Browse Programs

Learn the basics from start to finish of how to successfully grow food. Learn how to garden productively and sustainably.

This course is an introduction to sustainable sugarbush management, maple trees, and tapping practices. It covers maple physiology, regeneration, and stressors, including insects and diseases, as well as climate data and the potential impacts of climate change on sugarbushes. It will also discuss best practices in tapping and the impact that technology has had on the industry over the past half-century. Topics: Maple Tree Biology Science of Sap Flow and Tapping Tree Stress and Health: Biotic (insects, fungi, diseases) and abiotic (weather, soil, human-caused) stressors Climate Effects on Sugarbushes Using Climate Data for Decision Industry Trends and Challenges. Completion of the course offers 9 CFE-credits of Category 1 (Society of American Foresters).

Built by UMaine Cooperative Extension, this short course blends approachable science with field-tested tips you can use right away in gardens, greenhouses, or production settings. If you want a clear, practical foundation in plant diagnostics, so you can tell normal variation from true problems and determine the issue the plant has, you’re in the right place. In about 6-8 hours, you’ll learn how to read plant symptoms, tell abiotic from biotic issues, and work through a simple five-step diagnostic process that leads to confident next steps. You will also know when to sample or lab-test and where to find trusted, science-based resources. In Maine, you'll also earn 6 pesticide applicator recertification credits!

Lead with confidence and make a lasting impact with the Introductory Volunteer Management Program from Volunteer Maine/Maine Commission for Community Service and UMaine Extension! This self-paced program is perfect for anyone who coordinates, supervises, or engages with volunteers. You’ll learn the essentials of volunteer management, including: Recruiting and retaining motivated volunteers. Effective communication and leadership strategies. Best practices for organizing and supporting volunteer teams. By completing this course, you’ll not only gain valuable skills but also earn the Volunteer Management Micro-Credential. This badge showcases your expertise in volunteer coordination and leadership, making it a valuable asset for your resume, LinkedIn profile, or professional portfolio. Whether you’re new to managing volunteers or looking to strengthen your skills, this program provides the foundation you need to inspire and lead successful teams.

Through approachable learning activities, this badge gives you a real-world, no-fluff look at what it actually takes to buy and take over a business successfully. By the end of this minicourse, you will be better able to identify and articulate your “why” – the driving force behind your search to acquire an entrepreneurial venture, which frames the search process and the aspects you’ll want to evaluate in potential acquisitions. You will also develop a better understanding of how that search process typically unfolds, including elements like business valuation, conducting due diligence as a buyer, financing the purchase, and the types of documents needed to prepare for a purchase. Those who earn the Foundations badge can also enroll in a BuyME Advanced workshop, where they can apply their skills to create a business acquisition plan, receiving additional training and support from University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Business School experts.

If you want to strengthen your business and prepare for the unexpected quickly and effectively, you’re in the right place! In just under two hours, you’ll explore the key principles of business resilience through engaging lessons, practical tools, and real-world strategies. From crisis management to operational systems and financial preparedness, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to bounce back stronger from disruptions and adapt to change with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re launching a new venture or leading a long-standing enterprise, this course offers immediately applicable insights to keep your business agile, sustainable, and ready for whatever comes next.

Welcome to Finances in a Flash! If you want to take control of your business finances quickly and easily, you’re in the right place! This interactive and practical course, offered by the Maine Business School and UMaine Extension, provides essential financial management knowledge designed for busy professionals. In just two hours, you’ll gain a solid foundation in small business financial management through engaging lessons, fun videos, and interactive activities. We’ll cover key topics like creating a solid budget, understanding your cash flow, building an emergency fund, and the importance of financial statements—giving you the tools and confidence to make smarter, more informed decisions. Whether just getting started or fine-tuning your skills, this course makes financial management easy, actionable, and immediately applicable to strengthen your business.

Marketing in a Flash: Core Concepts for Small Businesses Boost your business’s reach and impact with our concise, high-value training. Designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs, “Marketing in a Flash” equips you with the foundational marketing strategies needed to connect with your audience and drive growth. In this intensive session, you will gain the skills to build a marketing plan from the ground up: Customer Personas: Identify and deeply understand your target audience. The 4 Ps of Marketing: Master the core components of Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, and learn how to optimize each for your specific business. Adaptable Strategies: Learn how to pivot and adjust your marketing approach using the 4 Ps framework when market conditions change. Tracking Success: Discover how to effectively use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and marketing metrics to evaluate whether your strategies are working.

Drive innovation for greater business resilience and sustainability. You will: Learn & apply key tools and concepts for innovation and building a sustainable approach for your business; Map your current business model and identified opportunities for its sustainable re-design and adaptation; Discover prioritize, & craft an implementation plan to pursue opportunities that impact people, planet, and profit. Level 1: build a foundation for sustainable innovation in your business - sustainability, business modelling, and innovation concepts. Level 2: work side-by-side with program instructors & peer organizations to develop a new sustainable roadmap for your organization. Level 3: work with coaching support to guide development on an implementation strategy for sustainable change in your business or organization, helping you troubleshoot plan development, and creating a pitch for sustainable change within your organization for stakeholders.

Discover the art of butchery at the Maine Meat Cutting School! Whether you’re a meat cutter, a culinary enthusiast, or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills, our comprehensive courses offer hands-on training from experienced instructors.

Flexible online learning plus a hands-on apprenticeship experience make this course ideal for those starting a horticulture career, enhancing existing skills, or launching their own business. You will learn: Introduction to the Industry and Food Security Foundations of Horticulture: Ecology, Botany, Propagation, Soils, Composting Food Production: Vegetable Gardening, Garden Maintenance, Food Safety, Small and Tree Fruits Garden Pests and Diseases: Prevention, Identification and Management Maine Landscape and Design: Plant Selection, Design, and Maintenance Experience a 200-hour apprenticeship that offers hands-on industry experience. Participants will be responsible for finding their own apprenticeship, with guidance and assistance from training staff.

Aquaculture, the farming of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world and an important part of Maine’s coastal economy. This introductory course explores the fundamentals of aquaculture, including how aquatic species are cultivated, why aquaculture is important for global food systems, and the different technologies and practices used in modern production. Through short lessons, real-world examples, and a virtual field trip, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of aquaculture and the opportunities it creates for sustainable seafood production, innovation, and careers. Whether you are curious about seafood production, considering a career in aquaculture, or interested in how farmed seafood reaches your plate, this course provides an accessible introduction to the field. This program, upon successful completion, qualifies the learner for level 1 of the Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Micro-Credential.

Gain essential food safety and sanitation knowledge with our UMaine Food Processing Sanitation micro-credential pathway! Currently available online is Level 1, Food Sanitation Basics, a self-paced program that covers key topics, including: - Introduction to Food Safety - Basic Microbiology - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) - Choosing Cleaners and Sanitizers, and - Pest Management This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to meet workforce needs and excel in this vital field.

In this self-paced course, you will lean a variety of tools and techniques to prevent the spread of disease across farms and facilities. A short quiz is needed to earn the certificate of completion.

This self-paced course teaches the chemistry of biogas, how it is produced, and the advantages of biogas over fossil fuel. You will learn about the different types of production systems available and the equipment needed to produce and utilize biogas through short readings, images, and educational videos. Check your learning questions after each section will help you apply what you learn. This course includes simple math and chemical equations. There is a final quiz to earn a certificate of completion.

This course will help prepare you to build a successful tree fruit orchard at a commercial scale. In this self-paced course, you'll get a solid, research-based foundation on which to build your knowledge and plan your orchard. There is a short final quiz to earn a certificate of completion.

This self-paced course will provide you with the business planning tools necessary for creating and running a successful business. Lessons include videos and readings focused on a different business plan components. Entrepreneurs will build businesses that follow regulations, respond to market needs, and are profitable and sustainable in a changing marketplace. A final quiz is required for the certificate of completion.

Is farming right for you? This self-paced course will help you answer this question. Through the use of educational videos, short readings, and a workbook, you will begin to lay the groundwork for a successful agricultural business.

Online course on raising beef cattle covering breeds, facilities, nutrition, reproduction, marketing and finances. There are quizzes in each section for the certificate of completion.

Course designed to help prospective commercial or public pesticide applicators study for the pesticide applicator core certification exam through educational videos and short readings.

Online course teaching the basics of farms and farming, including crops, livestock, and natural resources common to Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

In Growing Raspberries and Blackberries you will learn what it takes to grow brambles like raspberries and blackberries successfully. You'll learn about management strategies throughout the season to minimize pests and maximize harvest. This self-paced course features a series of educational videos, readings, case studies, and interactive practice questions. There is a short final quiz to earn a certificate of completion.

Online introduction to value-added dairy production and marketing. There are nine sections in this course, and each has a quiz at the end. Passing scores are needed on each quiz to receive a certificate of completion.

In this self-paced course, users develop a business plan through educational videos and readings on researching and compiling information for a successful farm business plan. Quizzes throughout the course are required to earn a certificate of completion.

A self-directed online course allowing learners to proceed at their own pace and revisit any module. Covers four modules on horse judging contests, delivering oral reasons, conformation evaluation with practice classes, and foundational knowledge including gait mechanics and horse anatomy. Includes a final exam for certificate of completion.

Versión en español del curso de seguridad y cuidado de caballos para pen riders y procesadores. Diseñado para enseñar el manejo seguro de caballos mediante videos, actividades interactivas y cuestionarios, con un examen final de certificación. Los temas incluyen selección del caballo, cuidado básico, aseo y primeros auxilios, alimentación, trabajo con ganado y manejo general en el corral de engorda.

Designed to teach pen riders and processors safe horse handling and care through videos, interactive activities, and quizzes, with a final certification exam. Topics cover selecting the right horse, basic care, grooming and first aid, tacking up and equipment, foot care and shoeing, feeding and condition scoring, working cattle, and general horse-keeping in the feedlot.

Part 3 of a 3-part introduction to horses course covering five units with 1–2 lessons each, quizzes after each lesson, and a final certification exam. Topics include Horse Health (Parts 1 and 2), Reproduction and Breeding, Genetics, and Environmental Management. Complete all three parts to earn a comprehensive equine education certificate.

Part 2 of a 3-part introduction to horses course covering five units with two lessons each, plus quizzes and a final exam. Units include Horse Senses, Behaviors and Body Language; Horse Nutrition Parts 1 and 2; and Equine Exercise Physiology. Earn a certificate of completion upon passing the final exam.

Part 1 of a 3-part foundational equine course covering the basics of horses across four units with two lessons each. Students complete quizzes after each lesson and a final exam to earn a certificate of completion. Topics include the historical context of horses, breed identification, physical characteristics, and selection criteria.

A practical two-hour interactive workshop helping Extension professionals explore how generative AI can enhance outreach, education, and resource development. The curriculum covers AI fundamentals, ethical applications, and hands-on strategies for creating digital content using AI tools. Participants receive a digital toolkit for continued learning. Includes live demonstrations and collaborative exercises.

Entrepreneurial Coaching provides agricultural or food-related business entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a trained agriculture service provider. Coaches help entrepreneurs evaluate business concepts and expansion strategies — covering startup assistance, resource identification, business and marketing plan creation, and regulatory compliance. Sessions are tailored to each entrepreneur's unique situation and goals.

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Sharpen your beef production skills with WVU’s Cattlemen’s College - featuring expert-led sessions on herd health, nutrition, and marketing for producers of all experience levels.

Stay current and connected through WVU Extension’s statewide conferences - covering agriculture, health, and community leadership for professionals and volunteers.

Join hundreds of small farm professionals at WVU’s annual conference to learn practical skills, explore new agricultural trends, and connect with experts who can help you grow your farm into a profitable business.

Access hands-on training and technical support in sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, and land stewardship through WVSU’s Extension programs for producers and landowners.

Boost your customer service and leadership skills with this interactive WSU workshop - ideal for frontline staff and managers in hospitality, retail, and public service sectors.

Advance your career in the wine industry with WSU’s flexible, online certificate program - covering grape production, winemaking, and business fundamentals from industry experts.

Train for a career in fire service or enhance your emergency response skills at Washington’s premier Fire Training Academy, offering live-fire scenarios and certified instruction.

Lead community gardening projects with confidence. This certificate program trains Master Gardeners in leadership, project planning, and volunteer coordination.

Start or grow your farm business with Virginia’s statewide support network - offering training, mentorship, and planning tools tailored to beginning and transitioning farmers.

Improve communication on your dairy farm with two Spanish language courses - basic and advanced. Learn dairy-specific vocabulary and phrases to better connect with Spanish-speaking employees.

Get one-on-one help with farm and forest business planning. Services include full business plans, financial analysis, and marketing strategies to improve operation profitability.

Learn how to improve pasture health and livestock performance through managed grazing systems - ideal for farmers looking to boost sustainability and productivity.

UVM Extension helps migrant farmworkers access healthcare, education, and food security services. Focused on improving wellbeing and reducing isolation.

Gain in-depth knowledge of beef cattle production, nutrition, and herd health - perfect for new or experienced beef producers looking to improve profitability.

This program provides practical knowledge in sheep and goat production - perfect for new and experienced farmers looking to diversify their operations.

This certification program offers training in dairy herd management, milk quality, and farm economics - ideal for dairy professionals seeking to enhance their operations.

Designed for nursery and greenhouse professionals, this program covers plant production, pest management, and business planning.

Join this statewide initiative to fight food waste and hunger. Learn how to recover surplus food and strengthen your local food system through workshops and community efforts.

This hands-on training helps veterans and beginning farmers transition into vegetable production with business planning and fieldwork.

Prepare for Rhode Island’s pesticide license exam with this voluntary prep class. Covers application principles and state laws.

Access a wide range of food safety training and resources - ideal for food handlers, processors, and educators seeking to meet regulatory standards.

Explore resources and training for raising sheep and goats - great for small-scale livestock producers and hobby farmers.

The Home Horticulture Certificate is a comprehensive environmental horticulture education program that takes participants on a 14-week educational journey featuring virtual lectures and Q&As on Zoom taught by Extension faculty and staff experts. Weekly “Try This” assignments and a hands-on, practical course project focused on landscape observation and analysis draw the concepts learned in class together, culminating with a project showcase and discussion session the final week of the course. Course content is applicable to the Northeast region, with particular emphasis on plants suitable to Ecoregions 59, 84 and adjacent environs. New and existing green-related industry professionals, homeowners and land stewards are encouraged to participate. Successful completion of all course requirements yields a Certificate of Completion. For more information on the specific topics covered and the in-person, optional field practicum sessions offered, see the 2026 course schedule.

The Invasive Plant Management Training Program certifies land care professionals to provide sustainable invasive plant management services to clients, and to facilitate rehabilitation of degraded coastal and riparian habitats that are regulated by RI law. Nonprofessionals and those working outside the coastal zone who are interested in broadening their understanding of the impact invasive plants have on the environment are also welcome to attend training. Topics covered include the science of vegetative buffers, common invasive plants in the Northeast, overviews of mechanical, chemical and biological control methods, restorative planting and more. See the webpage for more information about the program, for a list of current Certified Invasive Managers, and to sign up to be notified of future trainings.

Explore sustainable aquaculture techniques and business models - ideal for aspiring fish farmers and coastal entrepreneurs.

Learn the ins and outs of ocean farming in this 12-week aquaculture course. Offered online and in person, it covers shellfish, seaweed, and business skills. Great for beginners and professionals.

Gain hands-on skills in soil analysis with this non-credit certificate. Includes four workshops on soil profiles, development, and field testing. CEUs available.

Earn your BQA certification online or in-person to demonstrate your commitment to responsible beef production and gain access to premium markets.

Prepare for commercial or noncommercial pesticide certification with Nebraska Extension’s targeted training - covering safety, regulations, and application techniques for professional use.

Get certified to apply restricted-use pesticides on your farm with Nebraska’s private applicator training - available online or in-person to meet state and federal requirements.

Learn how to safely apply pesticides through irrigation systems with this Nebraska-based training. Covers state regulations and best practices. Required for certification in chemigation.

Master safe home food preservation techniques with this hands-on course covering canning, freezing, and drying - perfect for entrepreneurs and community educators.

Learn the essentials of pasture-based dairy farming - from grazing systems to herd health - in this short course designed for beginning and transitioning dairy producers.

Become a certified trainer for swine sample collection with this Missouri Extension course - ideal for veterinarians, educators, and ag professionals supporting disease surveillance.

This 16-week online course dives deep into how toxins affect animals, especially pets. You’ll learn how poisons impact different organs, how to recognize symptoms, and how to treat common intoxications. Designed for licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians, it offers 40 hours of continuing education credit.

Need a license to apply restricted-use pesticides in Missouri? This online course gives you the training required by the state. It’s self-paced and includes 10 modules. Designed for farmers 18+ and provisional licenses for teens in licensed households. Certificate provided upon completion.

Thinking of starting a veterinary practice? This free online course walks you through everything from market research and financial planning to marketing and operations. Delivered as monthly webinars, each session earns 1 hour of CE credit. Perfect for rural entrepreneurs.

Discover how cover crops can boost soil health, reduce erosion, and improve your farm’s resilience. This beginner-friendly online course includes 11 modules and offers 5.5 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs. The course is self-paced.

Learn how to handle life-threatening emergencies in pets with this 16-week online course. You’ll gain skills in triage, diagnostics, and treatment for trauma, shock, and critical illness. Ideal for veterinary professionals, this course offers 4.5 CEUs.

Discover how to combine farming and tourism to boost your income. This UMES Extension program helps farmers create engaging, educational experiences for visitors while promoting local agriculture.

Grow your leadership capacity in agriculture and rural communities through LEAD Maryland’s competitive fellowship - featuring seminars, networking, and policy engagement.

Stay compliant and informed with UMD’s annual nutrient management meetings - providing updates on regulations, soil health, and best practices for Maryland producers.

Start strong in agriculture with UMD’s Beginning Farmer Success Program - offering mentorship, business planning, and technical training for new and transitioning farmers.

This training equips loggers with best practices in safety, environmental stewardship, and business management - perfect for those entering or advancing in the timber industry.

This program helps Maryland farmers and applicators meet certification requirements while learning safe and effective pesticide use practices.

Advance your foodservice or cottage food career with UMaine’s food safety trainings, including ServSafe® certification and specialized courses for producers and processors.

The UMaine Pasture Management Course is a free, self-paced online training that teaches livestock producers how to improve grazing systems, forage quality, and pasture productivity. It’s ideal for farmers looking to reduce feed costs and boost sustainability through better land management.

Gain conflict resolution skills through USDA-supported mediation training - ideal for agricultural professionals, service providers, and community members seeking to manage disputes effectively.

Offers a variety of training and certification programs around ag technologies, with emphasis on drone used and legal requirements, airspace rules, and flight planning.

Learn how to manage your forest land with this hybrid program. Includes online sessions and optional field days. Topics include tree ID, forest health, and timber sales.

Prepare for Illinois pesticide certification exams with expert-led training and up-to-date regulatory guidance from the PSEP team - designed for both private and commercial applicators.

Access a wide range of self-paced online courses from Illinois Extension, including crop management, pesticide safety, and food entrepreneurship - perfect for professionals seeking CEUs or new skills.

Turn your home kitchen into a business with Illinois Extension’s Cottage Food resources - covering legal requirements, food safety, and marketing strategies for home-based food entrepreneurs.

Required for Illinois livestock facilities with 300+ animal units. Learn manure management and environmental protection practices. Certification valid for 3 years.

Get expert guidance on transitioning to organic farming in Hawai‘i with UHOT’s USDA-funded program - offering mentoring, certification support, and workforce development for sustainable agriculture.

Learn how to design and manage an orchard in this 10-week hybrid course. Includes online classes and Saturday field trips. Create a 1-acre orchard plan and cash flow projection.

Earn a certificate in farm management and business skills. This program helps you build practical knowledge to run a successful farm.

Show off your plant expertise with Georgia’s Certified Plant Professional credential. Pass two exams - one written and one plant ID - to earn your certification. Includes study materials and online resources.

Boost your landscaping team's skills with SuperCrew’s flexible online training. This self-paced course covers safety, equipment use, planting, pruning, and water conservation. Available in English and Spanish, with a certificate upon completion. Ideal for new hires or experienced pros looking to sharpen their skills.

Show your landscaping expertise with Georgia’s GCLP certification. Covers essential skills like planting, pruning, irrigation, and safety. Recognized by state and industry groups.

Thinking about oyster farming? This free online course introduces you to off-bottom oyster culture in the Gulf of Mexico. Learn from experts in four virtual sessions. Perfect for beginners.

Want to be an eco-conscious fishing guide? This online course teaches sustainable fishing and boating practices. Complete it at your own pace and earn a 3-year certification. Includes gear and promotional support.

Access expert guidance on food safety practices for home cooks, food entrepreneurs, and industry professionals - covering everything from handwashing to safe food handling and storage.

Become a certified Master Naturalist and give back to your community through science-based training and volunteer service focused on environmental education, stewardship, and citizen science.

New to farming? This seasonal, hands-on training equips aspiring growers with essential skills in soil health, pest management, and business planning - plus valuable networking with ag professionals.

Advance your foodservice career with ServSafe® certification courses offered across Delaware - covering essential food safety practices and regulatory compliance for managers and staff.

This two-year leadership development program equips professionals in agriculture and natural resources with the skills to influence policy, lead teams, and advocate for the industry at local and global levels.