PRINCESS ANNE — A swarm of migrating wild bees that landed in a row of quinoa plants the day before UMES Extension’s annual Ag Showcase went on their way and the clouds parted Aug. 12 in time for the event kickoff. It was a full day of demonstrations and information to help small-scale agricultural producers increase their bottom line.

“This event provides an opportunity for farmers to talk to researchers and extension specialists at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to identify some of the challenges they are facing so that we can prioritize our programs to better serve their needs,” said Dr. Moses T. Kairo, dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences and UMES Extension administrator.

Attendees from across the Delmarva Peninsula toured field and hoop house trials at UMES’ Research, Extension and Teaching Farm and met with agricultural partners to get the latest updates in precision agriculture equipment and technology. Sentinel Robotics and Atlantic Tractor’s John Deere Ops Center were on hand to share their resources and expertise.

Michael Senko of Hoopers Island, Maryland, was among the farmers who sampled wine and table grapes from 44 cultivars grown in UMES’ vineyard, saw colorful rows of quinoa, was introduced to specialty crops like callaloo, soursop leaves and ugu plants, and got a sensory-filled lesson in medicinal herbs.

Senko’s general curiosity about local agriculture is what brought he and his wife, Peggy, to the event for the first time to scout information to pass along to their children as the next generation to manage the family farm.

“I wanted to see what some of the economically viable crops are that are taking root on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as possible opportunities for small-scale farmers now and in the coming decades,” he said.

UMES Extension specialists Henriette den Ouden (medicinal herbalist) and Dr. Nadine Burton (alternative crops) help farmers put the pieces together to suit their needs.

“We sit down with the farmers to give them research-based information to help them with plant selection, cultivation and planning. If growers find a market for a specialty crop, they can get high value, but they have to do research first. They have to not only have an idea of what to grow but take a look at costs, including their own time, to determine if a crop will be profitable and worth the effort of growing,” Burton said.

Emerging technologies and drone demonstrations was the draw for Tyler Schmitt and his father, Alan, to attend this year’s Ag Showcase.

The Queen Anne County farmers are in their second year of using their own drone for corn and soybean fungicide applications.

“I wanted to get some comparison notes to see if they line up with what I learned. I’ve been pleasantly surprised that they have. It’s also interesting to find out what other people are doing with drones and to be able to have a conversation with the demonstrator here to get some specifics,” said Tyler Schmitt.

UMES’ Ag Showcase also provided an opportunity for farmers to gain approved continuing education units (CEUs) for Maryland or Delaware in specific categories by attending specific sessions, Kairo said.

— Gail Stephens is the agricultural communications specialist, UMES School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension.