Agriculture & Food Systems in Charles County

The Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) program provides research-based education and technical assistance to support Maryland's agricultural industry. Educational programs are designed for commercial producers, agricultural businesses, landowners, and individuals interested in agriculture.

Extension educators connect university research with practical solutions that help improve farm productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship through workshops, field demonstrations, publications, consultations, and other educational resources. 

Learn More About UME AgFS Programs

UME Areas of Expertise

  • Crop production and management
  • Livestock and poultry production
  • Fruit and vegetable production
  • Commercial horticulture
  • Farm and agribusiness management
  • Beginning farmer education
  • Urban agriculture
  • Nutrient management
  • Pesticide safety and certification
  • Soil health and conservation practices

AgFS Resources & Newsletters          AgFS Meetings & Events 

Charles County Agriculture & Food System Programs

UME Charles County offers a variety of AgFS workshops, programs, and resources. Sign up to receive the Charles County Ag Updates Newsletter, which includes information on events, policies, announcements, and news happening locally and across the state.  Learn more about county AgFS programs by contacting our office.

Ag Resources & Videos

Videos:

Farming Technical References

Commercial Vegetable Production Guide 

Vegetable guide pest identification addendum 

Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide 

Mid-Atlantic Weed Management Guide 

Pesticide Applicator Core Manual 

Mid-Atlantic Nutrient Management Handbook 

Commercial Tree Fruit Guide 

Managing Cover Crops Profitably

Plant Diagnostic Lab

Agriculture Newsletters

Charles County Ag Updates: Timely updates on events, policies, announcements, and news happening locally and across the state. Sign up to receive the updates.

2020 Roots in Research: an inside look at the research taking place at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Upper Marlboro (CMREC-UM). 2019 Edition

Vegetable and Fruit News: A publication of Anne Arundel County. 

Charles County Agriculture News: Monthly updates, events, and information related to the local agriculture industry

Agronomy News: Published monthly during the growing season and provides timely updates on topics relevant to row crop production

Timely Viticulture: Electronic newsletter that is designed to give those in the grape industry a timely reminder of things they should be considering in the vineyard

Wild and Wooly Newsletter: Quarterly newsletter for sheep and goat producers and anyone else who is interested in small ruminants

Greenhouse TPM/IPM Report: Alert to inform commercial greenhouse and cut flower producers of pest or disease issues during the growing season

Ornamental TPM/IPM Report: Report is for arborists, landscape managers, and nursery managers

Plant Science Food Safety Group: Sign up for their weekly newsletter at Food Safety Newsletter

Urban Agriculture Extension:  Monthly newsletter of Urban Ag Extension in Baltimore City

Nutrient Management Program and Pesticide Safety

UME offers training on responsible nutrient applications, pesticide safety, certification, and regulatory compliance. Learn more.


A Nutrient Management Plan is required if you produce $2,500.00 in gross annual income from your agricultural operation annually OR have 8 animal units or more (animal units vary depending on species.) 

Contact: Francis Warring, Nutrient Management Advisor (301) 934-5403 / DC Area (301) 753-8195.

 

Stress Management for Farm Families

The University of Maryland Extension Farm Stress Management Team provides education and outreach on topics related to mental and physical wellness for farmers, families, and communities. Specifically, we focus on developing resources to alleviate stressors driven by financial, legal, or mental health issues.

Free Therapy Sessions for farm families. For more information. go to Farm Stress Management.

Extension AgFS Resources

The University of Maryland Agriculture and Food Systems team provides a variety of agricultural education programs and resources. Explore them all.

More Charles County Extension Programs