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Starting a Farm

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Updated: March 30, 2021

Beginning Farmer Grain Production Resources

There are many aspects of grain production such as crop budgeting, nutrient management, integrated pest management, weather, new equipment technology, grain marketing and regulation requirements. Farmers have to be well equipped with a great deal of information to be successful.
Harvested grain is transferred from the combine into a waiting truck for distribution.
Updated: March 30, 2021

Stewardship Resources for Beginning Farmers

It is essential for a farmer to practice conservation and stewardship on their land for the health of the environment and to sustain the productivity of agricultural lands. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is especially sensitive to sediment, nutrients and other substances that reach its’ waters.
Student in the middle of a green field using a raking tool
Updated: March 30, 2021

Land and Setting Up a Farmstead

Considerations for Setting Up a Farmstead - Selecting the Best Farm Property. A successful farm operation requires thoughtful property selection, whether you are leasing or purchasing land. When looking at properties, you need to consider how the property will support the goals in your business plan.
Aerial image of the CMREC farm facility
Updated: March 30, 2021

Formulate a Farm Strategy

Developing an overall farm strategy is an important component of business development. This strategy includes a number of steps focused on market segments, attributes of those segments, and forming a strategy around the needs of each segment. Formulating a strategy is an ongoing process of discovery and creativity. Strategy formulation is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard either.
group of aspiring farmers standing in a circle listening to an extension agent on a community urban farm
Updated: March 30, 2021

Financial Planning

It is important for your farm business to project financial statements for the next 3-5 years depending on a loan application, long-term goals, or a new enterprise decision. Projected financial statements are also referred to as pro forma budgets. By projecting your business’s financial statements, you discover whether your business will anticipate a profit over the long term.
Image of gold and silver coins on a table with a black table cloth
Updated: March 30, 2021

Enterprise Budgeting

Small farms will often consist of many different enterprises that contribute to the whole farm operation. For instance, one farm operation may have a retail produce market, horse hay sales, and a fall petting zoo. It is important to understand the returns, various costs, and ultimately the profitability of each enterprise versus another. The “Enterprise Budget” enables you to do that.
Three pink piggy banks on a blue tablecloth
Updated: March 30, 2021

Business Planning

Planning is essential to any business, no matter how large or small your inventory, payroll, and bank account. To be successful a farm operation must know its current status and future plans. Having these plans in your mind is not enough! Taking time to formulate thoughts, evaluate your business, devise a strategy, and anticipate possible problems will help your business be successful.
Lambert Farm in Frederick, MD winner of Dairy Distinction 2019
Updated: March 23, 2021

I want to start a farm. Where should I start?

The University of Maryland Extension has a website devoted to supporting beginning farmers.
Cultivate Baltimore: Hand-scale farm tools at Strength to Love 2 in Baltimore, City, August 15, 2019
Updated: January 21, 2021

Mastering Marketing for New and Beginning Farmers

Sales are one-time transactions. Marketing is the process by which you identify a group of people who are willing and able to become and to remain your customers. As a new farmer, you won’t have established relationships with customers and potential buyers, yet. You must determine who wants and /or needs your products. These are your potential customers. Marketing takes time. But, it can be one of the most cost-effective uses of time in your business.