Starting a Farm

The government sets the standards for food safety and enforces them through the licensing process. Jurisdiction over food safety regulations and licensing is divided among a few different government agencies. In general, federal regulations supersede state regulations, and state regulations supersede local regulations. States may be more restrictive, but not less restrictive than federal regulations. In the same spirit, some states have “home rule” which means designated areas may act independently, and their regulations may be more restrictive than state regulations.

Swine production is not a large part of Maryland Agriculture, but a growing number of farmers are considering raising pork on a small scale or providing pork as a part of a CSA. In 2013, cash receipts for market hogs were $8.6 million with the total number of hogs and pigs in Maryland reaching 22,000 as of December 1, 2013. Use these resources to learn about swine production.

Sheep are ideally suited to a small-scale or part-time farming operation due to their nutritional versatility and adaptability. Sheep can be fed a very high concentrate diet (similar to swine), solely a forage diet, or any combination. Goats are highly adaptable animals that may be integrated into livestock operations of any scale. Demand for goat meat, milk, cheese, and hide has steadily increased in the United States along with the proliferation of ethnic and specialty markets.

There are many different species of poultry that can be raised - from chickens to ostriches! The species you decide to raise will depend on the type of production you want to be involved with as well as your own personal preference.

While Maryland may play host to one leg of the Triple Crown, not all horses in Maryland are bound for Pimlico. Use the following publications and resources to better understand how to raise healthy horses through nutritional and breeding management. Utilize the economic section to better manage the business side of your equine operation.

With over 50,000 dairy cows in Maryland it only makes sense that the state drink of Maryland is Milk! So if you are thinking of starting a dairy you are in the right state! Utilize these resources to learn about dairy herd management and production.

Take a look at the resources for the basics of beef production. Approximately 54% of all agricultural sales in the state of Maryland is from livestock sales. There were over 190,000 cattle and calves in Maryland in 2012. Beef production is concentrated in the central and western regions of the state, as are beef slaughter facilities.

Interest in vegetable production in Maryland is on the rise. The state of Maryland produces approximately 56 million dollars of vegetable crops each year on 33,000 acres of farmland. The local food movement has resulted in increased marketing opportunities for fresh local grown vegetable products. The relatively small acreage requirement coupled with strong local demand makes vegetable production a popular enterprise for beginning farmers.

Forages, when well-managed, are an important sustainable feed source for any livestock farm. Forages are especially important for small and beginning farms in supplying a significant part of animal nutrition while minimizing feed and other production costs.

High tunnels, also called hoop houses, are structures that can be assembled outdoors to contain plants and extend their growing season. High tunnels are an environmentally conscience way to get the most out of your gardens throughout the year.