Agriculture and Food Systems

The Cecil County agriculture educator offers a variety of educational services to the commercial farm community. Some programs train or recertify agricultural producers to meet State regulations.

Other seminars provide technical and business information that introduce new technologies or practices that help farmers improve production, operate more profitably, and maintain the environment. The Cecil County Extension faculty educator is available to provide information, consultation and educational programs to Cecil County's agriculture community.

Winter Agronomy Meeting

More Information/Register:
https://go.umd.edu/CecilAgronMtg2025

Sponsorship Information/Registration:
https://go.umd.edu/CecilAgronMtgSponsor

Cecil County Agriculture and Food Systems Educator

Doris Behnke, Principal Agent Associate

dbehnke@umd.edu, 410.996.8135.

Life Stages of the Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses. October - June

Freshly laid egg masses, which are about 1” long and laid on hard surfaces, including trees, stones, patio furniture, etc. The egg masses are covered in a white putty-like substance, which age over time to look like cracked mud.

Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses - Old. October - June

Old egg masses, which have the putty or mud-like covering worn off. Here, you can see each individual seed-like egg. Image by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Hatch & First Instar: May-June.

Second Instar: June-July.

Third Instar: June-July

Early Stage Nymph of Spotted Lanternfly. An early stage nymph (1st-3rd instars). These hatch from the eggs and are just a few millimeters in length. As they age, they grow to be ~1/4 inch long. The have black bodies and legs, and are covered in bright white spots. They are strong jumpers, and will jump when prodded or frightened. These appear from April to October. Photo by Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University.

Fourth Instar: July-September

Late Stage Nymph of Spotted Lanternfly. A late stage nymph (4th instars). These are the last nymph stage before becoming adults. They are ~1/2 inch long, and are bright red, covered in black stripes and white spots. They are strong jumpers, and will jump when prodded or frightened. They appear from May to October each year. Photo by Peter Coffey, University of Maryland Extension.

Adult: July-December

Adult Spotted Lanternfly- Open-wings. An adult spotted lanternfly with its wings open. While spotted lanternfly adults can fly, they often prefer to jump and glide. You will see their wings when they are flying and gliding. You may also see them when they are frightened, or when they have been poisoned with an insecticide. Photo by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Egg Laying: September-December

Adult Spotted Lanternfly - Side View. The side-view of a spotted lanternfly adult. Adults are about 1” long. The females tend to be slightly larger than the males. Photo by Peter Coffey, University of Maryland Extension.

MDA has implemented an online self-service portal for Maryland residents to fill out a survey if they see a spotted lanternfly life stage. The survey logs all of their reporting into a central area that MDA can use to pursue investigations or to perform analytics. Residents can find the link to the survey on the MDA spotted lanternfly webpage at https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pages/spotted-lantern-fly.aspx.

If they have questions or concerns, they should still feel free to contact the MDA at (410) 841-5920.

Photo credit: Maryland Department of Agriculture

Learn how to safely manage the spotted lanternfly throughout the year using resources from your local department of agriculture or extension office. There are Fact Sheets, Videos, Webinars and Research data available for your viewing.

Photo credit: Penn State Extension

Maryland Department of Agriculture

University of Maryland Extension

Penn State Extension

Explore Our Program Areas

Agricultural Law

Committed to identifying the legal needs of Maryland farm families and devising strategies to meet them. This initiative helps preserve Maryland’s family farms and help their owners address the complicated legal issues associated with agricultural estates and trusts, regulatory compliance, and other public policies comprising what is known as agriculture law.
Agricultural Disaster Preparedness Information

Cecil County is within the radiological impact zones of several nuclear power generating stations. The Cecil County Extension Office collaborates with the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services to provide disaster preparedness information relating to the agricultural community. If there is a possible radiological incident, guidance will be provided on actions that are necessary to protect animals and humans.
Private Pesticide Applicator Licensing and Certification

Maryland pesticide applicators are licensed through the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). Extension provides educational opportunities for license holders to renew their license and for those who wish to obtain a new license. Study materials may be purchased at local extension offices.
Women In Agriculture

The number of women involved in agriculture has grown in recent years. MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture is dedicated to providing knowledge and resources to women who share a passion for agriculture. Check out information on the annual conference, farm tours, webinars, and international programs.
Winter Crop Meetings

The most recent research, information and data will be shared at these meetings and will help make growing decisions for agricultural crops. The meetings are open to all interested in agronomy, forage, vegetables and fruit. Pesticide applicator, nutrient management and certified crop advisor credits will be offered.
Cecil County Fair Ag Showcase

Attend to hear speakers from Maryland Department of Agriculture with current information on legislative matters. Special educational presentations and trainings are provided on farm safety issues.
Agricultural Nutrient Management

Nearly all Maryland farmers are required to follow a certified Nutrient Management Plan. For more information on the Nutrient Mangement Program, click on this card.

Featured Cecil County Program - Days of Learning

The Days of Learning Program is a program that has been developing over the last year or so where we connect the Cecil County School of Technology High School students with local agricultural businesses so that they can experience first-hand how a real agricultural business operates. With this behind the scenes approach to learning, we hope the students will make a direct connection with one of these businesses and participate in a shadowing opportunity or an internship.

Cecil County School of Technology Ag Students

We have been working with Rachael Coffey, Cecil County School of Technology, to develop an Extension Program called, “Days of Learning.” The idea behind this program is to provide our high school students who are interested in agriculture, an up-close and personal look at how an agricultural business/farm operates. We have taken several field trips to learn and experience “behind the scenes” on how a particular business operates and why it operates that way.

We have also had businesses bring their specialty to the School of Technology for a direct presentation to the agriculture program students in their classroom setting. We believe the more exposure these students get to the many facets of agriculture and how an agriculture business operates, will give them a better understanding and more knowledge about agriculture.

We would love to have the opportunity to bring the students to your farming operation to learn about your farm/operation. If that is not feasible, we would love to have you come to the School of Technology to showcase your operation in their classroom. So please, contact the Cecil County Extension Office so that we can discuss your options whether it be a field trip, or a time for you to come to the school to educate the students about your place in agriculture.

Check out the photos from various field trips to Cecil County farms and agri-businesses.