Starting a Farm

Provides guiding principles for beginning farmers working with food safety regulations and important topics to explore in food safety.

Farm Establishment for Maryland Beginning Farmers. Includes information on: Considerations for Acquiring a Farm Property, Understanding Zoning For New Farm Enterprises, Understanding Soil and Soil Health, Overview of Farmland Preservation in Maryland, Resources and Web links, and Farm Establishment Review.

As with any business, your farm operation is subject to several laws and regulations. Farm operations also receive several exceptions or special provision regarding taxes, land operations and the like. This page provides a short listing of the commonly required permits or certifications for a farm.

Brought to you by the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center, a University of Maryland Extension Program: Direct marketing and value-added processing of your raw farm products are two of the best management strategies for farmers to employ to improve their net profitability. Value-added products can open new markets, enhance the public’s appreciation for locally produced food and farms, and extend the marketing.

Every farm operation relies upon tools to help get the job done-some enterprises are able to remain competitive with a minimal investment in equipment, while others require substantial investment. Equipment, along with land, is typically a major cost driver for farm operations. It is, thus, important to critically evaluate the need for each piece of equipment before buying.

Livestock information and resources for beginning farmer success. Learn more about beef production, dairy production, equine, poultry, sheep and goats, and swine production.

Resources and background information on the different types of crops you can focus on as a Beginning Maryland Farmer.

The First Steps to Farming section of this website is to help you get started with your farming enterprise, help you think through steps you may have missed, or simply assure you that you are on your way to a smooth beginning!

Access to resources and links to Agricultural Marketing resources offered by the University of Maryland Extension