Learn On Your Own

Are you looking for self-guided training opportunities from an expert in the field or from an accredited, research-based, and trusted organization, institution, or government entity?

Perhaps you are in need of opportunities and resources that allow you to access and review at a time at your own pace or at a speed that is convenient for your busy schedule.


Farm Business Management and Farm Safety Resources

(All University of Maine Cooperative Extension resources unless otherwise noted)

Click the link to visit the Maine DECD website to order the publication.

Visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Publications site to view, download or print Small Business publications that can be found on the Business and Community page.

Record Keeping

  • New England Farm Account Book

Visit the UMaine Extension’s Livestock site to download an Excel spreadsheet to help organize and track farm finances: New England Farm Account Book as well as the accompanying set of Directions for Using the Microsoft Excel version of the New England Farm Account Book.

Risk Management

Learn how the Maine Risk Management and Crop Insurance Education Program can inform Maine farmers of crop insurance programs to help reduce risk and increase financial stability.

For more information about crop insurance, visit the UMaine Extension’s Maine Risk Management and Crop Insurance Education Program.

  • Farm Food Safety Plans: Need help writing yours?

For more information, visit the Jumpstart to Farm Food Safety with Extension page on UMaine Extension’s Food & Health website.

Farmers’ Markets are a great way to connect with local consumers and tourists interested in buying local produce and value-added food products. Farmers, vendors, and consumers can do their part in making sure proper food handling practices are followed for a safe and enjoyable Farmers Market season.

Tractors and Equipment



Vegetables and Fruit Resources

(All University of Maine Cooperative Extension resources unless otherwise noted)

Vegetable Production

Small Fruit Production

Strawberries are an excellent crop for both home gardeners and commercial farmers in New England. With proper care, strawberry beds will produce good crops for three to five years, beginning one year after planting. An initial planting of 100 plants should provide enough fruit for a family of four, with a surplus to freeze or make preserves.

Join David T. Handley, vegetable and small fruit specialist, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, to learn some tips and tricks for growing strawberries in this series of four videos:

To learn more about growing strawberries, review Bulletin #2067, Growing Strawberries on UMaine Extension’s Publications website.

Cut Flower Production

This is a list of nurseries and seed companies known to be offering plant varieties suitable for Maine. No endorsement is implied nor is any discrimination intended.

Pesticide Safety

Pests and Diseases

Visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Publications site to view, download, print or purchase publications on the following topics:

NOTE: Soil testing prices have changed since the making of this video; please, check the Soil Testing Service website for up-to-date pricing.


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