popular spice, is a tropical plant harvested within 8-10 months. The question is can it be feasibly grown as a
Mid-Atlantic high-value crop with marketing potential. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Extension is offering a free webinar on March 12, from 11 a.m.-noon to help
answer that question. >more
Mid-Atlantic college students can apply to UMES summer internship
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(March 3, 2021)-College students
in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C. that are
interested in learning how their academic major can lead to a career in
agriculture or food science can apply now through April 10 to the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore’s Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates
summer internship. >more
Extension employee hailed as a champion of
the community
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 24, 2021)-Making an impact in the community through his
professional and personal life is what drives McCoy Curtis Jr., especially in these challenging times, and it has
not gone unnoticed. Curtis was honored last month on Martin Luther
King Jr. Day during a “live” virtual celebration of the Tri-County MLK
Coalition’s 36th annual banquet honoring their namesake. He was the Somerset County recipient of an
achievement award presented to standouts in the area for their humanitarian
services to the community. >more
Youth
into gardening and the environment can take part in UMES Extension 4-H STEM
spring program
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD—(February 8, 2021)-Youth ages 8-11 can brush off their gardening
trowels and get ready for some fun and learning by becoming a Junior Master
Gardener through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s 4-H STEM
program. Virtual classes will held bi-weekly
beginning March 30 on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. >more
Registration is open for UMES’ free 2021
AgDiscovery summer camp
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (February 2, 2021)-Area
middle and high school students currently in grades 8-11 can apply now through March 25 for the
2021 AgDiscovery summer program slated for June 13-26 at the University of
Maryland Eastern Shore. Campers will
reside on campus unless COVID-19 concerns mandate that it shifts to a virtual
experience. >more
Research team receives national award for
transfer of new federal technology to reduce ammonia emissions in poultry
houses
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(December
16, 2020)-A University of Maryland Eastern Shore researcher and his colleagues
at laboratories along the East Coast and as far away as Spain were lauded by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service for their
work aimed at controlling ammonia emissions in poultry houses. >more
UMES
Chesapeake Water Quality Center receives half-million dollar USDA grant
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (October 30, 2020)-The University of Maryland Eastern Shore just received a major boost to its Chesapeake Water Quality Center from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. The center received nearly a half-million dollar
NRCS grant to “enhance knowledge regarding use of standard metrics to assess soil health,” particularly for agricultural land management.” >more
Virtual Industrial Hemp Conference
slated for Nov. 5 at UMES
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(October 7, 2020)-University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension will host its second annual Industrial Hemp Conference November 5 in a virtual format due to restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts from universities
and agencies across the country aim to educate growers and stakeholders about the status of the industry and the outlook for the future. >more
Area
farmers can receive free opportunities through new MyFaRM initiative
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (October 5, 2020)-Registration is now open for MyFaRM, a new University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension initiative to deliver risk management education free to area farmers. Mastering Farm Risk Management, for which MyFaRM stands,
also includes incentives for a select group of participants to receive free admission to future events hosted by UMES’ Small Farm Program. >more
Registration is now open for UMES Small Farm Conference
PRINCESS ANNE-MD- (October 2, 2020)-COVID-19 will not prevent the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension from holding its 17th annual Small Farm Conference November 6-7. Registration is now open for the event that will take place this
year in a hybrid format to ensure the safety of participants. >more
Zebelo
selected for USDA 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Awards
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (October 2, 2020)-When the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced July 24 its 2020 awardees of the Agriculture Research Service's 1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical Program, one of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s top researchers,
Dr. Simon Zebelo, was among them. Zebelo is the recipient of a $75,000 summer 2020-21 award. >more
Delmarva high school students chosen for World
Food Prize
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(September 29, 2020)-Three Delmarva high school students will represent the Maryland Youth Institute as delegates to the 2020 World Food Prize Global Youth Institute next month. >more
UMES Extension prepares for 2020 4-H STEM Challenge
PRINCESS ANNE-MD- (September 17, 2020)-University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension 4-H STEM educators are gearing up for this year’s 4-H STEM Challenge, “Mars Base Camp,” developed by Google for children aged 8-14. >more
UMES announces new natural sciences chair
PRINCESS ANNE, MD — (September 17, 2020) —Dr. Jonathan Cumming is braving the academic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic during his first semester as the incoming chair of the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern
Shore. Cumming’s tenure began July 1. >more
Farmers on Delmarva poised to enter ethnic food markets
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(September 15, 2020)-The pandemic has brought to light the importance of growing local food for “survival, sustainability and self-dependence.” University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dr. Naveen Kumar Dixit (at left) aims to
help Delmarva farmers tap into consumer demand and an emerging market for Asian vegetables—a market currently dominated by South American imports. >more
Free UMES Extension
events take visitors on educational tour of its herb garden
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(August 28, 2020)-University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension puts the talents of its specialty herbs consultant for the Small Farms Program, Henriette den Ouden, to use to present two free events in September highlighting UMES’ herb
garden. On September 12, from 10 a.m.-noon, gardeners with an interest in growing medicinal and other specialty herbs can visit the herb garden on the UMES Education and Demonstration Farm. The second event slated for September 16 at 10 a.m. is
a webinar of interest to farmers who would like technical information on the best practices for growing a range of herbs. >more
UMES celebrates 130th anniversary of historically Black land-grant universities
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (August 26, 2020) - University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Dr. Heidi Anderson will join fellow presidents of the nation’s 1890 universities
in this week’s celebration of the 130th anniversary of the federal legislation that designated them as land-grant institutions. The Morrill Act of 1890, signed on August 30 of that year, established a land-grant system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities that now number 21. >more
New UMES research facility aims to contribute to health of Chesapeake Bay
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 24, 2020)-Meeting the challenge of sustainable reductions in phosphorus loads to the Chesapeake Bay is the goal of a new Stormwater Management Research facility at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. A $300,000 Capacity
Building Grant by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture was recently awarded to UMES researchers to “implement, monitor and evaluate nutrient-reduction strategies near poultry facilities,” particularly older ones. >more
UMES study addresses increasing demand for ethnic crops on Delmarva
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 17, 2020)- A three-year $600,000 USDA grant awarded to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore seeks to expand and strengthen food science research, teaching and extension related to ethnic crops to meet the growing demand
on the Delmarva Peninsula. >more
MyFaRM initiative offers free risk management education for local farmers
Registration opens in September
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 13, 2020)- A new initiative, MyFaRM (Mastering Farm Risk Management), will provide free risk management education to farmers who are underserved by crop insurance. Educators at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension
secured a nearly $100,000 Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center grant for the 18-month project. >more
Schwarz joins UMES in food safety role
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 12, 2020)- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore welcomes back alumna and long-time resident of Salisbury, Dr. Melinda Schwarz, in the role of food safety specialist with UMES Extension.
In her new post, Schwarz will develop training strategies for small farmers to assist them in their compliance with the requirements outlined in the Produce Safety Rule established by the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act. She
will work with food producers, vegetable growers, poultry processors, new food entrepreneurs, UMES Extension educators and partner organizations through food safety programs. In doing so, Schwarz will also cultivate relationships with state and federal
agencies that are invested in implementing and evaluating food safety guidelines. >more
Over half-million to develop sustainable sweet corn production on Delmarva
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (August 6, 2020)- It’s that time of year when summer fields are filled with mouth-watering local sweet corn. A newly funded (nearly $600,000) USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Capacity Building Grant was awarded to University
of Maryland Eastern Shore researcher, Dr. Simon Zebelo, to help expand sustainable sweet corn production on Delmarva. >more
Junior Master Gardener Program offers
hands-on activities for youth
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (July 31, 2020)- At the end of February, before the COVID-19 lockdowns began, UMES Extension 4-H Senior Agent Associate Lisa Murphy traveled to Texas A&M University to take part in the 2020 Junior Master Gardener Leader Training Conference.
The program, of which Murphy is the Maryland state coordinator, is a youth gardening program of the nation’s Cooperative Extension System. >more
UMES researchers to aid cattle
industry
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (July 27, 2020)-Multi-disciplinary researchers at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore have gained funding from the USDA to aid in a method for early detection of bovine herpesvirus type 1 infection in cows, a disease that costs
the U.S. cattle industry approximately $3 billion in losses each year. >more
UMES Extension associate
administrator elected to Northeast SARE council
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(July 16, 2020)- Dr. E. Nelson Escobar can add two more accolades to his 11-year career at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension as an administrator, professor and small ruminant specialist.>more
Kairo
to lead nation’s 1890 and 1862 Experiment Station directors
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 30, 2020)- Dr. Moses T. Kairo is the incoming chair of the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy. Kairo, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, was
elected to the post during the organization’s fall meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 25. He will serve a one-year term commencing July 1. >more
UMES participates in
USDA-funded research to ensure food at farmers markets are safe
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 19, 2020)- Keeping products sold at Delmarva’s farmers markets safe from potential foodborne illness and preparing local farmers for the mandated 2021 compliance to the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization
Act is the goal of a nearly half-million dollar USDA Capacity Building grant. Dr. Salina Parveen, professor of food science and technology at UMES joins researchers at Virginia State University and Delaware State University in the project titled,
"Preparing for the Future: Building Capacity for Food Safety Compliance at Farmers Markets.” >more
Learn
about the health benefits and production of bok choy at free UMES webinar
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 17, 2020)- “Why Bok Choy?” is the topic of a June 24 webinar offered by University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension. The 10 a.m. virtual seminar will be conducted by Dr. Nadine Burton-Stubbs, an alternative crop specialist
with the Small Farm Outreach Program. >more
UMES is part of multi-state research
team studying benefits of grazing on organic crops
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 12, 2020)- The USDA awarded $9.5 million to 11 collaborative, multi-state projects to “enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops.” The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a collaborator on one of the projects. UMES,
in partnership with the University of California at Davis, University of Minnesota, The Organic Center in Washington, D.C. and the USDA-Agriculture Research Station in Beltsville, Maryland, were collectively awarded a nearly $1 million grant to “investigate
the benefits of livestock integration through cover-crop grazing on bacterial population dynamics, food safety, and soil and environmental health,” said Dr. Fawzy Hashem, a research associate professor in UMES’ Department of Agriculture, Food and
Resource Sciences and co-principal director of the project. >more
Tri-County
residents focus of UMES health program
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 11, 2020)- Creating “healthier, more sustainable places to live, work and play” across the country is the goal of the Well Connected Communities Initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Under the leadership of Dr. Virginie
Zoumenou, 1890 Nutrition and Health Programs director, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the recipient of a $65,000 WAVE 2 competitive WCC sub-grant to continue its efforts to “initiate the culture of health” in the Tri-County area. >more
UMES home to International Center of Excellence
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 3, 2020) – The National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded a $1.6 million competitive grant to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, home to the newly organized Center of Excellence for International Engagement
and Development. Established to strengthen global food security and education, the center is one of three administrative units focused on fostering global engagement and leadership skills development among land-grant university faculty, staff and
students. >more
Overcoming
hurricanes and a pandemic to complete graduate research
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 1, 2020) -It took years of hard work and persevering through hurricanes and a pandemic for Wilmelie Cruz-Marrero, a newly minted Doctor of Philosophy in marine estuarine environmental sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern
Shore to achieve her dreams. >more
LMRCSC Scholars earn NOAA scholarships
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (June 2020)- Teemer Barry and Semaj Fielding, NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center Scholars and University
of Maryland Eastern Shore sophomores, were recipients of a prestigious STEM award. Both received the NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions Undergraduate Scholarship earlier this month. >more
UMES fashion student forges ahead with travel plans in face of pandemic
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (June 1, 2020) - University of Maryland Eastern Shore sophomore Aleecia Joof has big plans for next year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Joof, who is concentrating in fashion merchandising at the university, plans on attending the
Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in the fall and studying at the Council on International Educational Exchange Global Institute in Paris next summer. >more
USDA-backed study shows small farm success linked to networks
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 29, 2020) - A four-year study of the social networks of small-scale and minority specialty-crop farmers in Maryland, Delaware and Tennessee has come to a close. The findings show that farmers who play a prominent role in their
network realize greater profits. Supported by a half-million dollar USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Capacity Building Grant, the research can help farming groups and agricultural support organizations leverage networks to enhance
farmers’ success. It aligns with NIFA’s global food security challenge area, especially pertinent during the COVID-19 pandemic. >more
UMES Extension Offers Growing Herbs at Home Webinar
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – May 15, 2020 – Growing herbs at home is the focus for the next University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension webinar. Scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at 10 a.m., the free webinar will offer up-to-the-minute techniques for growing
herbs for a variety of reasons. >more
IR-4
Project designates UMES as its Northe ast Region Center
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 11, 2020) - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has joined the National IR-4 Project network of participating institutions. UMES was selected to provide coordination of the Northeast Region of the IR-4 Project over the next
five years. IR-4 is a USDA-funded national research program that facilitates the registration of safe and effective chemical and bio-based pesticides for fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, ornamentals and other specialty crops and minor uses on major
crops (corn, soybean, cotton, wheat and other small grains). >more
ACS Seeking Scientific-minded High School Students for Summer Program
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 7, 2020) - Delmarva high school students interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry-related majors can participate in the American Chemical Society’s Project SEED summer program. The program offers participants a $1,000 fellowship
and the potential for an ACS scholarship covering the first year of college tuition.>more
New 1890 Scholarships Program Reserved for First-Time and Transfer Students
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (April 27, 2020) - A new scholarship program for 1890 land-grant food and agricultural sciences (FAS) majors is set for Fall 2020. Reserved for first-time college students and for students who transfer from community colleges, the
national 1890 Scholarships Program aims to address the shortfall of FAS graduates available to enter the nation’s workforce. >more
Parasite Management Virtual Workshop Slated for April 30
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (April 17, 2020) – In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension, like its university counterpart, is ramping up efforts to offer virtual instruction for its programs. UMES Extension is committed
to continuing its mission of providing research-based solutions to the community. The first virtual event happens Thursday, April 30, when its “Be Smart, Drench Smart” workshop, originally scheduled for March 26, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon
via Zoom. >more
Nearly Half a Million Dollar Grant Aims to Increase Diversity in FANH Sciences
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (April 15, 2020) - A University of Maryland Eastern Shore researcher has received a $474,500 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA to increase the diversity of students from minorities underrepresented
in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human (FANH) sciences.>more
UMES Researchers Win Energy Innovation Research Funding
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (April 7, 2020) – Dr. Jurgen Schwarz, chair of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences and Dr. Sadanand Dhekney, associate professor of plant breeding and biotechnology, are recipients of an Energy Innovation Seed
Grant awarded by the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute.>more
UMES Receives USDA Funding to Embark on New Research and Extension Project
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 25, 2020)-Helping Maryland’s small farmers growing fresh produce and raising animals with primarily local marketing channels keep food safe is the focus of a half million dollar research and extension project newly funded by
the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Organic Transition Program.>more
Integrated Parasite Management Workshop Planned
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 17, 2020)-“Be Smart, Drench Smart” is the theme of a small ruminant integrated parasite management workshop tentatively scheduled for April 23 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore sponsored by Future Harvest Chesapeake
Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture and the UMES Extension program.>more
UMES Students Among Future Leaders in Agriculture
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 13, 2020)-UMES undergraduates Jailynn Britt and Isaiah Nance and graduate student Stephon Fitzpatrick are among 30 students selected to attend the USDA’s 2020 Agricultural Outlook Forum as participants of its Future Leaders
in Agriculture Program. Selection was based on essays on agricultural careers and challenges.>more
Johnson Appointed to White House Subcommittee
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(February 12, 2020)-Zoe Johnson, a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in toxicology at UMES, was recently appointed to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology subcommittee on Students, Postdoctoral Education,
and Early Career Professionals.>more
Zoumenou Recognized Among EFNEP Peers
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(January 22, 2020)-Dr. Virginie Zoumenou, professor of dietetics and nutrition at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and its 1890 Nutrition and Health Programs director, will serve the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in two leadership roles this year.>more
UMES is a Partner on USDA NIFA Beginning Farmer Grants
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(January 8, 2019)-The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is participating as a partner on two National Institute of Food and Agriculture-USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grants, said Berran Rogers Jr., coordinator,
Small Farm Program, UMES Cooperative Extension.>more
Regents Approve $13.9 Million Ag Research and Classroom Building Plan
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (December 20, 2019)-UMES has the University System of Maryland’s approval to proceed with planning the construction of an “agricultural research and education center” on the east side of campus at a revised cost of $13.95 million.>
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Cover
Crop Workshop Features Steve Groff
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (December 5, 2019)- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension is hosting a free Cover Crop Workshop Tuesday, December 10 featuring Steve Groff, a cover crop coach. The 3-6 p.m. workshop will be held in UMES’ Richard A. Henson
Center, room 1116.> more
USDA Names UMES a Center for Community Prosperity
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(October 2019)-The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, along with another HBCU and a tribal college, were designated as Centers of Community Prosperity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on October 22. >more
Speaker Announced for UMES Small Farm Conference
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (October 25, 2019) – Mike Beatty, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement in Washington, D.C., will give the keynote address Saturday, November 2, during a luncheon program as part of the University of Maryland
Eastern Shore’s Small Farm Conference. The conference is in its 16th year. >more
UMES Hosts Small Farm Conference November 1-2
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (October 6, 2019) – Some 200 attendees are expected for the 16th Annual Small Farm Conference at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore November 1-2. The event provides an avenue for participants to network and learn
about new opportunities and strategies that promote farm profitability and sustainability. >more
First Industrial Hemp Conference Slated for October 31
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (October 6, 2019) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore holds its first Industrial Hemp Conference Thursday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Services Center. >more
Medicinal Herb Workshop Planned for November 16
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (September 27, 2019) – A medicinal herb workshop is slated for Saturday, November 16, at the Caroline County 4-H Youth Park, 8230 Detour Rd., in Denton, Md. Limited to 25 attendees, the event begins at 10 a.m. with registration at
9:30 a.m. The cost is $14.50 per person, which includes materials and lunch. >more
Maryland STEM Festival Slated for November 6
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (September 27, 2019) – “Space and Flight” is the theme of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s 5th annual Maryland STEM Festival slated for November 6. >more
UMES Fall Community Festival Planned
PRINCESS ANNE, MD -(September 17, 2019) - Coordinators of the 2019 UMES Fall Community Festival is expecting close to 400 people on the grounds during this year’s event, which is free and open to the public. >more
UMES Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program Events
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (August 5, 2019) – Several events associated with the UMES Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) program is scheduled for the coming week for farmers and small businesses associated with farmers. >more
Chigbu Receives Wilson H. Elkins Professorship for FY 2020
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (July 18, 2019) – The coveted Wilson H. Elkins Professorship has been awarded to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to support the work of Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, professor in the Department of Natural Sciences and director of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) at UMES. >more
Min Receives Funding for Advancements in Food Technology
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 25, 2019) – Dr. Byungrok Min is the recipient of two major research grants. The university’s associate professor will embark on new innovations that will aid in the sustainability and anti-microbial state of consumed foods.
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Extend Your Strawberry Growing Season With UMES Extension
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 25, 2019) – “How to Extend Your Strawberry Season and Grow Quality Fruit,” a UMES Extension workshop, is sure to offer a wealth of information to anyone with an interest. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday,
July 20, 2019 at the UMES Demonstration and Education Farm. >more
UMES Extension Plans a Demonstration Farm Field Day
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (June 5, 2019) – The Eastern Shore community is invited to attend a UMES farm field day slated for Friday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the UMES Education and Demonstration Farm. The event is organized so that the afternoon session,
from 1 to 3 p.m., is a duplicate of the morning session, from 10 a.m. to noon. >more
UMES Extension Offers Family Fun on the Farm
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (June 5, 2019) - The Eastern Shore community is invited to attend a pair of UMES farm field days slated for Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the UMES Demonstration and Education Farm. While registration
is required, the event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served. > more
Another Specialty Herbs Workshop In the Making
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (June 5, 2019) - UMES Extension presents another opportunity for farmers, gardeners and everyone in between to interact with Dr. Nadine Burton and Habanera Farm’s Henriette
den Ouden during its next Growing Specialty Herbs workshop. The two-hour event starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, on the UMES Education and Demonstration Farm on Stewart Neck Road. > more
Khoza Receives Award for Excellence in International Education
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 31, 2019) - Dr. Lombuso Khoza was recently awarded the Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad Seal of Excellence award due to the UMES Center for International Education’s success with study abroad. > more
University System of Maryland Honors Parveen
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (May 31, 2019) - Dr. Salina Parveen, UMES professor of food science and technology, has been awarded the University System of Maryland (USM) Regent’s Faculty Award. She received the USM’s highest honor for her research, which is aimed
at improving the safety and quality of seafood. > more
UMES Extension Holds Specialty Herbs Workshop
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (March 15, 2019) – UMES Extension, in collaboration with Habanera Farms, will hold a specialty herb garden workshop on Saturday, April 6, at the UMES Demonstration Farm. The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at 10789 Stewart Neck
Road. >more
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Business & Legal Considerations for Your Farm Workshop
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (January 25, 2018) – A winter workshop for farmers with business and/or legal concerns is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, in the Richard A. Henson Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. . . . more
Fruit Tree Pruning Instruction from the Experts
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (January 25, 2018) – University of Maryland Extension educators are preparing to offer an informative fruit tree pruning workshop on Saturday, February 17, on the UMES campus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop is reserved for the
novice as well as for experienced tree planters.
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Late January Year-round Grazing Workshop
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD – (December 20, 2017) - How do you go about developing a winter grazing system? That will be the focus of a workshop, to be held January 25 and 27, 2018, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). The theme is Year-Round Grazing
– From Pasture Establishment to Grazing Management and Soil Health. Dr. Chris Teutsch is the featured speaker. . . . more
UMES Partners with National 4-H Council and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Empower Youth in Creating Healthier Communities
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD - (October 12, 2017) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has been selected as one of five land-grant universities (LGUs) to partner with National 4-H Council (Council) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the nation’s
largest health philanthropy, to improve health in local communities over the next two years. UMES is among the many LGUs that will work on this partnership over the next ten years to build a culture of health in 1,000 communities across the nation.
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UMES Ag Field Day will offer year round benefits
PRINCESS
ANNE, MD – (September 27, 2017) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is the place to be on Saturday, October 7. Ag Field Day begins at 9 a.m. with registration at the farm building. Informational displays, wagon rides, an apple orchard visit
and an exciting opportunity for middle school, high school and college students as well as adults will all be a part of the family fun. While pre-registration is required, the event is free and open to the community. . . . more
Small Farm Conference to offer two informational days
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (September 25, 2017) - The 14th annual Small Farm Conference promises a wide variety of informational sessions and top-of-the-line speakers beginning Friday, November 2, on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
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UMES invites area high school students to Minorities in Agriculture Leadership Institute
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (September 11, 2017) – The Fourth Annual Junior Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
Leadership Institute returns to Princess Anne on Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is pleased to invite local students in grades 9-12 to campus for this exceptional, two-day professional development
and experiential learning opportunity featuring some of the top agricultural and natural resources entities from academia, industry and government. The theme for this year’s institute is Natural Resources and Sustainability. . . . more
UMES research team to aid the learning process
Princess Anne, MD – (May 17, 2017) – A team of UMES researchers propose to improve the success rate of students who take physics courses. Led by Dr. Kausik S. Das, the team has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to improve
student engagement and retention and to invigorate innovation through physics instruction and undergraduate capstone research projects. They suggest that science and engineering students will collaborate effectively in a group environment, grow intellectually
and make original discoveries. . . . more
UMES Celebrates Opening of Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (October 07, 2016) – A new center on the UMES campus has a vision to bridge the gap between agriculture and applied economics to benefit the agriculture community on the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond. In honor of its launch, the Center
for Agribusiness and Economic Development will host a symposium to discuss key topics related to agriculture, business and research. . . . more
SANS Seminar Series Commences with Food Security Talk
PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (January 29) - The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS) Seminar Series continues on Thursday, February 6, at 4 p.m. in the Richard
A. Henson Center, Room 1116. Dr. Shanthu Shantharam begins the semester’s weekly presentations with his talk, “Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in the 21st Century Will Need Modern Biotech Crops.” . . . more