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: The Farm Succession and Estate Planning workshops
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free, in-person training
Dates and Locations:
- January 13, 2026: Garrett County University of Maryland Extension Office, 1916 MD-135, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550.
- January 27, 2026: Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Bldg 671, Ellicott City, MD 21042, and;
- February 11, 2026: Eastern Shore Hospital Center, English Room, 5262 Woods Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613.
Description: The free program will assist Maryland farm families in starting the estate planning process, including creating a successful succession plan, having difficult conversations, and health insurance options for farmers. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center. The workshop will feature Dr. Jesse Ketterman, Senior Agent, Dr. Alex Chan, Senior Agent, and a Farm Succession Coordinator, and Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law. “Farm families often want to plan for the future but don’t always know where to start,” said Paul Goeringer. “These workshops give Maryland landowners the tools, confidence, and practical guidance they need to begin building a succession plan that protects both their operations and their families for generations to come.” Lunch is provided with the workshops. Each workshop will begin at 9:45 am with a check-in.
For more information or to register: https://agrisk.umd.edu/events
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Event: Exploring H-2A Farm Labor in the Mid-Atlantic Region
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Dates and Locations:
- Feb. 2, 2026: Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 121 Northville Road, Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302
- Feb. 3, 2026: Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, Delaware 19947
- Feb. 4, 2026: Central Md Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Bldg 671, Ellicott City, MD 21042
- Feb. 5, 2026: Charles County Agricultural and Environmental Service Center,4200 Gardiner Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601
Description: This workshop is designed to help Mid-Atlantic agricultural employers better understand the costs, legal requirements, and compliance responsibilities associated with using the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. As farms increasingly rely on seasonal labor, this program provides essential guidance to help producers make informed labor management decisions. Featured speakers include: Nate Bruce, University of Delaware, presenting on “The Real Cost of H-2A Workers.”; Brandon Davis, Phelps Dunbar LLP, and Paul Goeringer, University of Maryland, discussing the legal aspects of the H-2A process; Representatives from the State Department of Labor, covering key state-level considerations and compliance expectations.
Registration: Lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost to participants, but advance
registration is required. To register, contact Karen Adams at adams@udel.edu or 302-831-3328.
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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.