Coursework Opportunities
Maryland Agribusiness Hub is an innovative, 24-7 launch pad that will provide producers with a wide variety of web-based University, community, and professional resources for developing profitable, sustainable businesses. The courses in this section address specific enterprises and may be revised at any time. Additional courses or learning opportunities will be added as they become available.
Annie's Project
Two-Course Selections are offered in Maryland and Delaware:
- Annie’s Project Course (Annie’s I): This course focuses on the many aspects of farm management and are designed to empower women in overall farm decision-making and to build local networks throughout the state. The target audience is farm-women and women involved in agriculture with a passion for business, agriculture, and involvement in farm operations. Topics for the sessions cover the five areas of Risk Management - Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal Risk, Human Resources.
- Managing for Today and Tomorrow (Annie's II): This second level Annie's Project course teaches business, estate, retirement, and succession planning. Farm women will develop networks and skills key to making successful farm transitions.
Learn more about Annie's Project farm business and succession planing course
Institute of Applied Agriculture Program
The IAA program includes eight tracks in three key concentrations: Agricultural Business Management and Leadership, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Management, and Turfgrass and Golf Course Management. You may find our new Agricultural Leadership and Communication track an exciting way to advocate for agriculture without going into production agriculture. Our popular Sustainable Agriculture track is growing with the next generation of innovative, urban and small scale farmers. The Landscape Management and Horticulture curricula are attracting young, eager entrepreneurs into the green industry, and our Turfgrass and Golf Course Management concentration is nationally recognized. Learn more about the Institute of Applied Agriculture
Land in Maryland: Basic Legal Issues for All Landowners
The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) has released a new online course for rural landowners in Maryland. The So You Want to Own Farmland in Maryland course is now available through the University of Maryland’s Enterprise Learning Management System. This course will seek to educate new rural landowners and existing agricultural operators and provide resources for future educational efforts by Extension Educators aimed at new landowners. Specifically, we will focus on recreational use, Right-to-Farm laws, fence law, estate planning, landowner liability, including what happens if a trespasser gets hurt on your property, property rights, and agricultural leasing. View course details for "So You Want to Own Rural Land In Maryland"
Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees – What You Need to Know and Do
Are you trying to find, hire and keep great employees? Is it a bit confusing and time consuming? Do you know where to start and who to involve? Are you worried about the legal considerations when having non-family members employed? This course will help you sort through all these questions and concerns. Navigating this process doesn’t have to be difficult as this course will share with you. Through the four modules of this course, you’ll get important information and resources you can adapt for your own operation. Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees course information and resources
Maryland Beginning Farmer Success Course
This course is designed for people in Maryland who are considering or in the beginning stages of starting a farm as a business.Topics covered will include business planning, marketing, crop production, livestock husbandry, soil health, pest management, food safety, and regulations and certifications. Additional elective resources will cover more specialized topics, such as organic production, urban agriculture, and direct marketing to local customers. This 9-week course will be offered during the winter time in a blended in-person and online format. Maryland Beginning Farmer Success Course registration and program details