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Webinars

2nd & 4th Wednesday of each Month at Noon EST

Cost is FREE

All are invited to participate

Upcoming Webinars
Archived Webinars
- 2020 Webinar Summary

Upcoming Webinars

2021 Webinars

1/27/2021: Drying Foods Safely

Dried foods are tasty, nutritious, lightweight, and easy to prepare and carry. Attend this workshop and learn about the different methods for drying foods safely, what to consider when drying foods, and what foods dry best.

2/10/2021: Cover Crop Mixtures

This webinar will discuss how and why to choose species of a cover crop mix and tools for deciding species and seeding rates. Topics discussed will also include how different cover crop species express themselves in a mix, fall vs spring growth, the importance of seeding date, and other management considerations. Practical considerations relevant to the mid-Atlantic region will be discussed.

2/24/2021: Planning for Retirement

After attending this program you’ll better understand your income and savings needs as you plan for retirement. We’ll also review some saving options and provide some strategies for late savers.

3/10/2021: Cultivating Conversation: Understanding Opportunities to Access Federal Conservation Programs

Those new to farming or farmland ownership may not be familiar with federal conservation programs, how best management practices (BMPs) fit into their operation, the process for applying to programs, and program expectations. This webinar will increase knowledge of federal conservation programs, including what types of programs are available, the application process and an explanation of contractual obligations. Participants will learn about how to incorporate best management practices on their farms through voluntary and cost share programs, and will learn how conservation programs can fit into an overall farm plan.

3/24/2021: Getting The Most Out of Your High Tunnel- Best Management Practices

High tunnels, also called hoop houses, are temporary structures made of metal poles and flexible plastic. They are used to extend the growing season in early spring and late fall, and to grow some specialty crops that prefer a hot and dry environment. In the past decade, farmers have built many high tunnels, some with support from the USDA-NRCS high tunnel program. But once you have a high tunnel, how do you best manage it to get the most out of your investment? This webinar will provide an introduction to important high tunnel management practices including temperature management, soil health and growing media, irrigation, and pest and disease management.

4/14/2021: Capture the Flavor- Herbs and Spices

Learn the health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices, how herbs and spices are processed for safety, best practices for storing them, and how to use these plants to flavor meals like a pro!

4/28/2021: Does Your Deworming Program Need a Tune-Up? Best Practices for Deworming Cattle

Management of intestinal parasites is an important component of any livestock operation. Choosing the right drug, selecting the right animals, and applying dewormer at the most opportune time are critical to maintaining an economical and effective deworming program. This talk will provide an overview of current recommendations for deworming cattle and details on how to assess the efficacy of the deworming program.

5/12/2021: Estate Planning

Confused on how to start your family's estate plan? Or how to pass the farm on to the generation? This session will go over the basics of estate and succession planning. Come and ask questions to figure out how to get started.

5/26/2021: Health Insurance Options for Farmers

This session will help build your confidence in understanding what you need to know about health care and health care costs so you can make the right choice regarding your health insurance. We’ll review options, identify items to consider when selecting insurance and learn where to go for information about insurance options.

6/9/2021: Tips for Successful Family Meetings

Effective family communication is a cornerstone of farm business stability. Given that farm operations are often a mix of family and business relationships, farm families face additional challenges in practicing effective interpersonal communication. This webinar will provide the tools that all family members can use to maintain positive family relationships which in turn support the health of the farm business.

6/23/2021: Forage Sampling and Forage Analysis Interpretation

Forage sampling and analysis is an essential component in any livestock feeding program. This webinar will cover forage testing from sampling to analysis interpretation, with discussion on proper forage sampling techniques, the forage analysis process, and what to look for in a forage analysis report.

7/14/2021: What You Need to Know to Grow Your Own Fruit

This webinar will cover information about the types of perennial fruit that can be grown in Maryland including: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apples, cherries, peaches, plums and pears. We will discuss how much and what kind of management and land preparation is required prior to and after planting. Lastly, some specific challenges growers face will be discussed and tips for cultivating different fruit crops will be given.

7/28/2021: Principles of Biological Control

Bugs that eat bugs can be a farmer's ally for protecting crops without resorting to chemical pesticides. This webinar will review some of the biology and ecology of predatory and parasitic insect species that help keep pest insects in check. We will cover the fundamentals of biological control, and review how to maximize natural pest control in different cropping systems.

8/11/2021: Basics of Pond Management

This webinar will cover the basics of pond ecology and managing ponds for varied uses, irrigation and recreation - swimming or fishing. Algae/aquatic plants and their management and water quality will be presented.

8/25/2021: Principles of Agronomy

Agronomy is the science and practice of growing plants for food, feed, and fiber. General principles of agronomy include planting, fertility, and pest management decisions and how this may apply across different crops and rotations.

9/8/2021: Managing Farm Family Finances

Farm and family finances often work together to keep the business and family functioning. This session will review strategies you can use to take control of your family finances that will build financial security and resilience.

9/22/2021: Smart Phone Videos: Top 10 Tips for Awesome Videos from Your Smartphone

Michele Walfred updates her presentation and covers essential equipment, microphones, lighting and techniques to produce professional-quality videos for your business or outreach.

10/13/2021: What is Fruit Quality and Factors That Affect it?

Do you enjoy eating delicious fruits? Fruit Quality determines consumer acceptability and fruit marketability. This session will help you understand what is fruit quality, how can it be measured, what are some of the factors that affect it, and what can be done to improve or maintain it.

10/27/2021: Managing Your Finances Resiliently

Are you feeling stressed about money? Wondering how you can manage the stress and build your financial security. This session will focus on using the farm and farm family resilience worksheet to get organized and take steps to financial wellness.

11/10/2021: Wildlife management on the farm

From deer in crops to biosecurity, wildlife can have a major effect on agriculture. We review a variety of approaches to solving ag-related wildlife problems and improving habitat for healthy wildlife populations.

11/24/2021: No webinar, Thanksgiving week

12/8/2021: Helping Farmers to be Good Neighbors

As rural areas become more developed it is so important for farmers to be good neighbors. New neighbors may have never been exposed to production agriculture might complain about a farm's noise, pesticide application, odors, dust or a newly constructed farm building. This session will discuss many aspects of how to be a good neighbor from the appearance of their farm to community involvement.

12/22/2021: No webinar, Christmas week

For optimal performance we suggest the following:

High speed Internet
Browser: Internet Explorer
Ethernet connection instead of wireless (wireless will work, but a hard line is more stable)