Volume 2, Issue 2
Summer 2012
Annie’s Project Newsletter is a quarterly update on all areas of
farming, families and women involved in agriculture.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and keep the network of women in
agriculture strong. Please send us updates on your farm, business and
anything you would like to share.
*****************************************************************************
A Message from Shannon Dill
September is upon us and 2012 is more than half way through. We have begun
planning for Women in Agriculture programs for the winter. We are excited to start
our sixth year of Annie's Project which will be hosted at seven locations in Maryland
and Delaware. We are also looking forward to introducing Annie's II programs. The
title is Managing for Today and Tomorrow with the main focus in transition planning. Read about it on page 3.
I would also like to introduce Victoria Corcoran who will be assisting the Women in
Agriculture programs. It is great to have Victoria on board and planning for Annie's
Project, Annie's Project II and the Regional Women in Agriculture Conference.
Inside this issue:
Educator
Retreat
2
Annie’s II
3
FaceBook
4
Top Farming
Apps
4
Share your
Website
4
Up-coming
Events
5
Hi Everyone! As Shannon mentioned, I am Victoria Corcoran and I am so excited to
be a part of Annie’s Project and Women in Agriculture. I live in Sudlersville, MD with my husband of
9 years and two little boys ages 5 and 2.
Before joining Annie’s Project I was a community
health advocate on the Eastern Shore focusing on
bringing health education to lower income populations.
In my spare time I enjoy sewing, knitting and reading. When time and money permits I also enjoy
traveling around the United States.
I am currently involved with the Upper Queen
Anne’s County Food Pantry where I have been a
volunteer for the past 2 years.
I hope to meet each of you soon at one of our
classes, programs or special events!
Victoria Corcoran
vgc@umd.edu
Page 2
Volume 2, Issue 2
Maryland Annie’s Project Educators Attend Retreat
On August 16th Annie’s project Educators from across the State attended a retreat to get ready for upcoming
Annie’s classes. Make sure to check online at http://anniesproject.umd.edu and watch you email as we plan
for 2013!
Shannon Dill and Jenny Rhodes facilitated the
retreat
Facilitators from across the state!
The retreat was held at Wye Branch Manor in Centreville, MD. An active farmer, former 4-H er, Kevin Leaverton,
owns this beautiful facility and has his office here. It is an ideal location for parties and work sessions! More
information about the manor can be found at www.wyebranchmanor.com
Page 3
Volume 2, Issue 2
Managing for Today and Tomorrow
A new class offered by Annie’s Project
Creating a transition plan to make sure a farm continues as a productive, agricultural business can be
challenging. Farm women can have a key role in successful farm transitions. Managing for Today and
Tomorrow, a new Annie's Project course for women, is divided into the following planning areas:

Succession Planning - Transferring knowledge, skills, labor, management, control and ownership
between generations.

Business Planning - Developing goals, strategies and actions that form a road map to
business growth.

Estate Planning - Managing an
individual's asset base in one's
lifetime, at death or after
death.

Retirement Planning - Designing an enjoyable and productive time in life.
Extension specialists and local
professionals will teach the sessions on business, estate, retirement and succession planning. Besides brief presentations, there will be discussions based on participant questions and follow-up activities for family members to complete at home.
Area facilitators and Extension Specialists are currently planning which areas will offer Annie’s I and
which will offer Annie’s II.
Page 4
Volume 2, Issue 2
Annie’s Project Maryland and Delaware to get a Facebook Page!
Yes, you heard right! It is in the works for Annie’s Project Maryland and Delaware to get
their very own facebook page! Keep you eyes open for our new page so that you can “Like
Us” to get up to date information and events specific to Annie’s Maryland and Delaware!
And remember the Annie’s National Project has a page to “Like” as well!
Computer Corner– Top Apps for Farming
1. Aphid Speed Scout. This app from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension quickly determines if soybean aphids have reached the 250 aphids per plant threshold. Plants are considered
"infested" if there are 40 or more aphids on that sample. The app also recommends further
scouting or treatment options based on the number of infested plants in a given area. (iPhone,
iPad, iPod Touch)
2. Optimizer 2.0. Farmers can better predict corn yields using this site-specific app developed by
Advanced Ag Solutions. Optimizer 2.0 provides farmers with data through a daily text message
and a Web login portal. Messages include the projected corn yield and the most limiting factor for their farm. Projections are
made based on variety of seed, soil type, weather data and other limiting factors. (Available on most mobile devices)
3. YieldCheck. Developed by Precision Planting, YieldCheck provides growers with a simple way to calculate and store corn
yield estimates. Users can organize estimates based on client, farm and field. They can also see the location of all of their
estimates on a map with satellite imagery. For example, users can simply enter kernel counts for three ears of corn and reveal the amount of bushels they can expect this fall. (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
4. iCropTrak. Named a Top 10 New Product Award winner for 2012 at the World Ag Expo, the iCropTrak is a multi-user software solution that runs in the field with or without Internet connectivity. It allows users to take advantage of geographic data,
the GPS technology in the iPad, the larger screen size and touch interaction. iCropTrak gives users an opportunity to deploy
data collection templates for functions as diverse as food safety inspections, field spray management, employee timesheets
and more. (iPad)
5. Farm Manager. The Farm Manager app allows farmers to record cropping, livestock, and machinery procedures, and access this information with ease. Users can record full history of crops from when they are sown through to harvested; record
chemical and fertilizer use, including type, rate, and date applied; and keep track of machinery maintenance. (iPhone, iPad,
iPod Touch)
6. Nutrient Removal. The Mosaic Co.’s new app provides growers and retailers with valuable nutrient removal data in support
of higher yields. Utilizing years of agronomic research, the Nutrient Removal app is a next-generation take on the data previously seen in the "Balanced Crop Nutrition" guide. The app also allows users to test potential yields, generating results that
are crop- and region-specific. (iPhone, iPad, Droid)
7. PrecisionEarth. The PrecisionEarth soil sampling app makes it easier to collect grower, field and soil sampling data. The
app uses only open standards so the data you load and the data you export will work with your current GIS, Web and desktop
applications seamlessly. Users can load and display directed sampling layers and boundary vectors, export soil sampling location and display background maps. (iPhone, iPad)
8. Corn Planning Calculator. This app provides real-time useful calculations for the planting of corn from specific inputs resulting in the correct spacing of the corn being planted. Inputs such as population desired, cost per acre, seed counts and spacing in inches or metric format are achieved. (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
9. Grain Shrinkage Calculator. The Grain Shrinkage Calculator returns the results for the number of bushels after the moisture removal from field to storage for seven common grains: corn, wheat, soybeans, oats, barley, buckwheat, and rye.
(Android)
10. JD Link. This equipment management app from John Deere is a telematics system designed to remotely connect owners
and managers to their equipment, providing alerts and machine information including location, utilization, performance and
maintenance data to manage where and how equipment is being used. (iPhone, iPad)
If your favorite apps is not listed above or in my original column on best mobile apps for agriculture, tell me about it at
matt@croplife.com or post it in the comment box below. Also, please continue to check back often for updates on newly
launched agriculture apps added to my honorable mention list.
Honorable Mention
MyTraps.com. Enables growers and consultants to electronically manage insect data and pesticide records on a secure Website by entering the data into the site through a Web browser or smartphone. (Available on most mobile devices)
FieldView. This app extends the functionality of a 20/20 SeedSense monitor from Precision Planting. FieldView functions as a
second display in the cab, so users can view real time, row-by-row maps of their planter’s performance. Then, when planting is
complete, simply remove the iPad from your cab and have all of the 20/20 data with at your fingertips. (iPad)
FarmPAD. This app from TapLogic allows users to enter farm records, equipment service logs, spray records and take notes or
pictures. You can also draw field boundaries with GPS or by hand. Sync to your Web account where you can print reports, review history and draw and print field maps. (Android, iPhone, iPad)
Soil Test Pro. Developed by TapLogic, this GPS-enabled app makes soil sampling for the farm easier than ever. Features include unlimited access to FarmLogic's precision ag specialists, aerial imagery of all maps, and test results in 5-7 days.
(Android, iPhone, iPad)
AgDroid. This app from Farmscan allows users to map and calculate coverage area for tractors, implements and farm machinery based upon distance traveled and implement width. Record multiple fields and jobs, including applied products (e.g., fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide). (Android)
CropNAtion. cropNAtion is a virtual social network for farmers to share information, images of their crops and track agriculture
trends in their region. The app has been recognized by CropLife America and has received the AgGateway Information Technology Innovation Award. (Android, iPhone)
Dynamic Pricing Platform (DPP). This mobile app allows farmers the ability to view cash grain prices, basis levels and to make,
manage, and monitor firm offers at their convenience. (Android, iPhone)
ARA Mobile. The Agricultural Retailers Association app features many of the same dynamic content from its Website, including
community discussions and messaging; membership directory; event calendar information and registration capabilities; and
news and information. (Android, BlackBerry, iPhone)
http://www.croplife.com/article/26369/10-best-mobile-agriculture-apps-for-2012
Please Share with Us
If you, or your farm has a website we would love to share it with the group. Please
email the web address to Victoria Corcoran at vgc@umd.edu. Websites will be featured
in upcoming newsletters at random.
Volume 2, Issue 2
Page 6
Upcoming Events
September 5th
2012 Maryland State Fair
Annie’s Project Farm Tour 9am-2pm. Spend
the day socializing with your friends while visiting area farms! The day will begin at SB Farms
in Hurlock then continue on to Harris Farms.
Lunch will be catered by Shore Gourmet at Layton’s Chance. After lunch participants will enjoy a tour of Layton’s Vineyard and wine tasting. Invitations will be sent via mail and email.
If you do not receive an invitation and would
like to attend, please contact Victoria Corcoran
at vgc@umd.edu or Jenny Rhodes at 410-7580166. Online registration and details can also
The” 11 Best Days of Summer” are just around the
corner as the 2012 Maryland State Fair will be held
August 24 through September 3 in Timonium. The
University of Maryland Extension and Maryland 4-H
will have a full array of opportunities to showcase
our program and the success of 4-H members during this year’s fair!
be found at http://
anniesprojectumdfarmtour.eventbrite.com/
September 14, 2012
Pressure Canning Class: Prince George's
County - The Prince George’s County Extension office is offering a hands-on pressure canning class to teach basic United
States Department of Agriculture approved
canning techniques for low acid foods such
as meats and vegetables. $35.00/pp. Registration required.
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: Prince George's County Extension
Office: 6707 Groveton Drive, Clinton, MD
20735
Contact: Norma Fitzhugh 301-868-8780
September 20, 2012 thru
September 23, 2012
St. Mary's County Fair Location: Fairgrounds, Leonardtown MD
Contact: Barbara Dobbins 301-475-4478
Mark your calendars!Women In Ag Conference is scheduled
for February 25-26th at Dover Downs.
Check Local Listings
Check your local Extension Office for other programs.
Field days, tours, and fair season is upon us. Check out
your county at www.extension.umd.edu/local or
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/AGNRCalendar/
October 18, 2012 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Farmers in the Kitchen - Connecting
Meat Producers With Professional Chefs
The Universities at Shady Grove
9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building 2, Room 1012 and the Bon Appetite Management Kitchen, Rockville, Maryland 20850
Registration - $20 per person or $15 for more than one person
per farmIf you’re raising meat on your farm and are interested
in selling to restaurant or institutional chefs, then plan to attend
this half-day seminar.Visit: http://www.agmarketing.umd.edu/
Documents/Brochure_Meats_Farm_To_Table(2).pdf for more
information (agenda and registration)
For more information on this newsletter or
to submit articles contact:
Shannon Dill 410-822-1244 sdill@umd.edu
Jenny Rhodes 410-758-0166 jrhodes@umd.edu
Victoria Corcoran vgc@umd.edu
“It is the policy of the University of Maryland Extension, that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race,
color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or disability.”