Over 200 attendees came together, virtually and in-person, for the two-day 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit (DSS) at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Md.

Keynote speakers Ray Archuleta, farmer and Understanding Ag founder, Jimmy Emmons, Okla. regenerative farmer, and Erin Martin, gerontologist, provided the “Groundwork for the Future,” highlighting the importance of biomimicry and the connection between soil health and human health.

Soil scholars and farmers presented the latest in cover crop management, soil health and biology, carbon sequestration, challenges, successes and lessons learned. Breakout sessions and a farmer-led discussion panel provided information for farmers at every scale and production type.

“The biggest thing we’re finding, in years like 2022 and looking ahead, soil health is going to be able to help us tremendously with our bottom line,” said Jay Baxter, speaker and farmer from Georgetown, Del. A key takeaway, Baxter said, is the ability to network with other farmers, learn how to make his operation more sustainable and to keep the living soil regenerating.

“The depletion of mineral content in our soil directly correlates with an increase in chronic conditions,” said Martin. She elaborates, giving people access to local, regenerative, fruits and vegetables can improve their quality of life in a matter of days and weeks.

DSS partners include Future Harvest, Million Acre Challenge, Sussex Conservation District and the University of Maryland Extension. Sponsors include the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, Delaware Department of Agriculture, MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, and Blackwater Preservation LLC.

Tickets included access to recorded content for one full year and are still available. For more information visit http://delmarvasoilsummit.com. The biennial event has grown significantly since its inception in 2018, the next event will be held in 2024.

Keynote speakers, from left, Ray Archuleta, Jimmy Emmons, Erin Martin, Jay Baxter and Jeremiah Durbin meet at the start of the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Monday, Feb. 7, in Salisbury, Md.

Ray Archuleta, farmer and Understanding Ag founder, stressed the importance of biomimicry on Day One of the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Monday, Feb. 7, in Salisbury, Md.

Erin Martin, gerontologist, and Jimmy Emmons, Okla. regenerative farmer, captivated the crowd with the connection between soil health and human health on Day Two of the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Salisbury, Md.

Jimmy Emmons, right, Okla. regenerative farmer, moderates the farmer panel discussion on Day Two of the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Salisbury, Md. Panelists include, from left, Aaron Cooper, owner of CutFresh Organics in Eden, Md., Emma Jagoz, owner of Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro, Md., Darlene Goehringer, owner of Pop’s Old Place in Hurlock, Md., and Jay Baxter, owner of Baxter Farms in Georgetown, Del.

Ray R. Weil, professor of environmental science and technology at the University of Maryland, College Park, Alisha Mulkey, planning and development program manager for the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and Trey Hill, owner of Harborview Farms in Rock Hall, Md., chat between sessions on Day Two of the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Salisbury, Md.

Debbie Absher, director of agricultural programs at Sussex Conservation District, and Steven E. Darcey, district manager at Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, catch up between sessions Day One of the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Monday, Feb. 7, in Salisbury, Md.

Erasmus Kabu Aduteye, graduate student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, discusses his research poster during the networking event at the end of Day One of the 2022 Delmarva Soil Summit on Monday, Feb. 7, in Salisbury, Md.