Financials | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: September 2, 2026

Getting Things Right

Getting Things Right is part of the Maryland Retail Products Producer Program. This section will provide information on supply, storage, purchasing, establishing prices, ordering and delivery schedules, invoicing and payment terms, and product promotions.

Updated: September 2, 2026

Other Resources

Other Resources is part of the Maryland Retail Products Producer Program. This section will provide information on other resources that will help your product to become ready for retail.

Updated: August 18, 2026

Backyard Layer Flock Economics - How Much Does It Cost You to Produce a Dozen Eggs? (FS-2025-0783)

Authors: Jonathan Moyle - Dale Johnson - Dr. Tom Tabler - Nate Bruce

This publication helps backyard flock owners estimate the true cost of producing eggs, covering startup and operating expenses, budgeting, recordkeeping, marketing, and biosecurity. Authors: Dr. Jon Moyle, Dale Johnson, Dr. Tom Tabler, and Nathaniel Bruce; Title: Backyard Layer Flock Economics - How Much Does It Cost You to Produce a Dozen Eggs? (FS-2025-0783).

Updated: June 15, 2026

Start Record Keeping Today!

Good record keeping is one of the simplest ways to improve your farm’s profitability and reduce stress. It’s not about paperwork—it’s about making better decisions and running a stronger farm business. This article introduces the reasons why farmers should keep records, and what kinds of records they should keep.

two people look at a clipboard, standing in front of shelves of potted plants

Updated: June 11, 2026

Estate Planning and Conservation Easements (FS-974)

Authors: Lori Lynch - Paul Goeringer

While estate planning for Maryland farm operators can be complicated, a conservation easement can be an effective tool to include in your plan. Conservation easements can help reduce the value of a farm estate and ensure the land will continue to be available for agricultural use. Donating a conservation easement is one way to reduce federal and state estate taxes when the value of your estate minus permitted deductions exceeds the current estate tax exemptions. Under current federal and Maryland tax laws, donating a conservation easement to a qualifying group can result in favorable tax deductions.;Lynch, Lori; Goeringer, Paul; Title: Conservation Easements: A Useful Tool for Farm Transition and Estate Planning (FS-974)

Updated: May 22, 2026

Cultivating Entrepreneurship

Have you ever had a fleeting thought of starting a business or new enterprise but raked it from your mind thinking it would never work? Did you think your family and friends wouldn’t support you or were you lost because you had no idea where to start? If so, your thoughts were no different than those of other people who decided to go with the idea of becoming a business owner, revamping an existing business, or adding on a new enterprise. This module provides information on Coaching Assistance and resources on Growing Your Business

Bulletion board with post it notes containing words for business planning.

Updated: February 2, 2026

Field Crop Budgets

Crop budgets vary greatly by operation! Prices and cost estimates are averages collected from retailers across the state. Input prices will vary by crop, management, region, varieties, and other criteria and may not be reflective of YOUR true costs.

Updated: August 5, 2025

Beginning Farmer Resource Guide for Frederick, Howard, & Montgomery Counties, Maryland (FS-2023-0691)

Authors: Kelly Nichols

The Beginning Farmer Resource Guide is a compilation of business, financial, regulatory, crops, and livestock information. County-specific information is given for Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard Counties. Author: Kelly Nichols; Title: Beginning Farmer Resource Guide for Frederick, Howard, & Montgomery Counties, Maryland (FS-2023-0691).

Updated: May 28, 2025

Non-Traditional Sources

Explore the alternative sources of capital less than $50,000 that can be available for your business.

Hands depositing coins into a piggy bank.

Updated: May 28, 2025

Traditional Sources

Whether a new farmer/food entrepreneur, or an established operation, you’re probably going to need to finance some aspect of your business. There are various loan programs for farmers and food entrepreneurs. There are also some specific grant programs, but these are very specific and very competitive to obtain. Obtaining grants require a lot of work, often have delayed payments or require up-front investment, and are not a reliable source of income. This article provides guidance for evaluating if your needs qualify for the grant’s targeted outcomes and how best to apply for a grant.