News

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Plug for Annie’s Project 2013

Annie's Project 2012-Georgetown, DE graduates

Annie’s Project 2012-Georgetown, DE graduates

This is a picture of the 2012, Georgetown, DE “Annie’s Project” graduates.  This time last winter, I signed up for the short course and it was a great decision and time well spent. The course is held one night a week, for 8 weeks, with locations in Delaware and Maryland. The closest location for me was at the UD Carvel Research Center in Georgetown, DE, which it will be held again this year. Topics ranged from estate planning, tax considerations for farm businesses, farm transfers, farm insurance, and credit reports. It’s a great starting point for anyone who is potentially interested in starting or operating an ag-related business. I also walked away with a large binder of information, new friends, and a wealth of information. This year’s class starts on Jan. 30 and the cost is only $75. This includes dinner! Winter is the perfect time to do something like this. Just do it!

Even better news is there is a “Annie’s Project II” being offered as well; focus will be on retirement, succession, and estate planning. I plan to wait a few years to take this one.

Any questions? Call Tracy Wootten at 302-856-7303 or see UMD link for Annie’s Project here.

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2012 Ag in Review

How was 2012 for you? Are you looking forward to 2013 or still trying to catch up from 2012? I’m doing both. I’m reviewing what happened in 2012 but quickly looking ahead at what is to come in 2013; all with a positive, ag-related focus.

Positive local highlights for Ag in 2012:

  1. The end to the Hudson Farm Case; in favor of the Hudson’s
  2. The naming of the State of DE, Dept. of Ag headquarters to honor Richard S. Cordrey
  3. Another 5,750 acres of farmland preserved in DE
  4. Increase in DE farmer’s market sales; totaling almost $2 mil
  5. More state $ allocated to the Young Farmer program
  6. UD Cooperative Extension Agent Ernie Lopez was elected as DE State Senator
  7. A new Dean of UD College of Ag & Natural Resources was named
  8. A new Director for UD Cooperative Extension was named
  9. The naming of the UD Thurman G. Adams Research Farm in Georgetown, DE – love this video!!!!
  10. Bruce Hotchkiss & Mike Scuse were Honored with the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture

Other national highlights for Ag in 2012 include:

What does 2013 hold for local Ag? Here are some upcoming highlights:

Now it’s your turn. What do you think is coming in 2013 related to Ag? Share your thoughts here or email me at christyvwright@gmail.com ! I’d love to hear them!

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New UD Cooperative Extension Director Named

Michigan State’s Michelle Rodgers to lead UD Cooperative Extension:

http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2012/jan/rodgers-extension-011712.html

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Sharing Ag in Our Area!

One of my original hopes for this blog was to combine and share ag related events in our area. I first did so in my “2012 Save the Dates for DE Agriculture” post. Here’s the latest update:

  • The Pennsylvania Farm Show starts tomorrow! Jan. 7-14, Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg, PA. The theme this year is “From Farm Gate to Dinner Plate”, which is perfect to showcase ag to consumers. Scott (my boyfriend) just got back from it and said there are quite a few displays that are true to life. For example, he said there is a poultry house that you can actually walk through to help visitors understand exactly how chickens are grown. He also said they’re building a huge cornucopia at the front gate to showcase the theme! I always look forward to seeing the butter sculpture every year. I found pictures online already and it depicts a young 4-H dairy showmen accepting his ribbon from a dairy princess and it honors the 100th anniversary of PA 4-H. So cool! See here.
  • DE Ag Week is coming up fast! Jan. 16-21. Many informative workshops are offered. See more here.
  • You can still register for the “Friends of Ag Breakfast” on Jan. 20, 7:15am, Harrington Fire Hall. Governor Markell & Senator Carper are speaking. Call Alice Moore at 302-831-2504. I just called this week! There are still seats left!
  • You may still be able to get tickets for the “41st Annual Ag Industry Dinner”, Jan. 26, 5pm, Dover Downs. Featured speaker is USDA Secretary-Mr. Tom Vilsack. See this press release for more info.
  • Online registration just opened for the regional “11th Annual Women in Ag Conference”, Feb. 9 & 10, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. The workshop offered range from social media advice to environmental concerns and even farm finance topics for women. I just chose my workshops and sent my registration in. This will be the 2nd attendance for me. I really enjoyed it last year and can’t wait to share what I learn this year. Here’s the registration form.

Hope to see you supporting Ag at one of these events! If not, then you can check back here for updates and results!

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2012 Save the Dates for Delaware Agriculture

Looking ahead to 2012? Well, if you’re in any way connected to Delaware agriculture, here are a few “Save the Dates” coming up quick:

  • January 16-21, 2012 – Delaware Ag Week, Delaware State Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall
    • Now in its 7th year, this is a great chance for women and men connected to agriculture to come together.
  • January 20, 2012 – Friends of Ag Breakfast, 7:15 am, Harrington Fire Company
    • This event is held in conjunction with DE Ag Week.
    • Governor Markell and Senator Tom Carper will be speaking.
  • January 26, 2012 –  41st Annual Delaware Agricultural Industry Dinner, 5 pm, Dover Downs
    • This tradition began in 1971. I always look forward to the annual award given to a long-time local farmer.
    • And I got a little tip from our DE Secretary of Ag, Ed Kee, that the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack will possibly be attending and maybe the key-note…..!?

Click on the links above for more info. You may also find more posted soon on Delaware Department of Agriculture Facebook page or possibly the Delaware Agricultural Industry Dinner Facebook page (?).

Hope to see you there!!!