This conference is open to anyone actively engaged in or concerned about the food system. We invite you to join us as we work to improve and integrate all aspects of the food system to sustain and enhance the social, nutritional, economic, and environmental health of Western Maryland. The conference will feature guest speakers, local expert panel discussions, and breakout room discussions for participants. Click below for agenda and registration details.

If your private applicator pesticide license expires in December of 2024, you should receive a card in the mail from Maryland Department of Agriculture. The postcard will have information about how to renew your pesticide licenses. You will only receive that postcard if you have enough recertification credits. You will receive a letter if you do not have enough credits to renew. We are planning two December sessions for anyone needing recertification credits: Monday, December 9th, from 6-8 pm at the Grantsville Library and Monday, December 16th, at the Extension Office in Oakland from 6-8 pm. You can call the extension office at 301-334-6960 to register for either of those dates.

We will also be holding a class for anyone who wishes to take the private applicator pesticide exam on Monday, January 23rd, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The class will be a review of materials that will be on the exam. The private applicator allows farmers to apply restricted-use pesticides to land they own and manage. The exam can be taken online, or we will schedule one later in the winter.

Study materials are available online or for purchase (hard copies) at the Extension Office. Call or stop in and let us know if you want to take the exam or get study materials.

The Garrett Soil Conservation District will be holding a Fruit Tree and Fruiting Bush Fundraiser Sale again for 2025. Orders are being accepted now through April 1, 2025, but individuals are encouraged to order early because it is not likely the District will be able to get more of many of the varieties once they are sold out. There are several heirlooms this year in addition to more current varieties. All of the trees and bushes have been customized to the Garrett County climate. They are all super-cold hardy, and many are on enhanced rootstocks designed specifically for increased tree sturdiness, cold hardiness, and drought tolerance. For trees, there are Semi-Dwarf, Short Semi-Dwarf, and Dwarf sizes. Varieties include: Apple, Cherry, Plum, Northern Peach, Pears, Blueberries, Elderberries, Black Raspberries and Red Raspberries.

For more information and to order go to https://garrettsoilconservation.org. Funds raised go to support GSCD's outreach and conservation efforts. Pick-up will be mid-April 2025.

Newsletters from UME offer informative, researched-based information that the reader can put into practice. Informative articles include crop production, disease information, animal science, and upcoming programs. Take a closer look at the newsletters listed below.

The Agronomy News is a statewide newsletter for farmers, consultants, researchers, and educators interested in grain and row crop forage production systems. This newsletter is published once a month during the growing season and will include topics pertinent to agronomic crop production. Subscribers will receive an email with the latest edition.

Agronomy News

The Fruit & Vegetable News is a timely publication for the commercial vegetable and fruit industry available electronically from April through October. Published by the University of Maryland Extension Agriculture and Food Systems team.

Vegetable & Fruit News

Please click here to update your contact information and to stay updated on everything agriculture-related in Garrett County and the tri-state area.

William Lantz, Principal Agent

Agriculture & Food System

wlantz@umd.edu

Office Hours: Monday-Friday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Except for Observed Holidays

Faculty/Staff Directory

Email: rcvetnic@umd.edu

Website: https://extension.umd.edu/locations/garrett-county

Location: 1916 Maryland Hwy., Suite A, Mt. Lake Park, MD 21550

Phone: 301-334-6960

Office Hours: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm excluding holidays

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4HGarrettCoMD

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the event at 301-334-6960.