UD Cooperative Extension

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

Fire up the grill and talk grain marketing! 🍔🌾

Join the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension for the upcoming Delaware Grain Marketing Club and Annual Grill Out! This event is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow producers, get vital market updates, and enjoy a great meal on us.

🍔 What’s on the menu? Grilled burgers, hot dogs, and refreshments will be provided free of charge, courtesy of our sponsor, First Citizens Community Bank!

📅 When: August 11, 2026
📍 Where: Redden State Forest Education Center (18074 Redden Forest Dr, Georgetown, DE)
💰 Cost: FREE (but registration is required!)

Evening Agenda:

6:00 – 6:15 PM: Check-in & Registration
6:15 – 6:30 PM: Delmarva Grain Marketing School Announcement
6:30 – 7:00 PM: Market Update & August USDA WASDE Expectations (Speaker: Nate Bruce, Farm Management Specialist)
7:00 – 7:30 PM: Late Season Production Considerations (Speaker: Drew Harris, Kent County Ag Agent)

(Note: Speakers and times are subject to change).

🚨 How to RSVP: While the event is free, you must register in advance! Please contact Karen Adams to secure your spot:
📞 Phone: 302-831-3328
📧 Email: [email protected]

06/04/2026

Advance Your Expertise: Horticulture Short Course Pests & Diseases Walk 🔍🌿

Staying ahead of landscape pests and diseases is essential for maintaining premium commercial and residential properties. Join the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension for an on-the-ground, interactive training session designed to sharpen your diagnostic skills.

🔹 What You’ll Learn: How to identify common insect and disease pests, recognize beneficial insects in the landscape, and decode the subtle signs and symptoms used for accurate field diagnosis.
🔹 Who It’s For: While open to the public, this event is highly geared toward green industry professionals.

Continuing Education Credits Available:
📜 1 CNP | 2 Pesticide | 2 ISA credits
📅 Date: June 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Hwy, Georgetown, DE 19947

Invest in your professional development and ensure your landscapes thrive this season.
Register Here: http://www.udel.edu/0014789

06/01/2026

Become Certified in GEM Mindfulness with Train the Trainer Workshops

In today's fast-paced environment, stress management and emotional resiliency are critical skills. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension is hosting two GEM (Get Experience in Mindfulness) Train-the-Trainer Workshops in 2026.

GEM is a two-time nationally award-winning, interactive curriculum developed by Extension health and well-being professionals. Once trained, you will be equipped to teach the 5 core lessons (Goal Setting, Awareness, Self-care, Communication, and Gratitude) to build a sustainable wellness culture within your organization or community.

Available Sessions:
Sussex County (Georgetown, DE): June 23, 2026 | Registration deadline: June 16. 🔗 Sussex County- Register online: http://www.udel.edu/0014769

New Castle County (Newark, DE): September 30, 2026 | Registration deadline: September 23. 🔗 NCC-Register online: http://www.udel.edu/0014767

Important Details:
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Lunch is provided at both sessions)
Capacity: Limited to 20 participants per location

Past trainers are welcome to attend as a refresher (please bring your instructional materials!)

05/31/2026

05/27/2026

Level Up Your Food Safety Credentials! 🧼🍽️

Are you a food service professional, worker, or quantity food preparer looking to get certified? Join UD Cooperative Extension for the official ServSafe Food Protection Manager Training!

📍 Location: 69 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE
📅 Class Date: July 13, 2026
⏰ Registration Deadline: June 22, 2026 (Advance registration required—closes 3 weeks prior to class!)

Choose your option:

New Certification ($175): Includes the 9th edition textbook, full-day class with lunch (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), and the exam.

Recertification ($100): Includes the full-day class with lunch and the exam. (Does NOT include the textbook; it is assumed you already own the 9th edition).

Exam ONLY ($85): Starts at 3:30 p.m. (Does not include the textbook or lunch).

Don't wait until the deadline passes—secure your spot today to stay compliant and keep your kitchen safe!

🔗 Register here: http://www.udel.edu/0014761
📧 Questions? Contact Diane Oliver at [email protected] or 302-831-1327.

05/22/2026

Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend! ✨

As we head into the holiday weekend, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension wishes our community a wonderful and safe time with family and friends. This Monday, we pause to honor and remember the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

📢 Office Update: In observance of the holiday, all UD Cooperative Extension offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. We will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.

05/21/2026

First State Impact: Safeguarding Delaware's Food Supply From Farm to Table 🍉🚜

With over 60,000 acres of fruits and vegetables planted in Delaware annually, keeping our produce safe is critical. Did you know that according to the CDC, produce contamination contributes to 46% of foodborne illnesses?

To protect public health and support local farmers, the Delaware Produce Safety Team—a collaboration between the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and UD Cooperative Extension—has been providing vital, regulatory training.

Since 2016, more than 425 participants (including large farm owners, small growers, farmers market vendors, and emerging farmers) have completed our food safety training. By helping growers identify microbial risks, monitor water systems, and implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), we aren't just reducing the risk of illness—we are building public trust and confidence in the local food supply. 🌾🛡️

🔗 Read the full First State Impact Statement:

The Delaware produce safety team training has helped growers improve food safety practices on their farms, ensuring that the food they produce is safe for people to eat. The training helps prevent foodborne illness, protecting vulnerable populations, ultimately building the general public's trust an...