Planning | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: June 8, 2021

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Change is inevitable. The coronavirus showed us just how fast change alters our routine. Established direct sales channels vanished overnight, limited market times and attendance become the norm, breaks in the supply chains frustrated both buyers and suppliers, and there was an explosion of online marketing platforms and delivery options. This past year the word change was rebranded as a pivot.

Shoes and three arrows (going left, straight, and right).

Updated: June 8, 2021

The Reluctant Entrepreneur

In November, I had the opportunity to give a presentation through the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ (AGNR) new Agricultural Careers and Entrepreneurship (ACE) Virtual Center webinar series. The presentation was titled, Entrepreneurs-Born or Made?

Updated: June 7, 2021

Marketing—The Root of All Profits

I’ve written, taught, and executed marketing ideas and plans for some time now. But, after pages and pages of text and theories, I’ve found marketing really boils down to a couple key concepts executed over three similar categories. And, marketing is truly the root of all profits in any business.

Updated: June 7, 2021

Making the Most of Your Time—Be Effective

In the opening session of a recent Annie’s Project Class I coordinated, we addressed the topic “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Farm Women.” It was a take-off modeled on Steven Covey’s (1992) book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” In his book, Covey highlights the seven habits of great managers. I think this is a valuable read for any business person. Another great resource for Ag business entrepreneurs is “The E-Myth” a book by Michael Gerber. His book talks about how most of us believe we can succeed as entrepreneurs, when in reality most small businesses fail.

Updated: March 24, 2021

Assessing Your Farm Business Plan

Nowhere does the old adage “failing to plan, is planning to fail” more applicable than when preparing to launch a new business enterprise or service company. Regardless of the greatness of your product, unless you carefully plan in advance how to operate a profitable, sustainable business, your business success will be limited. The goal of the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center is to help you succeed in that planning process and this is why we have launched a new tool, Assessing Your Farm Business Plan.

Business plan chalkboard with text: communication, teamwork, strategy, goals, results, risks, team, costs, project, vision, tasks, analysis, development, quality, execute, planning, control, organize, and plan.

Updated: February 16, 2021

Farm Business Planning

Planning is essential to any business, no matter how large or small your inventory, payroll and bank account. To be sustainable and profitable a farm operation must have a clear understanding of production, marketing, finances and labor. Having these plans mentally is not enough! Taking time to formulate thoughts, evaluate your business, devise a strategy, and anticipate possible problems will help your business be successful. The Farm Business Planning tools on this page will help put you on the right track.

Updated: February 12, 2021

Are You and Your Products Ready For Retail Sales?

The first issue (July 2020) of the "Maryland Retail Products Producer News & Notes". In this issue Ginger shares the results of a survey that was conducted.

Updated: February 12, 2021

Marketing Farm Raised Meats Module

Are you a small livestock farmer in Maryland wanting to capitalize on your urban location and strong demand for locally produced meats? If so, this web module, Farm to Table Marketing Model for Small Farm Meat Producers, was created specifically for you. This module delivers educational materials developed for several training sessions by educators and professionals who are highly knowledgeable and who are presently engaged in Farm-to-Table production and marketing.

Updated: February 4, 2021

Turning on Your Specialty Food Business

You need to formulate a business plan and consider how your business will be organized.

Updated: February 3, 2021

Turning on Your Idea: Starting a Specialty Food business Requires Careful Planning

Successful specialty food processing requires careful planning, dedication, and skilled management. Food businesses must comply with a number of complex and often confusing federal, state and local regulations. This report includes questions that individuals should consider before starting a small food processing business. The critical aspects of market research—gathering information about markets or customers --are described. Market research is an important step in preparing to start a business and in maintaining competitiveness. This report also provides valuable information and resources on county and state local and state rules, regulations and agencies that will help specialty food business owners get started.