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Maryland Beginning Farmer Success Course
This course is designed for people in Maryland who are considering or in the beginning stages of starting a farm as a business.
Topics covered will include
- business planning
- marketing
- crop production
- livestock husbandry
- soil health
- Integrated pest management
- food safety
- regulations and certifications
- acquiring land and zoning
- specialty crops
- organic production
- urban agriculture
More details about what will be covered can be found in the course syllabus (click to download). An updated course syllabus will be provided in February, including the Zoom login link and finalized guest speaker details.
This 10-week course will be offered online.
- The class will meet on Tuesday evenings, from 7 to 8:30 pm, from February 10 through April 14, 2026, online.
- Students will completeat their own pace on the course website on campus.extension.org
This course does not provide college credit or an exam-based certification. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate stating that they completed the course requirements. To complete the course, students will need to both attend the weekly class and complete weekly homework on the course website.
By actively engaging in this program, participants will
- Understand each of the topics covered at a beginner’s level, so they will be prepared to take more advanced training in the future.
- Decide what they need to learn more about next to launch their farm business.
Course registration is $60 plus Eventbrite fees. Two people from the same farm/family may attend the course under one registration.
If the registration fee is a financial barrier, please fill out this scholarship application: https://ume.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42OVet5uDKcJK5M
Two-course textbooks will be used, with supplementary readings and videos from additional sources. Both course textbooks are available for free digitally. Hard copies can be ordered from the print-on-demand service Lulu.
- Maryland Beginning Farmer Guidebook: free pdf and print-on-demand
- Strategies for Urban Farm Success: free pdf and print-on-demand
Learn more about resources offered by the University of Maryland Extension on our website here: https://extension.umd.edu/
Equal Opportunity in Educational Programs:
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Neith Little by phone at 301 226-7415 or by email at nglittleumd.edu.
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