Agriculture & Food Systems

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. The AgFS Program conducts applied research and provides educational programs for the production and marketing of grains, oilseeds, horticulture, floriculture, poultry, dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats, equine, and other livestock, helping producers adopt new technologies and practices to improve profitability. As an example, Maryland agriculture has worked to conserve resources and improve water quality through new management practices such as cover crops and nutrient management planning.

Explore Our Programs

  • Bakyard Chickens

    Animal Science

  • Bruk Belayneh in strawberry patch with remote moisture sensing units and irrigation equipment.

    Farm and Agribusiness Management

  • Apple orchard

    Fruit & Vegetable Production

  • Annie's Project leaders Jenny Rhodes and Shannon Dill with farm women.

    Integrated Programs

  • A farmer driving his tractor at sunset.

    Agricultural Nutrient Management Program

  • Growing annual flowers in greenhouse.

    Ornamental Horticulture

  • Combine harvesting corn

    Row Crop & Forage Production

  • Collard greens grown hydroponically using both natural and supplemental artificial light. Image credit: Neith Little

    Urban Agriculture

  • Tractor at vineyard

    Pesticide Safety and Training

  • WMREC Twilight Meeting

    Meetings and Events

  • Extension Educator teaching about agriculture

    Program Impact

  • Laptop computer with a cell phone laying on the left side and an apple on the right.

    Agriculture Resources

Online Self-Paced Courses

The AgFS team has created a number of self-paced online courses. Create a student account and see what AgFS online has to offer. https://umeagfs.teachable.com

UMD AGNR Creates Interactive View of the College’s off Campus Assets

The University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Agriculture Production Systems Strategic Initiative Team is excited to announce the creation of the Center for Excellence in Animal and Crop Production (CECAP), an interactive virtual reality experience highlighting the College’s off campus assets, including eight Research and Education Centers (RECs) and local Extension Offices in every county. Visit this interactive map to see UMD AGNR locations across the state and the latest agricultural research.