Coursework Opportunities
MREDC is an innovative, 24-7 launch pad that will provide producers with a wide variety of web-based University, community, and professional resources for developing profitable, sustainable businesses. The courses in this section address specific enterprises and may be revised at any time. Additional courses or learning opportunities will be added as they become available.
Annie's Project
Two-Course Selections are offered in Maryland and Delaware:
This course is designed to empower farm women to manage information systems used in critical decision-making processes and to build local networks throughout the state.
The target audience is farm women with a passion for business and involvement. It is an eight-week class that covers the five areas of Risk Management- Production, Marketing, Financial, Legal Risk, and Human Resources.
Managing for Today and Tomorrow (Annie's II): This second-level Annie's Project course teaches business, estate, retirement, and succession planning. Farm women will develop networks and skills key to making successful farm transitions. Learn more about Annie's Project
Farm Stress Management Course
This online, self-paced training is designed to equip Agriculture Service Providers 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: identifying signs of distress, developing skills to communicate with those experiencing stress, and providing resources both locally and nationally. Financial and regulatory topics will also be discussed, as they are often contributors to farm stress. 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.
Institute of Applied Agriculture
The IAA program includes eight tracks in three key concentrations: Agricultural Business Management and Leadership, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Management, and Turfgrass and Golf Course Management. You may find our new Agricultural Leadership and Communication track an exciting way to advocate for agriculture without going into production agriculture. Our popular Sustainable Agriculture track is growing with the next generation of innovative, urban and small scale farmers. The Landscape Management and Horticulture curricula are attracting young, eager entrepreneurs into the green industry, and our Turfgrass and Golf Course Management concentration is nationally recognized. Learn more about the Institute of Applied Agriculture
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/
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 hiring non-family members? 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
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, pest management, food safety, and regulations and certifications. Additional elective resources will cover more specialized topics, such as organic production, urban agriculture, and direct marketing to local customers.
This 9-week course will be offered during the wintertime in a blended in-person and online format.
For more information or to learn how to enroll in the Maryland Beginning Farmer Success Course
Maryland Food Ventures
If you are starting a value-added food business in Maryland. Sign-up today for the Maryland Food Ventures Interactive self-paced online course! The course covers information for food subject to Maryland cottage Food or On-Farm Home Processing regulations, like high-acid jams, most breads, dried herbs, and raw honey. Topics include product development, food safety and licensing, marketing, packaging, financing, and pricing. The online course will consist of short videos, exercises, and quizzes with an average course completion time of five to six hours; surveys to assess attitudes and behaviors related to value-added foods. Cost: $35, Register Today! https://go.umd.edu/mfvcourse