Rural Roots

New Topics on the Second and Fourth Weds of each month

9 am -10 am PDT

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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.