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Updated: October 31, 2024

Environmental Justice in Agricultural Waste Management (EBR-2023-0690)

This fact sheet introduces environmental justice and describes how vulnerable communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, are impacted by the introduction of new waste management technology across Maryland's Eastern Shore. Author's: Eric Burnstein, Mimi Sanford, Priscilla Alves, Higor Costa, and Marccus Hendricks; Title: Environmental Justice in Agricultural Waste Management (EBR-2023-0690).
Updated: May 2, 2024

The 4 “Ships “of Beginning Farming (Or Any Start-up Business) Part 1: Mentorship

For any start-up business venture or new learning challenges there are four “ships” in the road map to success: mentorship, relationships, partnerships, and ownership.
Two people stand looking at a clipboard in front of shelves of plants
Updated: May 2, 2024

The 4 “Ships" of Beginning Farming (Or Any Start-up Business) Part 2: Relationships

Farming is a relationship-centered industry. This article will introduce you to key relationships a beginning farmer or agricultural entrepreneur should cultivate.
Two people smile as they take a selfie using a smartphone
Updated: January 19, 2024

Continuing Extension Programming During a Pandemic: University of Maryland Extension Adapts to Dynamic Learning (EBR-58)

During 2020, the COVID 19 Pandemic forced University of Maryland Extension (UME) into teleworking. Although UME offices were closed, programming continued. To support staff and faculty in programming for the general public, a rapid response group was assembled to address distance learning and teaching needs. Faculty and staff insights of the experience are shared which could have implications on future Extension programming approaches. Authors: Jeff Howard, Amy Rhodes, and Chenzi Wang; Title: Continuing Extension Programming During a Pandemic: University of Maryland Extension Adapts to Dynamic Learning (EBR-58)
Updated: December 21, 2023

4-H ACTS Youth Delegate Guidebook (EM-2023-0657)

The Youth Delegate Guidebook is a manual assisting youth and volunteers in developing civic engagement skills through a statewide event (like Maryland ACTS), and club or individual experiences that include learning about state government, meeting representatives, and follow-up activities. Authors: Gretchen Sumbrum, Elizabeth Hill, and Christopher Anderson; Title: 4-H ACTS (Annapolis, Civics, Thriving, Service) Youth Delegate Guidebook (EM-2023-0657)
Updated: March 15, 2023

Chapter 5: The human element: rights and responsibilities, safety and stress

Chapter 5: The human element: rights and responsibilities, safety and stress is part of the online publication "From Surviving to Thriving: Strategies for Urban Farm Success. This chapter will help you learn how to proactively protect the physical and mental health of yourself, anyone else working on your farm, your customers, and your community. It will also talk about how to work towards the long-term sustainability of your farm by engaging your community and planning how you will pass the baton.
Puzzle pieces laying over a city building.
Updated: September 15, 2021

Farmers Advise Farmers: Maryland Farmers

Have problems with trespassers? Do nonfarm neighbors complain about foul odors? Have you ever been threatened with a lawsuit because of your neighbors? Are you being blamed for causing traffic congestion? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. Conflicts between farmers and their non-farm neighbors are on the increase. Especially in Maryland, which ranks fifth among the 50 states in population density.
Farm women standing in front of a tractor and children sitting on thier toy farm equipment
Updated: September 15, 2021

Welcome to the Neighborhood: Living in a Rural Community

There are many ideas that come to mind when imagining a rural community—quaint towns, expansive cropland, and cattle contentedly grazing. But at times living in a rural community is not always as picturesque or convenient. This can be due to services that may or may not be available, industry in the area, and transportation. In rural communities one of the largest and most important industries is agriculture.
Farm women posing for picture in their greenhouse holding a flat of flowers
Updated: June 1, 2021

Virtual Winter Meetings

The Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Program Winter Meetings have been completed. Each meeting was four hours long to provide continuing education credits for agronomy, forage, fruit, and vegetable producers.
Updated: June 1, 2021

Agriculture and Food Systems Program

The University of Maryland Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension Program serves the leading private industry in the state. In 2017, the market value of Maryland crops and livestock sold exceeded $2.4 billion and contributed $8.25 billion to the Maryland economy.