Exploring | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: December 10, 2024

Beef Production Resources for Beginning Farmers

Take a look at the resources for the basics of beef production. Approximately 54% of all agricultural sales in the state of Maryland is from livestock sales. There were over 190,000 cattle and calves in Maryland in 2012. Beef production is concentrated in the central and western regions of the state, as are beef slaughter facilities.

Updated: December 10, 2024

Pastures and Forages Beginning Farmer Resources

Forages, when well-managed, are an important sustainable feed source for any livestock farm. Forages are especially important for small and beginning farms in supplying a significant part of animal nutrition while minimizing feed and other production costs.

Bale of hay on a green field with a stormy sky background

Updated: December 10, 2024

Horse Boarding Enterprise

If you’re looking for something that is predictable and never varies from day to day, do not get involved with horses! When horses are involved, you will never have a “normal” day again.

Updated: December 10, 2024

Marketing Farm Raised Meats Module

Are you a small livestock farmer in Maryland wanting to capitalize on your urban location and strong demand for locally produced meats? If so, this web module, Farm to Table Marketing Model for Small Farm Meat Producers, was created specifically for you. This module delivers educational materials developed for several training sessions by educators and professionals who are highly knowledgeable and who are presently engaged in Farm-to-Table production and marketing.

Updated: December 2, 2024

Urban Agriculture Grower Meetings

A list of meetings for Urban Agriculture growers.

Cultivate Baltimore: Hand-scale farm tools at Strength to Love 2 in Baltimore, City, August 15, 2019

Updated: December 2, 2024

Integrated Program Meetings

A list of meetings/events for the integrated program.

Updated: November 7, 2024

Cultivating Entrepreneurship

Thinking about starting or expanding an agricultural or food-related business but not sure where to start? Book an entrepreneurial coaching session with The University of Maryland’s Entrepreneurial Coaching Team for farm and food entrepreneurs.

Bulletion board with post it notes containing words for business planning.

Updated: October 16, 2024

Industrial Hemp Production in Maryland: Frequently Answered Questions (FS-1172)

As industrial hemp production becomes legal in the US, new and experienced growers alike have questions about its cultivation, management, and marketing. This factsheet answers frequently asked questions about hemp production in Maryland. Information contained within this document is current as of June 2021. The UMD Industrial Hemp webpage (https://extension.umd.edu/programs/agriculture-food-systems/program-areas/fruit-vegetable-production/alternative-crops/industrial-hemp) will house the most updated information on hemp production in Maryland. Authors: Nichole M. Fiorellino, Emily Zobel, Karen Rane, and Andrew Ristvey; Title: Industrial Hemp Production in Maryland: Frequently Answered Questions (FS-1172)

Updated: May 2, 2024

The 4 “Ships “of Beginning Farming (Or Any Start-up Business) Part 1: Mentorship

For any start-up business venture or new learning challenges there are four “ships” in the road map to success: mentorship, relationships, partnerships, and ownership.

Two people stand looking at a clipboard in front of shelves of plants

Updated: May 2, 2024

The 4 “Ships" of Beginning Farming (Or Any Start-up Business) Part 2: Relationships

Farming is a relationship-centered industry. This article will introduce you to key relationships a beginning farmer or agricultural entrepreneur should cultivate.