Publications

Improper management of grazing horses can lead to the loss of vegetative cover, soil erosion and nutrient run-off into nearby water sources . An example of poor grazing management is to allow horses to continuously overgraze pasture without allowing for rest and regrowth of the plants. Best management practices (BMPs) are practices that farm operators can use to control and reduce the farm’s risk of negatively impacting the surrounding environment.

The Center for Agricultural and Natural Resource Policy and UME's Beginning Farmer Success program have developed a fact sheet to help beginning farmers understand the various credit sources available in the state of Maryland and the requirements associated with each credit source, such as USDA's Farm Service Agency, a Farm Credit lender, or MARBIDCO. Authors: Paul Goeringer and Jim Hanson; Title: Review of Lender Requirements for Beginning Farmer Loan Programs (FS-975)

If you are hauling horses, you may be subject to licensing and vehicle registration regulations. This publication outlines the state and federal regulations that may apply if you live in Maryland and/or operate vehicles that are tagged with Maryland license plates. The fact sheet includes information on requirements for personal and commercial transporting.

Many individuals moving into agricultural areas in Maryland have no farm backgrounds and little understanding of agricultural operations. The same is true of commercial fishing and seafood operations in Maryland. Once there, the new residents may find the noises, insects, farm equipment on the roads, smells, and other characteristics of agricultural and commercial seafood life unexpected and objectionable. While neighbors should consider working together and developing open lines of communication to find solutions, in some cases, this cooperative approach may not work. In response, Maryland introduced a Right-to-Farm (RTF) law in 1981. All 50 states have RTF laws which typically shield agricultural activities from complaining nonfarm neighbors by limiting the scope of and providing a defense for nuisance actions brought against farms and other agricultural operations. In 2014, Maryland extended these protections to commercial seafood operations and watermen. Understanding Agricultural Liability: Maryland’s Right-to-Farm Law Can Limit Liability for Maryland Farm, Commercial Fishing, and Seafood Operators by Goeringer and Lynch (FS-973, Published 2017) educates producers on the issues associated with Maryland's Right-to-Farm law.

With just 2 percent of the American population actively engaged in producing food, CSA is a growing social and agricultural movement that offers a path to farm preservation, stability and profitability, at the same time it connects people with their food supply and builds community. CSA links the source of food (the farm and farmer) to the destination of the food (the consumer).

You need to formulate a business plan and consider how your business will be organized.

Children, teens, and young adults learn their money management skills from a variety of sources, such as school, media, and peers. But parents have the greatest influence on their children’s financial decisions. In fact, 56 percent of young adults say they rely on their parents for financial guidance. Money management must be learned and practiced. It’s important for children to learn about the value of money before they actually have any. Start early in your child’s life to instill habits and build on them as your child grows and learns.

This publication summarizes a project that took place in the Mid-Atlantic region, but high tunnels can be successfully used in a wide variety of climates and locations. They are especially profitable when located close to good markets, such as urban and peri-urban areas.

Recent research has demonstrated that winter wheat and barley grain yields and economic return to fertilizer applications are not reliably improved by a fall nitrogen application when an adequate amount of nitrate already exists in the soil. Regulations effective October 2012 require that farmers who plant wheat and barley for grain production must test for soil nitrate concentration before they may apply nitrogen in fall.

This directory was developed from a January 2013 survey of firewood dealers that serve Maryland residents. No claims are made regarding the service or products provided. To avoid the spread of pests, decrease the environmental impact, and save money on delivery, it is best to buy firewood locally. We hope you will find the list below helpful as you look for a trustworthy dealer in your area. Firewood must be sold by the cord or by fraction of the cord as regulated by the Maryland Department of Weights and Measures. Beware of scammers – a true cord is 4’ x 4’ x 8’ when stacked.