Farm Stress Management
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.
Agricultural Law
Event: Next-Generation Grain Management: Budgets, Risk, and Reporting Tools
Date: August 6, 2025 | Wednesday
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ( with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.)
Cost: It is free and open to all. Lunch will be provided, and we suggest bringing your laptop to pilot the web-based programs.
Location: Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, MD.
Description: Maryland grain farmers are invited to participate in an innovative workshop designed to enhance business operations and risk management strategies through the use of cutting-edge tools and resources. This multi-project session will bring together key programs to provide hands-on training, demonstrations, and discussion. This interactive workshop will feature the Maryland Grain Budget Planner website and curriculum, designed to support crop budgeting and sound financial decisions. In addition, the Ag Law Education Initiative will present “Learning Ag Law at Your Own Pace: Basic Legal Issues and Ag Labor Issues,” covering essential legal topics facing today's farm businesses.
Participants will also receive a guided demonstration of the Maryland Agriculture Reporting Assistant, a new data-driven platform. This platform enables producers to streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting for statewide and national reports, such as the Nutrient Management Annual Implementation Report (AIR) and farm yield reporting for crop insurance purposes. Register today to secure your spot and learn how these tools can benefit your operation. If accommodation is needed, please reach out 2 weeks before the session.
Please register at: https://ume.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3w88bc9Yb4aOVym
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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. For more information go to https://agrisk.umd.edu/grant-proposals/hiring-and-retaining-farm-employees
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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://extension.umd.edu/resource/so-you-want-own-rural-land-maryland-basic-legal-issues-all-landowners-online-course/
LEAD Maryland
The LEAD Program seeks applicants with career, service, or interest in: production agriculture, natural resources, the environment and conservation, food (processing, sourcing, distribution, marketing, safety), rural communities and development, business, communications, education, government, science and technology, finance, and much more. Fellowships provide:
- Public Issues Education (PIE);
- Personal growth and leadership development opportunities;
- Communications and problem-solving skills training;
- Support, direction, and resources to help emerging leaders succeed in serving agricultural, natural resources, and rural community sectors; Opportunities to learn more about Maryland and to meet leaders from throughout the state.
For more information about the program and the application process
Beginning Farmers
Currently, there are no events scheduled, but don’t worry! Exciting things are in the works, so check back soon for updates.