PRINCESS ANNE — As part of the IFARMS initiative, UMES Extension’s Small Farm Program is offering area farmers a free in-person workshop once a month, now through October, leading up to UMES Extension’s Small Farm Conference in early November. The initiative is aimed at “Increasing Farmers Access to Resources and Management Solutions.”

The first in the series is Saturday, March 19 on the topic, “Reading and Understanding a Soil Analysis.” Registrants can bring a soil test result to class where discussion will entail understanding nutrient analyses and what to look for, reviewing nutrient sources and a look at organic and synthetic products to determine what to apply.

“Understanding IPM and How to Make it Work for You” follows on April 9.  Participants can review the principles of Integrated Pest Management, get a better understanding of how and where pests overwinter, discuss how to watch models for disease and insects, and learn about cultural control practices that can help reduce the need for pesticides while still maintaining healthy plants.

“Using Web Soil Surveys Before Renting or Purchasing a Property” is slated for May 14.  Farmers can learn how to use available tools to determine the value of a piece of property.

Chuck Schuster, the executive director of the Maryland State Horticultural Society and retired University of Maryland Extension educator, is the presenter.

Workshops take place from 3-6 p.m. at the UMES Research and Education Farm on Stewart Neck Road in Princess Anne, Maryland.  Registration for these and other events can be found at umes.edu/SANS/events.  For more information, contact Dr. Nadine Burton, UMES Extension alternative crop specialist, at 410-621-5450 or by emailing nmburton@umes.edu.