Exploring

Livestock information and resources for beginning farmer success. Learn more about beef production, dairy production, equine, poultry, sheep and goats, and swine production.

Resources and background information on the different types of crops you can focus on as a Beginning Maryland Farmer.

The First Steps to Farming section of this website is to help you get started with your farming enterprise, help you think through steps you may have missed, or simply assure you that you are on your way to a smooth beginning!

Access to resources and links to Agricultural Marketing resources offered by the University of Maryland Extension

Specialty vegetables, of course, don’t have to be weird, odd-shaped, or off-colored cousins of their traditional counterparts. More often than not, they are not weird at all, but are simply vegetables that are not available or grown on a large scale for traditional market outlets. They may be vegetables that are grown quite commonly in other parts of the world, but are not yet known as a traditional staple crop here (ethnic specialty vegetables). They may simply be miniature versions of full-sized fruit (baby or miniature vegetables) that are available at a time when they are traditionally not in season (early or late season extension) or are an unusual or different variety (heirloom, local cultural favorites, etc.).

Organic produce has become very popular in the last 10 years. U.S. organic fovod sales have grown between 17 and 21 percent each year since 1997. This is compared to conventionally grown food sales that have grown only 2 to 4 percent a year for the same time period. Organic food sales now represent approximately 2 percent of U.S. food sales (Greene and Dimitri).

New Grape Grower Workshop presentations, held during the Maryland Grape and Wine Industry Annual Conference, Jan. 12-13, 2021.

Beginning Farmer chapter that covers 1) understanding licenses, permits and certifications for your farm, 2) human resources management and the hiring process basics, and 3) agricultural labor laws, farm insurance overview

Planning is essential to any business, no matter how large or small its inventory, payroll, and bank account. To be successful, farm operators must know their current position and future plans. Thinking about your plans is not enough! Taking time to formulate ideas, evaluate your business, devise a strategy, and anticipate possible problems will help your business be successful.

Maryland Beginning Farmer Guidebook. A guidebook to help Beginning Farmers explore, refine, develop, and implement a successful farm in Maryland.