GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington returns as the venue for Delaware Agriculture Week, Jan. 14–17. A 14-year tradition, Delaware Ag Week draws thousands of attendees — farmers, growers, producers, crop advisors, extension agents and allied agriculture industries from across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Those attending select from a variety of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, hear from experts on the latest research and best practice recommendations, earn continuing education credits, and network visit with more than 90 leading industry exhibitors demonstrating new agricultural technologies and products.
The sessions are taught by Cooperative Extension agents and specialists from UD, as well as from neighboring institutions and leading agriculture industry experts. A detailed agenda and credits offered is listed on the Delaware Ag Week website.
Delaware Ag Week is sponsored by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Delaware State University Cooperative Extension, and the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
The four-day event covers a wide array of topics including presentations by the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware on small fruits, fresh market and processing vegetables. Additional sessions include small flock and commercial poultry, small ruminants, grain crops, hay and pasture, beef cattle, precision agriculture, risk management, and a session on soil health and fertility.
A focus on farm health and vitality
“Health, access to care and health insurance affect the vitality of agricultural enterprises and farm and ranch families,” according to results from a national research project funded by the USDA. Beebe Healthcare will conduct a variety of screenings each day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally on Wednesday, Westside Health Care’s mobile unit will be on hand to offer services. Click here for a full description of services offered.
“At Ag Week, the agriculture industry is investing in their professional development to enhance their production skills as well as networking with industry personnel and colleagues,” said UD Cooperative Extension director Michelle Rodgers. “While already taking time off the farm, it seems like an effective time for producers and related ag industry individuals to also invest in their own health and well-being. The physical and emotional demands of agriculture requires that we also care for the individuals that are caring for the land.”
Off-site events
In addition to the events held in Harrington, the Delaware Urban Farm and Food Coalition will host a session “Local Foods Grow Healthy Communities: An Evening with Ben Flanner, Brooklyn Grange.” on Jan. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Delaware Center for Horticulture in Wilmington. Networking and refreshments will begin at 5:30 p.m. General admission fee is $15 and registration is required. For more information, visit the Delaware Center for Horticulture website, or contact Carrie Murphy at 302-831-2506.
Agriculture is Delaware’s largest economic driver, contributing an estimated $8 billion to the First State’s economy each year according to a University of Delaware study.
Exhibit Hall serves as the main meeting area with additional sessions in the Exhibit Board Room and Commodities Building. A trade show takes place in the Dover Building.
— UD Cooperative Extension