Category: Cooperative Extension
UD Carvel Center’s expanded field and crop tours provide key outreach to Delaware agriculture
September 30, 2026 Article and photos by Michele Walfred. Video by Cassandra Daley
Every August, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension experts at the Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown open up their 347-acre campus and invite agriculture stakeholders to view first hand the latest research in both fruit and vegetable and agronomic crops. A decades-long tradition, the summer event attracts local farmers, farm-related businesses and vendors, certified crop advisors and anyone with a vested interest in Delaware’s largest economic sector — agriculture.
Carvel Crop Tours 2026 video: youtube.com/watch?v=5_6no3p7RG8
This year’s event saw an expansion of recent years by including vendors, mini-lectures, sessions in commercial poultry and a tour of Carvel’s one-acre demonstration garden.
More than 20 UD representatives, including faculty, Extension experts and graduate students were on hand to present their research of crop variety trials, weed, pest and disease control, and innovations that farmers and growers can apply on their own farms.
Approximately 200 people attended this year’s tour. Visitors chose among crop-specific wagon tours of fruit and vegetables produced for the fresh market and commercial processing, or agronomic crops, including small grains. Delaware’s small grain crops are often linked to commercial poultry production, with many farmers growing crops alongside growing chickens. As a result, sessions on commercial poultry are offered inside the Carvel Center.
Published research is available under UD Cooperative Extension’s Agricultural Programs.
In addition to networking with farmers on a one-to-one basis, attendees receive continuing education credits, assuring that Delaware food and fiber producers receive timely advances in food safety, pesticide and herbicide applications, and nutrient management practices. This additional learning assures that Delaware farmers continue their proactive environmental stewardship of the land.
Delaware agriculture, including direct and allied sales and services contribute $13 billion annually to Delaware’s economy. The Cooperative Extension’s role places a high priority on engaging and networking with the agriculture community to assure the continued success of this vibrant sector in the First State.