Coursework Opportunities

Annie's Project

Two-Course Selections are offered in Maryland and Delaware:

This course is designed to empower farm women to manage information systems used in critical decision-making processes and to build local networks throughout the state.

The target audience is farm women with a passion for business and involvement. It is an eight-week class that covers the five areas of Risk Management- Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal Risk, and 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

Farm Stress Management Course

This online self-paced training is designed for Agriculture Service Providers to equip them with the skills and knowledge to support farms and farm families in times of distress. The training was developed by the University of Maryland Extension Farm Stress Management Team. The goals include: identify signs of distress, develop skills to communicate with those experiencing stress, and provide resources both locally and nationally. Financial and regulatory topics will also be discussed as they are often contributors to stress on the farm. To access the course visit our online portal at https://umeagfs.teachable.com/p/farm-stress-management.

For more information on the Farm Stress Management program visit go.umd.edu/farmfamily. The program is open to all and is funded through a grant with the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under sub award number ENE20-160-34268.

Institute of Applied Agriculture

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

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 – Canvas. The free program will cover those legal issues that Maryland landowners may face. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management
Education Center. The online course will feature Paul Goeringer, a Senior Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. He will address leasing, landowner liability issues, right-to-farm law, fencing laws, livestock liability, and estate planning. For more information or to register, go to https://go.umd.edu/3ZSkv4r.

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.
For more information or to learn how to register

Maryland Beginning Farmer Guidebook Online Course

This class series is designed for people who are considering or in the beginning stages of starting a farm as a business.

By taking this course, students will learn:
 - Beginning steps to starting a farm business
 - Decisions on what products and/or services to grow and sell
 - Creating a marketing plan through market research
 - Calculating revenue, expenses, and other financial planning
 - Understanding laws and regulations

How to access course:

1. Go to the Campus Extension Website
2. 2. Search for "Maryland Farmer"
3. You will need to set up a log in to the site

Maryland Food Ventures

If you are starting a value-added food business in Maryland. Sign-up today for the Maryland Food Ventures Interactive self-paced online course! The course covers information for food subject to Maryland cottage Food or On-Farm Home Processing regulations, like high-acid jams, most breads, dried herbs, and raw honey. Topics include product development, food safety and licensing, marketing, packaging, financing, and pricing. The online course will consist of short videos, exercises, and quizzes with an average course completion time of five to six hours; surveys to assess attitudes and behaviors related to value-added foods. Cost: $35, Register Today!  https://go.umd.edu/mfvcourse