Agricultural and Resources Economics (AREC)

Are you an admitted UMD student interested in studying environmental science, animal science, plant science, landscape architecture, nutritional science or another agriculture and natural resources field? Join us to explore what the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) has to offer.

This information session introduces AGNR, including our nine undergraduate degree programs (BS & BLA), minors, hands-on learning approach, beyond-the-classroom experiences, and life as an AGNR Terp.

Please note that each visit date offers a unique experience. During the March 27, 2026 session, guests will attend a general presentation, hear from current AGNR students, and then Meet Your Major! Representative from each AGNR major will lead breakout sessions to provide focused, supplemental programming.

Learn about AGNR and your intended major -- all in one visit!

Come listen to extension educators and specialists from UMD, UMES, MDA, and UDel speak about their research and upcoming regulations.

Topics include:
- Weed Management Update
- Biodegradable Plastic Mulch
- Maryland Workers' Compensation Laws
- Micronutrients for vegetable crops
- Vegetable Variety Trials
- MDA Nutrient Management and Pesticide Regulation Updates

The University of Maryland Extension, the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and the Agriculture Law Education Initiative will host a free workshop, “Understanding Eminent Domain,” on Monday, February 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Garrett College in McHenry, Maryland. The workshop is designed to help landowners better understand how eminent domain and utility easements may affect their property, particularly in relation to proposed electric transmission lines.
The workshop will take place in Room 111 of the GIEC Building, located at 687 Mosser Road, McHenry, MD 21541. There is no cost to attend, but registration is encouraged by February 13.

This educational program will explain how eminent domain works, what landowners can expect during utility easement negotiations, and the options available to protect landowner rights and pursue fair compensation. The session is intended for landowners, farmers, and community members who want to be informed and prepared when facing potential infrastructure projects affecting private property.

“Landowners often have questions and concerns when approached about easements or potential transmission projects,” said Paul Goeringer, Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law with the University of Maryland. “This workshop provides practical, plain-language information to help landowners understand the process and make informed decisions.”

Participants can register online at https://go.umd.edu/TLWorkshop. For additional information, interested individuals may call (301) 334-6960.

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC), University of Maryland Extension, and the Ag Law Education Initiative will host three one-day workshops on Jan. 13th in Mountain Lake Park, Jan. 27th at the Central MD Research and Education Center, and Feb. 11 at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center, in the English Room. The Farm Succession and Estate Planning workshops will be from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

The free program will assist Maryland farm families in starting the estate planning process, including creating a successful succession plan, having difficult conversations, and health insurance options for farmers. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center.

The workshop will feature Dr. Jesse Ketterman, Senior Agent, Dr. Alex Chan, Senior Agent, and a Farm Succession Coordinator, and Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law.

“Farm families often want to plan for the future but don’t always know where to start,” said Paul Goeringer. “These workshops give Maryland landowners the tools, confidence, and practical guidance they need to begin building a succession plan that protects both their operations and their families for generations to come.”

Lunch is provided with the workshops. Each workshop will begin at 9:45 am with a check-in, and the workshops will run from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Participants will receive copies of Extension fact sheets and other valuable documents as a part of the workshop series. This work is supported by the Northeast Extension Risk Management project award no. 2024-70027-42540, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC), University of Maryland Extension, and the Ag Law Education Initiative will host three one-day workshops on Jan. 13th in Mountain Lake Park, Jan. 27th at the Central MD Research and Education Center, and Feb. 11 at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center, in the English Room. The Farm Succession and Estate Planning workshops will be from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

The free program will assist Maryland farm families in starting the estate planning process, including creating a successful succession plan, having difficult conversations, and health insurance options for farmers. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center.

The workshop will feature Dr. Jesse Ketterman, Senior Agent, Dr. Alex Chan, Senior Agent, and a Farm Succession Coordinator, and Paul Goeringer, a Principal Faculty Specialist and Extension Specialist in agricultural law.

“Farm families often want to plan for the future but don’t always know where to start,” said Paul Goeringer. “These workshops give Maryland landowners the tools, confidence, and practical guidance they need to begin building a succession plan that protects both their operations and their families for generations to come.”
Lunch is provided with the workshops. Each workshop will begin at 9:45 am with a check-in, and the workshops will run from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. The dates and locations are:

January 13, Garrett County University of Maryland Extension Office, 1916 MD-135, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550.

January 27, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, 4240 Folly Quarter Road, Bldg 671, Ellicott City, MD 21042, and

February 11, Eastern Shore Hospital Center, English Room, 5262 Woods Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613.

Participants will receive copies of Extension fact sheets and other valuable documents as a part of the workshop series.

Join us on April 9, 2026, at 5 PM for the annual AGNR Discovery and Innovation Night! This signature event unites AGNR students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry leaders for an evening of enriching connections. For a look at previous years' programs, check out this site.

The highlight of the evening is the Student Experience Showcase, where students will proudly present and celebrate their transformative experiences beyond the classroom, including internships, study abroad programs, research projects, and more.

This is a free event open to the UMD community and its constituents. 

Student Attendee Registration: https://go.umd.edu/DIN26 

Student Presenter Interest Form: https://go.umd.edu/DINpresenter26

Employer, Alumni, and Faculty/Staff Sign Up: https://go.umd.edu/DINguest26 

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC), University of Maryland Extension, and the Ag Law Education Initiative will host three one-day workshops on Jan. 13th in Mountain Lake Park, Jan. 27th at the Central MD Research and Education Center, and Feb. 11 at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center, in the English Room. The Farm Succession and Estate Planning workshops will be from 10 am to 2:30 pm.
The free program will assist Maryland farm families in starting the estate planning process, including creating a successful succession plan, having difficult conversations, and health insurance options for farmers. A grant funds the program through the Northeast Risk Management Education Center.