Exploring

Specialty vegetables, of course, don’t have to be weird, odd-shaped, or off-colored cousins of their traditional counterparts. More often than not, they are not weird at all, but are simply vegetables that are not available or grown on a large scale for traditional market outlets. They may be vegetables that are grown quite commonly in other parts of the world, but are not yet known as a traditional staple crop here (ethnic specialty vegetables). They may simply be miniature versions of full-sized fruit (baby or miniature vegetables) that are available at a time when they are traditionally not in season (early or late season extension) or are an unusual or different variety (heirloom, local cultural favorites, etc.).

Organic produce has become very popular in the last 10 years. U.S. organic fovod sales have grown between 17 and 21 percent each year since 1997. This is compared to conventionally grown food sales that have grown only 2 to 4 percent a year for the same time period. Organic food sales now represent approximately 2 percent of U.S. food sales (Greene and Dimitri).

If you’re looking for something that is predictable and never varies from day to day, do not get involved with horses! When horses are involved, you will never have a “normal” day again.

New Grape Grower Workshop presentations, held during the Maryland Grape and Wine Industry Annual Conference, Jan. 12-13, 2021.

Beginning Farmer chapter that covers 1) understanding licenses, permits and certifications for your farm, 2) human resources management and the hiring process basics, and 3) agricultural labor laws, farm insurance overview

Planning is essential to any business, no matter how large or small its inventory, payroll, and bank account. To be successful, farm operators must know their current position and future plans. Thinking about your plans is not enough! Taking time to formulate ideas, evaluate your business, devise a strategy, and anticipate possible problems will help your business be successful.

Maryland Beginning Farmer Guidebook. A guidebook to help Beginning Farmers explore, refine, develop, and implement a successful farm in Maryland.

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.