Women In Agriculture Webinar Series on Risk Management: Production

Beef Basics: Things to Consider Before Starting Your Small Herd
Video Length: 46:50  | Date: July 22, 2020
Description: This webinar will address key areas that need to be considered before starting a small beef herd.  Emphasis for this talk will be on defining end-product goals and using those goals to drive animal management decisions.  This talk will also discuss some of the challenges and opportunities associated with raising a small herd of beef cattle in the Mid-Atlantic region. Watch video

Benchmarking for Success of the Cow-Calf Herd
Video Length: 26:49  |  Date: January 11, 2023
Speaker: Sarah Potts, Ph.D.
Description: Benchmarks can be valuable tools to help producers assess current animal performance and monitor progress toward improving overall herd productivity. This webinar will discuss the benefits of using benchmarks in beef cattle production and describe how to use some of the most informative benchmarks to improve the cow-calf operation. Dr. Sarah Potts, UMD Extension. Watch video

Calf Care 101
Video Length:    |  Date: March 9, 2022
Speaker: Sarah Potts, Ph.D.
Description: Regardless of the production system, care and management of calves during the first few months of life is critical in helping them reach their full productive potential. In this session, we will cover information related to calf care from birth to weaning. Topics will include newborn care, calf processing, vaccinations, tips for monitoring health and performance, and weaning strategies. Watch video

Does Your Deworming Program Need a Tune-Up? Best Practices for Deworming Cattle
Video Length: 46:56  | Date: April 28, 2021
Description: Management of intestinal parasites is an important component of any livestock operation.  Choosing the right drug, selecting the right animals, and applying dewormer at the most opportune time is critical to maintaining an economical and effective deworming program. This talk will provide an overview of current recommendations for deworming cattle and details on how to assess the efficacy of the deworming program. Watch video

Got Milk? Are Dairy Goats a Good Fit For Your Farm?
Video Length: 59:55 | Date: May 13, 2020
Description: Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of adding dairy breeds to existing goat herds as well as the basics of choosing the right breed and how to milk. Watch video

Interplanting for Pollinators
Video Length: 38:58 |  Date: September 10, 2024
Speaker: Mikaela Boley, University of Maryland Extension
Description: Using a variety of native plants incorporated into the landscape can increase biodiversity and improve natural pest control. Learn more about what these insects need, and how we can encourage their populations. Mikaela Boley, University of Maryland Extension. Watch video

Managing Your Small Flock
Video Length: 59:55 | Date: April 25, 2018
Description: Small flock production on the rise in the United States. It is so important to explore the many aspects of raising a backyard flock before you purchase your first chick. This webinar will teach the essentials of housing, feeding, water, zoning, regulations, animal husbandry, biosecurity, and much more. Watch video

Matching Forage Quality with Small Ruminant Nutrition
Video Length: 23:55 |  Date: January 22, 2020
Description: Matching forage growth and quality to different classes of animals and reproductive cycles can be tricky. Learn how to manage your herd and pastures so you can get the most out of them. Watch video

Predator Control for your Small Flock
Video Length: 42:40 |  Date: April 24, 2019
Description: One of the chicken lovers' worse fears is losing a beloved chicken to a predator. It can happen to the best of us. This webinar will identify patterns of predation and how to keep your small flock safe. Watch video

Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket
Video Length: 49:09 |  Date: June 27, 2019
Description: This session will cover raising backyard poultry for egg production and sales. Topics covered includes basic nutrition and problems encountered with laying hens. We will also talk about handling eggs and what to do if someone wants to sell them. Watch video

Thoughts on Animal Welfare
Video Length: 1:03:09 |  Date: September 9, 2020
Description: Animal welfare is in the eye of the beholder. In other words, different stakeholders have different perspectives and definitions of animal welfare. In the United States, the consumer is the primary stakeholder driving the dynamics of change in how livestock and poultry are raised. This webinar will cover three topic areas around farm animal welfare. First, we will revisit the influential factors involved in the transformation of animal agriculture and animal welfare assurance. Next, we will cover the fundamentals of animal welfare science and the role of animal welfare science in animal welfare assessments and audits. We will finish up the webinar with a discussion on current regional, national, and international animal welfare assurance programs currently and how they may change in the future. Watch video

An Overview of the Resource Stewardship Evaluation Tool
Video Length: 38:59   |  Date: August 2018
Description: The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Resource Stewardship Evaluation Tool (RSET) is a new and voluntary service in conservation planning that evaluates an operation’s current conservation and management practices and compares them against science-based stewardship thresholds for five overarching natural resource concerns that evaluate the health of the soil, water quality and quantity, air quality and wildlife habitat.

The results of the evaluation are provided in an easy-to-read graph showing how producers' decisions affect the well-being of the natural resources under their care. Each individual producer can then see where their operation lies on the spectrum with regard to those specific resource concerns—whether that’s meeting the threshold, exceeding it, or identifying opportunities for improvements. RSET is a useful tool for recognizing current stewardship and conservation achievements, as well as identifying opportunities to improve conservation.

By using this tool, NRCS can help answer field-specific questions for a producer, such as:

• How is the operation faring in terms of reducing erosion and increasing soil organic matter?
• How is the operation doing with water management and preventing nutrient run-off?
• What about curbing net greenhouse gas emissions and opportunities for improving habitat for wildlife?

Watch video

Basics of Pond Management
Video Length: 41:35 |  Date: August 11, 2021
Description: This webinar will cover the basics of pond ecology and managing ponds for varied uses, irrigation, and recreation - swimming or fishing. Algae/aquatic plants and their management and water quality will be presented.Watch video

Caring for your septic system and water wells
Video Length: 57:22  |  Date: October 14, 2020
Description: This webinar will cover the basics of drinking water wells and septic systems. Topics include the important value of your septic system and water well provides you and your home in supplying safe drinking water and sustainable waste treatment; types of systems; and recommended maintenance tips to keep them operating effectively and safely.  Watch video

Caring for Your Drinking Water Well and Quality
Video Length: 35:07 |  Date: April 27, 2022
Speaker: Andy Lazur
Description: You are what you drink, so knowing about your drinking water is important for your health. This webinar will help get you familiar with your drinking well, how to protect it, and also what to look for in water quality. Included will be the common contaminants to test for, how to test, what the results mean, and whether treatment is recommended. Treatment systems will also be discussed. Watch video

Cultivating Conversation: Understanding Opportunities to Access Federal Conservation Programs
Video Length: 39:06  |  Date: March 11, 2021
Description: Those new to farming or farmland ownership may not be familiar with federal conservation programs, how best management practices (BMPs) fit into their operation, the process for applying to programs, and program expectations. This webinar will increase knowledge of federal conservation programs, including what types of programs are available, the application process, and an explanation of contractual obligations. Participants will learn about how to incorporate best management practices on their farms through voluntary and cost-share programs and will learn how conservation programs can fit into an overall farm plan. Watch video

Farm Well and Septic Care
Video Length: 29:32   |  Date: May 10, 2023
Speaker: Dr. Andy Lazur, UMD Extension
Description: We typically don't give our drinking water well or septic system much thought if they are working. But to keep both these valuable home systems operating, some care is needed. This maintenance is an important task to ensure good quality and safe drinking water, and to keep our septic system operating effectively, thereby saving money and reducing risk to water quality. This webinar will discuss some basic tips homeowners can do to protect and prolong the life of their systems. Watch Video

Farm Wells and Drinking Water Quality
Video Length: 44:16  |  Date: March 12, 2024
Speaker: Dr. Andy Lazur
Description: A summary of the Maryland farm well-drinking water project results and recommended well care and treatment practices will be presented. Watch Video

Getting More Results from Conservation Practices 
Video Length: 41:11  |  Date: November 8, 2023
Speaker: Sarah Hirsh, University of Maryland Extension
Description: This webinar will focus on how to better plan and incorporate conservation practices into the overall farm plan and system. We will discuss how conservation practices can result in greater agronomic, environmental, and economic benefits if we tailor them according to factors such as cash crop rotation, soil and land characteristics, and available resources. Watch video

Growing Healthy Soil
Video Length: 39:06  |  Date: March 11, 2020
Description: This webinar will introduce the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, and how they interact and affect soil quality and health. Watch video

How to Interpret a Soil Test Report
Video Length: 45:04 |  Date: October 8, 2024
Speaker: Andrew Kness, University of Maryland Extension
Description: pH, organic matter, CEC, ppm, FIV, base saturation, oh my! This presentation will cover the basics of a soil test report and how to make management decisions based on your test results. Watch video

Micro Nutrient
Video Length: 45:42 |  Date: February 14, 2017
Description: Micro-nutrients like Mn, Zn, and Cu can be tricky to manage in cropping systems. By the time symptoms of deficiencies show up, yields will already be affected. On the other hand, too high on a concentration of some of these metals will cause toxic effects, also reducing yields. Managing soil pH and tissue and soil samples can help alleviate issues with micro-nutrients. Watch video

Soils and Salts: From Fertilizer to Tidewater
Video Length: 50:35 |  Date: March 28, 2019
Description: Salts are a natural component of soils. In fact, most nutrients and fertilizers exist in salt forms such as potassium chloride (KCl). Salts can have a negative effect on plant growth, reducing their ability to pull water from the soil. Although the East usually has enough rainfall to keep salt levels low, fertilizer placement, irrigation water, and flooding in the low-lying areas of the Mid-Atlantic can all have detrimental effects. We will discuss how to read salt sources, understand fertilizer placement, and implement remediation for gardens and row crops. Watch video

Soil Maps for Production Agriculture
Video Length: 51:24 |  Date: September 12, 2018
Description: The US started mapping soils as a resource over 100 years ago. These maps have data for everything from production agriculture to engineering principles. Learn how to search for your soil types and what they may indicate for crop production without needing an advanced degree. Watch video

Soil pH, Liming Rates and Fertility
Video Length: 45:42 |  Date: April 27, 2016
Description: Soil pH is only one number on a soil test report, but can control a lot of your production potential. To maximize your returns from the soil, understanding where soil acidity comes from and how we determine lime rates is essential. Watch video

Urban Soil Quality
Video Length: 58:52 |  Date: October 11, 2017
Description: What are the contamination risks to be aware of when growing in urban soil? How should you test for soil contaminants? How do you interpret the test results? What treatment and management options exist? Which of those are practical? If you're interested in the answers to any of these questions, tune in to this webinar. Watch video

Water and Water Reuse in Agriculture
Video Length: 40:39 |  Date: July 10, 2019
Description: Water is so important on the farm – but not all water sources are the same. This webinar will go over recent research on water quality differences between the river, pond, and recycled water as well as explaining how recycled water could be a reliable alternative for irrigation water. We will also provide information on new publications and multimedia materials related to recycled water in agriculture. Watch video

Water Testing Basics and Understanding Water Test Results
Video Length: 37:23 |  Date: June 24, 2020
Description: Water tests can help homeowners and farmers better understand how safe their water sources are for different uses. Tune into this webinar to learn how water samples are collected, tested, and how to interpret water test results. Watch video

Aerial Cover Crop Seeding via Drones
Video Length: 26:39   |  Date: June 8, 2022
Speaker: Erika Crowl and Andy Kness
Description: Drones are becoming increasingly popular in agriculture for not only imagery but for cover crop seeding and pesticide application. Farmers have taken interest in technology and service for several reasons. During this webinar, participants will hear about the benefits of using drones to seed cover-crop in standing corn and apply in-season foliar products to soybeans and corn. Watch video

Alternative Fertility Sources for Forage System
Video Length: 55:11   |  Date: July 12, 2023
Speaker: Dr. Amanda Grev, UMD Extension
Description: Ensuring proper soil fertility provides the foundation for a successful forage system. Commercial fertilizers are one option for providing nutrients but there are also other means for providing fertility to pastures and hayfields. This presentation will discuss the use of alternative fertility sources, including manure, legumes, annuals, stored forages, and soil biological activity, along with some fertility considerations for grazed versus harvested forages and strategies for ensuring more uniform nutrient distribution. Watch Video

Considerations for Selecting and Purchasing Hay
Video Length: 51:24   |  Date: May 11, 2022
Speaker: Amanda Grev, Ph.D
Description: Many livestock owners rely on purchased hay to feed their animals during certain times of the year. When it comes to hay selection and purchase decisions, there are several important factors to consider, including bale type/size, affordability, and hay quality and quantity. This webinar will discuss what to look for, how to determine if hay is appropriate, and how to determine how much hay is needed. Watch video

Cover Crop Mixes
Video Length: 50:11  |  Date: February 10, 2021
Description: This webinar will discuss how and why to choose species of a cover crop mix and tools for deciding species and seeding rates. Topics discussed will also include how different cover crop species express themselves in a mix, fall vs spring growth, the importance of seeding date, and other management considerations. Practical considerations relevant to the mid-Atlantic region will be discussed. Watch video

Designing a Successful Pasture and Grazing System
Video Length: 57:22  |  Date: July 8, 2020
Description: A well-managed pasture is one of the most cost-effective and high-value feeds that can be produced. Not sure where to begin? This webinar will provide an overview of different grazing systems and will discuss essential considerations like layout, fencing, shelter, water, and stocking rates to help you be successful when setting up a pasture system. Watch video

Designing Cover Crops to Work for Your Farm
Video Length: 40:38 |  Date: February 27, 2019
Description: Cover crops can provide a host of benefits, including controlling weeds, reducing erosion, adding nutrients and soil organic matter to the soil, providing habitat for pollinators, alleviating soil compaction, and various other functions. However, not all cover crops are equal. This workshop will provide information about what cover crop species and management techniques are optimal for the various desired functions, and how to utilize cover crops that make sense for your farm. Watch video

Forage Sampling and Forage Analysis Interpretation
Video Length: 57:33 |  Date: June 23, 2021
Description: Forage sampling and analysis is an essential component in any livestock feeding program. This webinar will cover forage testing from sampling to analysis interpretation, with a discussion on proper forage sampling techniques, the forage analysis process, and what to look for in a forage analysis report. Watch video

Grain Marketing 101
Video Length: 26:06 |  Date: April 26, 2016
Description: An introduction to grain marketing. Watch video

Growth Stages of Mid-Atlantic Grain Crops
Video Length: 54:57   |  Date: February 9, 2022
Speaker: Jarrod Miller
Description: Grain crops in the Mid-Atlantic include corn, small grains, sorghum, and soybeans. The correct identification of their growth stages is important when scouting for disease, insect, and fertility issues. There is enough overlap in terminology and growth to quickly become an expert. Watch video

Miscanthus as an Alternative Crop in the Mid-Atlantic
Video Length: 43:49  |  Date: February 13, 2024
Speaker: Dr. Haley Sater, University of Maryland Extension
Description: Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) is a sterile hybrid, high-yielding grass that was bred to be a biomass crop. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland it is being grown for use in local poultry houses as a bedding material. Watch video

Precision Agriculture Hardware and Equipment
Video Length: 45:19  |  Date: February 8, 2023
Speaker: Dr. Jarrod Miller, UDEL Extension
Description: While precision agriculture is always evolving with new ideas and equipment, there have become some standards within field crop production. We will overview precision ag equipment, including GPS, remote sensing, and more recent advances to help keep up with the terminology and apply some value to the practices. Watch video

Principles of Agronomy  |  Slide deck
Video Length: 47:19 |  Date: August 25, 2021
Description: Agronomy is the science and practice of growing plants for food, feed, and fiber. General principles of agronomy include planting, fertility, and pest management decisions and how this may apply across different crops and rotations.  Watch video

Strategies to Extend the Grazing the Season
Video Length: 51:48  |  Date: April 9, 2024
Speaker: Dr. Amanda Grev, University of Maryland Extension
Description: This presentation will discuss a variety of strategies that can be used to extend the grazing season, including the use of legumes, annual forages, stockpiled forage, corn stalks, and cover crops. Watch video

Tools and Tips for Creating Maps of Farm Fields
Video Length: 54:24  |  Date: April 12, 2023
Speaker: Dr. Alan Leslie, UMD Extension
Description: Having accurate farm maps can be a very helpful tool for crop planning, planter and sprayer calibration, and long-term recordkeeping. This webinar will introduce different tools and resources available for creating maps of your own fields, including a tutorial on how to use the free mapping software, QGIS. To follow along during the tutorial, download QGIS on your own computer ahead of time by visiting https://qgis.org/en/site/. Watch video

Capture the Flavor-Herbs and Spices
Video Length:1:02:28  |  Date: April 14, 2021
Description: Learn the health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices, how herbs and spices are processed for safety, best practices for storing them, and how to use these plants to flavor meals like a pro! Watch Video

Drying Foods Safely
Video Length: 1:03:28  |  Date: January 27, 2021
Description: Dried foods are tasty, nutritious, lightweight, and easy to prepare and carry. Attend this workshop and learn about the different methods for drying foods safely, what to consider when drying foods, and what foods dry best. Watch video

Farm Diversification
Video Length: 37:09  |  Date: July 27, 2016
Description: Farm diversification opens opportunities and increases potential profitability!  Adding specialty fruit and vegetable crops to your farm can increase profit margins in several ways. Like diversifying in the stock market, engaging in more than one enterprise, and adding value to what you already grow will spread profit risk, not to mention “growing” interest in locally produced foods. This webinar will introduce participants to some new potential specialty crops, discuss new federal regulations to be aware of, and regional research that has been done with specialty crops over the past few years.  Watch video

Getting the Most Out of Your High Tunnel-Best Management Practices
Video Length: 57:48  |  Date: March 24, 2021
Description: High tunnels, also called hoop houses, are temporary structures made of metal poles and flexible plastic. They are used to extend the growing season in early spring and late fall and to grow some specialty crops that prefer a hot and dry environment. In the past decade, farmers have built many high tunnels, some with support from the USDA-NRCS high tunnel program. But once you have a high tunnel, how do you best manage it to get the most out of your investment? This webinar will provide an introduction to important high tunnel management practices including temperature management, soil health, and growing media, irrigation, and pest and disease management. Watch video

Season Extension
Video Length: 55:01  |  Date: April 13, 2017
Description: This webinar will cover season extension techniques and how they can be used to reduce the risk of climate variability and expand market access by expanding the growing season and enabling specialty crop production. Watch video

What is Fruit Quality and Factors That Affect it?
Video Length: 39:33  |  Date: October 13, 2021
Description: Do you enjoy eating delicious fruits? Fruit Quality determines consumer acceptability and fruit marketability. This session will help you understand what is fruit quality, how can it be measured, what are some of the factors that affect it, and what can be done to improve or maintain it. Watch Video

What You Need to Know to Grow Your Own Fruit
Video Length: 1:01:52  |  Date: July 14, 2021
Description: This webinar will cover information about the types of perennial fruit that can be grown in Maryland including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apples, cherries, peaches, plums, and pears. We will discuss how much and what kind of management and land preparation is required prior to and after planting. Lastly, some specific challenges growers face will be discussed and tips for cultivating different fruit crops will be given. Watch video

Bugs that Bite
Video Length: 1:25:04   |  Date: May 3 2017
Description: Mosquito and ticks are major nuisance pests that vector many diseases. Their feeding habits can affect your farm's bottom line by detouring the public from visiting and reducing animal health. They can cost you and your employees’ time and money with doctor visits, and if left untreated many of these vector diseases can lead to long-term chronic health issues and death. Topics covered include: pest biology, common arthropod-borne illnesses, personal prevention, and control methods. Watch video

Drones as a Scouting Tool
Video Length: 48:24   |  Date: February  26, 2020
Description: While drones are often promoted as tools to manage nutrients or spray for pests, their most immediate use is for scouting crops. The biggest hurdle for most farmers may be which drone to purchase and how to fly. Attend this webinar to learn about drone and camera types, the ease of operation, and when to fly row crops. After this presentation, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether drones fit your operation, and the most affordable option to buy. Watch video

Introduction to Insecticides
Video Length: 52:50   |  Date: April 13, 2022
Speaker: Alan Leslie
Description: Insecticides are an integral part of pest management in modern agriculture but are also commonly the focus of public scrutiny over human health and environmental safety concerns. This seminar will broadly cover the history of the development of different major types of insecticides, and highlight the trends in insecticide technology and use through time. We will cover how the major groups of insecticides kill insect pests, and what potential risks they each carry for human and environmental health. Watch video

Introduction to Integrated Pest Management
Video Length: 57:29   |  Date: July 24, 2019
Description: Integrated pest management (IPM), is a broad-based approach to keeping pests population below the economic injury level. This webinar will review basic IPM principles, control tactics, and how to diagnose problems.  Watch video

Herbicide-resistant weeds are a persistent problem for crop production
Video Length: 1:19:57   |  Date: August 10, 2022
Speaker: Kurt Vollmer, Ph.D
Description: This session will provide an understanding of how resistance develops within a weed population and the mechanisms of how herbicides work in order to adapt a weed management program. Watch video

Invasive Insects: Impacts in Agriculture
Video Length: 1:12:07   |  Date: June 10, 2020
Description: Insects can cause serious damage by feeding on crops, and insect species that have been introduced from other countries can often cause the most serious economic damage. This webinar will cover some of the basic biology and ecology of invasive species and explain why they are able to outbreak so severely in new areas. We will also discuss different ways of responding to introductions of new pest species using examples from past introductions as case examples of management methods developed to cope with new pests. Watch video

Keeping Your Fields Fine and Dandy-lion Free
Video Length: 52:12  |  Date: November 9, 2022
Speaker: Kelly Nichols
Description: Learn how to identify common field and pasture weeds, how to manage them, and the tools (books and apps) that are available to help. Watch video

Principles of Biological Control
Video Length: 56:59  |  Date: July 29, 2021
Description: Bugs that eat bugs can be a farmer's ally for protecting crops without resorting to chemical pesticides. This webinar will review some of the biology and ecology of predatory and parasitic insect species that help keep pest insects in check. We will cover the fundamentals of biological control, and review how to maximize natural pest control in different cropping systems. Watch video

Wildlife Management on the Farm
Video Length: 42:40  |  Date: November 10, 2021
Description: From deer in crops to biosecurity, wildlife can have a major effect on agriculture. We review a variety of approaches to solving ag-related wildlife problems and improving habitats for healthy wildlife populations. Watch Video

Decision-Making Resources and Tools for Cover Cropping and Other Best Management Practices
Video Length: 41:38   |  Date: September 14, 2022
Speaker: Sarah Hirsh
Description: With so many choices, planning conservation practices can be overwhelming. For example, when planning a cover crop we must consider species, planting and termination dates and methods, seeding rates, etc. Luckily, there are many resources that can help! This webinar will give an overview of conservation practice decision-making resources and tools that can help growers get the most bang for their buck Watch video

Farming Time Management
Video Length: 16:06   |  Date: September 28, 2022
Speaker: Jenny Rhodes
Description: Work-life balance is a challenge, but add in the farm and you've got a recipe for a demanding life. We will discuss how to balance your life on the farm to help get all your tasks completed. Watch video

GMO
Video Length: 1:23:07   |  Date: November 29, 2018
Description: Genetically modified organisms, also known as GMO’s seem to constantly be in the news. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what GMOs are, what plants and animals have been modified, and how they are created, tested, and approved for the market. This session will look at what GMO’s are, which ones are available for the market, and answer some of the more common misconceptions about them. Watch video

Interplanting for Pollinators
Video Length: 38:58 |  Date: September 10, 2024
Speaker: Mikaela Boley, University of Maryland Extension
Description: Using a variety of native plants incorporated into the landscape can increase biodiversity and improve natural pest control. Learn more about what these insects need, and how we can encourage their populations. Mikaela Boley, University of Maryland Extension. Watch video

Intro to Organic Production and Certification
Video Length: 53:31  |  Date: January 9, 2020
Description: Organic produce has become very popular in the last 10 years. This webinar will introduce you to organic production methods, pricing and marketing organic products, and the organic certification process. Watch video

NCBA CLUSA Farmer-to-Farmer: Your Key to International Agriculture
Video Length: 44:13  |  Date: February 6, 2019
Description: Join us as we explore NCBA CLUSA’s Farmer-to-Farmer Coffee Systems program in El Salvador, Honduras, and Peru. If you have ever been inspired to volunteer; helping underserved farmers achieve economic empowerment, now is your opportunity. Volunteer assignments will cover a range of topics, from horticulture, coffee, cacao to cooperative development, financial planning, marketing, etc. Come learn how you can become a lifelong member of the Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer Community supporting women in underdeveloped regions of the world. Watch video

Resources for New and Beginning Farmers
Video Length: 35:34  |  Date: September 13, 2017
Description: Considerable education and resources have focused on new and beginning farmer programs both Nationally and in Maryland. This session will discuss state and national resources that may interest beginning farmers including educational programs, on-farm trainees, and funding. Watch video

What is Urban Agriculture
Video Length: 42:28  |  Date: January 24, 2018
Description: Interest is high in urban agriculture, with many entrepreneurs, municipalities, non-profits, and businesses launching urban agriculture ventures. By participating in this webinar you will learn about different definitions of urban agriculture, see examples of commercial urban farming ventures, and get an overview of the variety of cropping systems, value-added products, and business models being tried by urban farmers. Watch video

What Specialty Crop Enterprise is Right for you?
Video Length: 44:26  |  Date: March 14, 2018
Description: Growing specialty crops can provide a great niche for farms providing an opportunity to diversify and profit. The USDA defines specialty crops as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” By participating in this webinar you will learn how to use two business planning tools (SWOT and enterprise budget) to analyze the feasibility of the enterprise in which you are interested. Be sure to tune in to part two of this webinar later in 2018 to learn more about how to develop a specialty crop enterprise. Watch video

What to grow in an urban market garden
Video Length: 59:30  |  Date: January 24, 2019
Description: Growing for a market in a small urban garden or farm offers both challenges and opportunities. This webinar will talk about the kinds of specialty crops that are particularly suited to growing in an urban market garden for direct marketing to local customers. Watch video

What you need to know about the Food Safety Modernization Act
Video Length: 42:00  |  Date: January 25, 2017
Description: Since the rollout of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), there has been a lot of confusion about what growers need to do. In this webinar, Justine Beaulieu, a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Educator at the University of Maryland, will be giving a presentation that will clear some of this up. This webinar will help inform growers about whether or not they need to comply and by when. It will also provide growers with information about training locations and dates, along with other useful resources. Watch video

Navigating Regulations for Value-Added Foods
Video Length: 57:22   |  Date: October 26, 2022
Speaker: Megan Todd and Sarah Everhart
Description: Producing value-added foods can be a complicated endeavor involving several state and local agencies. The Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) will discuss the regulations producers should be aware of and review how to use a new resource designed to help producers easily identify which processing and food safety requirements apply to their operation. Watch video

Resources for Farm and Value-Added Food Safety
Video Length: 52:23   |  Date: January 9, 2024
Speakers. Shauna Henley & Carol Allen
Description: Where Can I Find That? Resources for Farm and Value-Added Food Safety Identify the local and regional resources available to help you with your operation grow. Watch Video