2026 | Volume 17, Issue 1
Inside this issue:
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Vegetable Production Guide Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations (EB-236)
Vegetable Production Guide Mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations (EB-236) -
Spray Program for Multi-Small Fruit Plantings
Spray Program for Multi-Small Fruit Plantings -
Common Fruit Herbicides*
Common Fruit Herbicides*
Extensión en Español Check out Extensión en Español, a Spanish language blog by two UMD professors, Anahí Espíndola (Entomology) and Macarena Farcuh (Plant Sciences & Landscape Architecture). https://extensionesp.umd.edu/
They cover a range of topics, including fruit, pollinators, pests, soils, and pesticides.
Upcoming UME Events!
WYE Bay Area Fruit School
Date: February 25, 2026 | Wednesday
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Cost: $25. Lunch provided.
Location: Wye Research and Education Center, 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658
Description: The Bay Area Fruit Meeting brings together Maryland Extension specialists and regional experts for a full day of research-based updates relevant to commercial fruit growers and agricultural professionals. Topics will include small fruit pest and disease management, nutrient management considerations and the latest findings from UMD blueberry and blackberry cultivar trials, including sensory (taste panel) results.
Registration: https://go.umd.edu/BAFM2026
For more information, contact Haley Sater at 301-226-7718 (HSater@umd.edu).
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Event: Precision Ag Conference
Date: February 26, 2026 | Wednesday
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Crown Plaza Hotel,173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Description: The theme of this conference revolves around current and emerging technologies in agriculture, focusing on their impact on efficiency across diverse farming operations. The event will cover topics like Scouting/Field Assessment Technology, Pest Management, Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Post-Harvest Technology, Irrigation and Drainage, and Livestock management, showcasing upcoming technologies in Maryland. By uniting experts, researchers, and industry leaders, the conference will provide a platform for discussing innovative solutions, including precision farming, data analytics, automation, and drones. We anticipate a dynamic and interactive session, with attendees eager to learn from thought leaders such as yourself. The event will provide a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and fostering meaningful connections between the Agriculture and Technology community.
Registration: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/agriculture-food-systems/program-areas/row-crop-forage-production/maryland-grain/precision-agriculture/2026-precision-agriculture-technology-conference/
For more information, contact Hemendra Kumar at (301) 226-7405
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Event: Farm Succession & Estate Planning Workshops (Eastern Shore).
Date: March 10, 2026 | Tuesday
Time: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm | Cost: Free, registration is appreciated (lunch provided)
Location: Eastern Shore Hospital Center, English Room, 5262 Woods Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613.
Description: The free program will assist Maryland farm families in starting the estate planning process, including creating a successful succession plan, having difficult conversations, and health insurance options for farmers.
For more information or to register, go to https://agrisk.umd.edu/events
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Event: Urban Farming Vegetable and Fruit Production IPM Workshop
Date: March 10, 2026 | Tuesday
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm | Cost: free
Location: UME-Anne Arundel Co. Office, 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD. 21054
Description: Make plans to attend one of the Urban Farming Vegetable and Fruit Production IPM Workshop PAT/NM Recertification on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Anne Arundel County Extension Office. The workshops will explore advanced fruit and vegetable production practices focusing on sustainability, food security, and integrated pest management tactics. This meeting will provide Private Applicator Recertification & Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification.
For more information or to register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urban-farming-vegetable-and-fruit-production-ipm-workshop-tickets-1802767990589?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees – What you Need to Know and Do
Are you trying to find, hire and keep great employees? Is it a bit confusing and time-consuming? Do you know where to start and who to involve? Are you worried about the legal considerations when having non-family members employed? This course will help you sort through all these questions and concerns. Navigating this process doesn’t have to be difficult as this course will share with you. Through the four modules of this course, you’ll get important information and resources you can adapt for your own operation. For more information, go to https://agrisk.umd.edu/grant-proposals/hiring-and-retaining-farm-employees
Vegetable & Fruit News Volume 17 Issue 1, February 2026 Downloadable PDF
Vegetable & Fruit News is a research-based 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.
Subscribe to Fruit and Vegetable News
EDITOR
Emily Zobel University of Maryland Extension Agent - Dorchester County
501 Court Lane, Room 208
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 410-228-8800
Email: ezobel@umd.edu
Note: Registered Trade Mark® Products, Manufacturers, or Companies mentioned within this newsletter are not to be considered as sole endorsements. The information has been provided for educational purposes only.