Small Farm Conference 2024

Join UMES Extension's Small Farm Conference to learn how to make your small farm an even greater success.

You'll be introduced to tools and strategies that can increase farm profitability and promote farm sustainability during the 21st annual Small Farms Conference, produced by our Small Farm Program. The event will take place Nov. 1-2, 2024.

The overall conference will consist of three tracks (non-traditional agriculture; business and marketing; and ag research and trending topics). Demonstrations and tours will round out the conference.

On Friday, Nov. 1, the conference will offer two morning sessions per track, followed by lunch with a keynote speaker and an afternoon tour of an off-site agricultural operation. Three options for off-site agricultural tours are available, with the bus departing at 2 p.m. and returning around 5 p.m.

Breakfast and networking will kick off Saturday, Nov. 2. The remainder of the day offers two morning sessions per track, followed by lunch and two options for an afternoon hands-on workshop.

TICKETS:

Pre-registration is required for each participant; no walk-ups will be accepted. This event is geared toward adults. Registration ends Oct. 23.

Full conference cost:

• $60 for early-bird (ends Sept. 22) per participant
• $80 for regular-price (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) per participant

Single day cost (Friday or Saturday):

• $30 for early-bird (ends Sept. 22) per participant
• $40 for regular-price (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) per participant

[Select your Friday tour destination and/or Saturday hands-on workshop AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. Keep scrolling for details.]

A limited number of scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fill out the form here to apply.

HOURS:

• Friday: Check in 8 a.m. Program runs 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with lunch included.
• Saturday: Check in is at 8 a.m. Full buffet breakfast and networking are from 8-9:30 a.m. Programing runs 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with lunch included.

PICK YOU TOUR & WORKSHOP:

Visit our event website for detailed information on the schedule and keynote speaker.

Off-site bus tour options:

Participants for Friday's event may choose one off-site bus tour as part of their paid ticket. Space is limited. Select your tour destination at the time of purchase using the questionnaire:

• The Bay Mushrooms LLC in Cambridge — a specialty mushroom grower with pick-up at farmers markets.
• Go Green OC in Worcester County — a nonprofit environmental organization with a goal of promoting zero waste.
• Delmarva Native Plants in Hurlock — Wholesaler focused on native upland and wetland plants of local origin.

Hands-on workshop options:

Participants for Saturday's event may choose one hands-on workshop as part of their paid ticket. Space is limited. Select your workshop at the time of purchase using the questionnaire:

• Food preservation
• Herbal product making

BECOME AN EXHIBITOR:

$100. Comes with exhibitor table space, table cloth, name recognition, and 1 paid registrant. Register by Oct. 16. Complete the questionnaire at the time of purchase.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].

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SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

If you are in need of any special accommodations, contact [email protected].

CONTACT:

Crystal J. Sankar; UMES Small Farm Program, at [email protected].

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UMES Extension is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). UMES is an EEO/AA employer. For special accommodations, email [email protected].

Event Venue

UMES - Student Services Center, 30665 Student Services Center Lane, Princess Anne, United States