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Learn to Manage Farms Course
Improve the operation and productivity of farms.
Learn about planning processes, approaches to management, soil science, and more with this Certificate in Farm Management. Perfect for beginners and intermediate managers alike. An excellent opportunity for personal mentoring from our team of experts. |
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Explore Opportunities for Urban Farming
Learn how to grow produce in urban settings with this farming course.
Having farm produce readily available within cities reduces our carbon footprint. It also provides opportunities to grow crops that are out of season or
not usually grown in a particular location.
As major cities around the world grow more densely populated, the need for urban farms has increased. Farm setups can be developed inside disused buildings, purpose-built inside greenhouses, or run on allotments within built-up areas. Urban farming can also include making use of green walls and roof gardens for productive plants. Dairy produce, livestock, eggs and fish in aquaponics systems can also be farmed in city environments.
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A foundation course for water management on the farm.
Understanding irrigation is essential for proper water management. In this course you'll learn about how soil texture and structure influences the way that way that the soil absorbs water, fundamental plant functions that allow the uptake of water from the roots to the leaves, and how this influences photosynthesis and transpiration. Excellent for farmers, irrigation sales and marketing staff, and irrigation installers. |
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Study Agricultural Marketing at Home
Learn how to analyse, interpret, and implement agricultural marketing plans with this specialist marketing course.
Solid marketing plans and market analysis are an essential part of the farm marketing process. In this course will
help you to develop your ability to understand, analyse and manage
marketing problems in an agricultural enterprise.
The impact of climate and the environment requires the rural manager to continually consider, evaluate, and reassess (often on a daily or even hourly basis) the numerous changes and types of information that affect his or her business. The successful rural manager must understand his or her unique markets and how to capitalise on market forces to maximise business profit.
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Good Soil Can Make All the Difference to a Farm
Learn management of soils for agriculture, pastures and cropping
Good soil management can vastly improve farm productivity. The quality of a soil can be judged in terms of both physical and chemical characteristics. This course will give you a strong foundation in soil science, as well as a familiarity with soil types in your region, and how to apply that understanding to achieve better outcomes on a farm.
In this course, you'll learn about the theoretical principles of soil chemistry and physics, about soil health, structures, weathering, texture, management, and more. |
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Develop a Strong Understanding of Agriculture with this Specialist Learning Bundle
Explore new ideas or build on your existing knowledge with a custom program.
Learn about a variety of farming and agricultural systems. Create a program that suits your needs, then round it out with experience and industry projects. An excellent opportunity to work with our industry professionals. |
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Learn broad acre farming of arable crops, broad leaf and cereal crops.
Agronomy is one of the main sectors of the farming industry. It encompasses the production of grain crops, oil and fibre crops, pasture and much more.
This course was developed by agricultural scientists and farmers with decades of practical experience and students are tutored by highly qualified and experienced tutors who understand plant science, agronomic techniques and farming practices. |
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Learn to Grow Many Different Root Crops
Root crops provide
sustenance for around a third of the world's population. The
carbohydrates stored in the roots of these vegetables provide important
nutrition for lower cost and lower time investment compared to many other
crops.
Crops covered in this course include true root vegetables
and culinary root vegetables across Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae and Brassicaceae such as: carrots, turnips, yams, potatoes, kohlrab, celeriac, and more. |
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Learn to Grow Legume Crops
- Peas & Beans
- Soybeans, Lupins, Alfalfa and Chickpeas
- Other edible legumes - for human, or animal food.
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Study Oil Crop Farming |
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Learn about the commercial production, harvesting and processing of fibre crops
- Cotton to Jute
- Industrial hemp to Coir
- and much more.
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Learn about Animal Structure and Function.
Develop a sound foundation knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, as a basis to understanding care and/or management of animals in domesticated or wild situations. Topics include: cells, tissues, digestive system, circulatory system, urinary system, respiration, reproduction, muscles, skeleton, endocrine system, growth, etc. This is the starting point for working with animals in any situation (farms, pets, zoos, wildlife, animal protection, etc.) |
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Learn How to Work With Animals
Understanding animal behaviour is key to working effectively with animals. Build a solid foundation in animal handling, behavioural language, environment, and more with this 100-hour course.
Work in this field includes farming, zoo keeping, horse training and more. This is an excellent foundation course, and relevant to working with animals in any situation. |
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Learn About Effective Animal Breeding Programs
Plan and implement animal breeding programs using genetic theory, practical applications to daily husbandry practice, and management of animal breeding programs. This course includes a sound introduction to genetics.
Topics covered include: introduction to genetics; selection; pure breeding; introduction to cross breeding; cross breeding and livestock improvement. using genetic theory, practical applications to daily husbandry practice, and management of animal breeding programs. |
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Evaluate feedstuffs and design production rations
Learn the composition of a range of feeds, including pasture, fodder crops, grasses, cereals, seed, and other edible plants. This course also explains the role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in animal diets. It equips you with the skills required to evaluate feeding and select appropriate feeds for digestibility and nutritional content. |
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Work in Animal Health Care, Veterinary Support or Animal Welfare.
Learn to care for the health of any type of animal (focus is on mammals and birds) and understand the scope of animal care services (eg. in a farm, zoo, veterinary practices, breeder, pet shop, wildlife reserve, etc).
Topics covered include: signs of ill health, symptoms, diagnosis, animal behaviour, first aid, safety, prevention, rehabilitation, euthenasia, desexing, veterinary services, animal insurance, health administration, etc. |
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Take Your Knowledge of Livestock to the Next Level
Learn about
- Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Horses, Goats, Poultry
- Production of meat, dairy, eggs and other produce
- Animal health care, feeding, breeding and more
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Learn Fish Farming Online
Fresh Water Fish Farming is a growth industry and is likely to remain so for a long time into the future. Over the past 20 years aquaculture has grown into a very profitable business for large operations farming salmon and trout, and a few other selected species. The reason for this strong development has been the over exploitation of fisheries around the world resulting in lower numbers of catches in most of the classic fisheries (fishing grounds), coinciding with an increased demand for protein foods from fish and other water animals (crustaceans). According to the FAO report on global aquaculture:
“Aquaculture, probably the fastest growing food-producing sector, now accounts for almost 50 percent of the world’s food fish and is perceived as having the greatest potential to meet the growing demand for aquatic food. Given the projected population growth over the next two decades, it is estimated that at least an additional 40 million tones of aquatic food will be required by 2030 to maintain the current per capita consumption”.
This timely course is primarily concerned with culture and care of fresh water fish and crayfish. Topics covered include production systems, water (e.g. source, purity, flow, temperature, dissolved oxygen), species (especially trout, barramundi and bass), stocking rates, spawning, checking stock, stripping, fertilization, hatching, growth stages, feeding, harvesting and more.
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Learn to Manage the requirements of Beef Cattle.
Beef cattle have a useful and necessary role in agricultural production. Beef provides protein and some minerals and vitamins which are necessary to human health and which balance other nutrients that are obtained from plant foods. Animal protein (meat) contains amino acids which are essential to the growth and development of humans. Beef cattle convert grass and roughage (which can't be eaten by humans) into high quality human food. Develop your abilities to analyse and make decisions about the management requirements of beef cattle.
The course is a comprehensive introduction to beef cattle production covering such things as Cattle Breeds; Beef Cattle Production Systems; Cattle Breeding; Diseases in Beef Cattle; Nutrition for Beef Cattle; Commercial Herd Management; Feed Lot Management; Stud Herd Management; Management, Economics and Marketing .
Student Comment: "I find that I can apply my knowledge directly on the property. All assignments are relative to real life" C. Rowland Jones |
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Avoid costly losses - learn correct calf management procedures
Properly managing the pregnancy, birth and raising of a new animal will inevitably result in less cost for the farmer, healther adult cattle; and ultimately a more profitable farm.
This is a course for farmers, farm hands, breeders or anyone contemplating a future in the dairy or beef industries.
By studying this course you will learn to select and raise calves for specific purposes such as: dairy replacement heifers, veal and stud breeding. Identify and deal with health and other problems. On successful completion of this course you will be able to independently analyse and make decisions about the requirements of calves. Lessons cover: calving and culling; calving management; health management; rearing systems and calf housing; weaning and post weaning care.
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A flexible entry level qualification. The Certificate in Agriculture is a 600 hour course comprising 3 core modules and 3 electives. This certificate is a sound foundation for either a career or higher qualification. This course is accredited by the International Accreditation and Recognition Council.
On completing this course you may:
- Gain employment on a farm or in a related industry
- Use this as credit and a stepping stone toward an Associate Diploma or higher qualification through ACS or an affiliate college.
Special Offer
Two reference books ("Farm Management" and "Profitable Farming") by our principal John Mason
(published by Kangaroo Press). A great supplement to this course.
Click here to order and save
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Explore the Options for Alternative Farming
- For farmers wanting to explore alternatives
- For new Hobby Farmers
- For a foundation in the Agricultural Services Industry
This course provides a foundation for dealing with those changes, whether on your own farm, or in a broader sense. It allows you to develop skills and knowledge in alternative farming methods using materials which have a minimal impact on the environment. The compulsory modules cover sustainable methods of agriculture and organic farming (livestock, pasture, pest and disease management, soil management and crop nutrition). The elective modules cover a range of subjects specific to alternative farming including: aquaculture, herb production, hydroponics, vertical growing, viticulture and other niche options.
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LEARN HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL CATTLE FARM
- Beef Cattle
- Dairy Cattle
- Calf Rearing
- Pasture Management
- Farm Management
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Do you own an adjustment or horse livery property and need to develop skills to care for the property, the horses and the people using the property?
This is one of the best courses to develop a range of skills and knowledge relating to horses and property management.
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Study Fish and Applications for Fish Management:
- Fish Farming -salt and fresh water
- Aquaponic Production
- Keeping Fish in a pond or Aquarium
- Marine Life in the wild
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Reinvent yourself as a Permaculture Consultant
Permaculture Consultants understand how to optimise land productivity without causing land degradation. |
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The ideal course for people with small acreage or property who want to grow vegetables, fruits or crops for profit or pleasure.
This course has a fantastic range of electives which means you can work through modules to suit your needs and wants!
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This is an ideal course small farm owners who want to run a small number of livestock for profit or pleasure!
Perhaps you are considering purchasing acreage with a business idea in mind or you could find a small farming enterprise always set up for sale just ready for you to move in and take over?
Develop the skills to manage livestock confidently whilst ensuring their safety and wellbeing on smaller properties. Raising and caring for livestock, even in small numbers, is challenging and rewarding. This course is ideal for the hobby farmer or enthusiast or for those seeking a change of pace or a country life... |
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This is a practical foundation course for you if you want to learn about:
- Dairy breeds
- Managing anything from one cow to a large herd
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, cream butter etc)
- Dairy health and health management
- Dairy buildings and systems
ACS Student Comment: "The course was put together very well. It covered all the important aspects of dairy farming and offered some important practical hands-on information that other courses lacked. I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel now that I have equipped myself to work on a dairy farm." K Mackenzie, Dairy Cattle course.
The foundation course has been developed in collaboration with industry and by our team of experts (agricultural and animal scientists, veterinary surgeons etc). It is complements our course in Calf Rearing.
“A sound general course in Dairy cattle husbandry and management”M. Cullen - Dip. Landcare & Natural Resources, Assoc. Dip. SMI, B. Teaching - ACS Tutor
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Study this course and gain a foundation that allows you to systematically investigate and determine health issues in animals.
Routine disease investigations are based on clinical, pathological and epidemiological evidence. If there is a need for conclusive identification of a disease or condition, an accurate laboratory diagnosis should be obtained. It is particularly important, especially in the case of infectious diseases that the final diagnosis rests on adequate evidence. In most cases disease investigations are carried out by qualified government stock inspectors and/or veterinarians. It helps for animal owners to understand and be able to recognise diseases conditions that may affect their animals, so that timely intervention can occur. |
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IMPROVE YOUR ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE
This course complements Engineering I. It helps the student develop the understanding and skills required to apply appropriate and innovative engineering solutions, to improve efficiency and productivity in agricultural and horticultural situations.
This course covers topics such as surveying, earthworks, water management, environmental control (heating, cooling, ventilation etc), fencing, chemical applications, mechanisation of manual tasks, improving engineering efficiency/operations and developing engineering solutions to different workplace tasks/problems. |
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A solid foundation knowledge of animal health and husbandry is a credit to you.
Build your confidence and ability to work with animals with this comprehensive online course in Animal Health - the perfect accompaniment for anyone who cares for animals, works with animals or has goals and aspirations for a career encompassing animal husbandry.
A solid introduction to the subject of Animal Health...
- Learn to assess animal health
- Explain a variety of animal health conditions
- Identify appropriate treatments or responses common illnesses.
Specific topics include:
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Learn to Increase Farm Efficiency
Farming is just as much about management as it is about animal or crop production. Unfortunately in today's world, the ability to produce a good animal or crop is no guarantee of success!
Through this course, learn to analyse, diagnose and make decisions related to management of a farm business. The course relates to managing all resources, including; production, staff, physical resources, and natural resources. You learn strategic planning, whole farm planning, and how to prepare a business plan.
This course was developed by a team of experts from Australia and the UK, under the leadership of John Mason, author of three Farm Management books (published by imprints of Simon & Schuster and CSIRO) |
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Learn to understand how to establish successful and catered forages.
Different animal species will forage in different ways varying feeds for their stage of life. Due to the varying digestive system of livestock, there are feeds that can be most efficiently utilised to meet the nutritional requirements of these animals. A correctly managed forage system is key to an increased profit margin and sustainability for future generations.
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Learn to manage forests for timber production, natural woodland, plantations, farm forestry and urban forestry. |
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GOAT PRODUCTION COURSE
Keeping goats for pets is easy! They are hardy creatures who require basic health care, feed and shelter and they can benefit you greatly in reducing time spent on looking after acreage - no more mowing!
Additionally, goats are an easy to farm livestock animal with efficient production of meat and milk produce as examples. As a domestic farm animal they can be used to produce a variety of products, such as:
- Dairy (milk, butter, yogurt)
- Meat
- Leather
- Wool (fleece goats)
- Soaps, body and hair care
Learn more about how to care for goats and how to farm them appropriately for a viable financial income. |
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Learn to Grow Broad Acre Grain Crops
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Introduction to Horse Care
Learn equine management for the daily requirements of a horse at grass, and how to handle horses using a range of different procedures Skills covered include: evaluation a horses conformation, understanding diet, grooming procedures, developing appropriate management procedures for a specific situation, and knowledge of commercial opportunities in the horse industry (including how to buy and sell horses). |
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Study Stable Management Online
Learn about the care of the stabled horse. The course covers feeding, stabling, stable yard management, food care, bedding, tack and conditioning of the horse.
This is designed as a stand-alone course and may be taken without Horse Care I as a pre-requisite.
This is a good foundation course for anyone who aspires to work with horses; either in their own business or elsewhere; on a farm, stud, riding school or in an equine supplies business. |
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Learn to Manage the Health and well being of your horse
Manage the health and condition of horses in different situations. Learn to identify signs of poor condition and ill health, and address the problems appropriately. Understand the things that can stress a horse and increase susceptibility to problems. Learn how to manage situations to minimise risk factors. Also discuss: rugs, traveling to shows, showing, managing a horse event, and some issues involved in running a horse business. |
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Learn invertebrate zoology
Understand the biology and taxonomy of all sorts of animals without backbones - from the microscopic, to massive land insects, crustaceans and spiders.
These are very important animals to man. Bees pollinate our food crops and give us honey. Worms improve our soils. 70% of the world human population eat insects. Without invertebrates, many of the larger animals and plants could not survive. We need to understand and manage invertebrates well in order to have a sustainable global environment. You can begin to develop that understanding for yourself here. |
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Marine Aquaculture (Mariculture)
Learn about the general selection and management for farming salt water species of plants and animals.
- Deals with the farming of salt water species of fish, shellfish, seaweed and other marine products
- Learn to plan and manage the farming of a wide variety of marine life
- Self paced study, expert tutors, start anytime, 100 hours of learning to give you a sound foundation in marine aquaculture.New Course in Nov.2010 -enrolments now accepted
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Healthy, effective alternatives to synthetic chemicals do exist!
This course can help you to understand animal health, minimize the risk of ill health, and the make more informed decisions about a whole range of alternative treatments that can be considered in response to different types of health issues in pets, farm animals; and even wildlife.
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Natural ideas for farming
Organic farming has been adopted by some farmers for economic reasons, others for ethical or sustainability concerns. Whatever the reason though for going organic, there is no doubt this method of farming is here to stay. Learn to manage both plant and animal production in a more natural and envioronmentaly sensitive way. Develop a sound foundation for understanding how to set up an organic farm, or convert an existing farm to organic practices. |
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Online study - pasture management
This is a suitable course for farmers, graziers, students of agriculture, seed producers, or farm supply company staff. Pastures are critical to farms; and with a sound understanding of pasture management it may be feasible to convert unprofitable farms into profitable enterprises. Whether a small or large property, this course provides a foundation for evaluating problems and generating solutions about the management of pasture for different purposes. |
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An introductory course in Permaculture
- a foundation for designing permaculture systems.
- A starting point, self paced serious study
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Learn to prepare plans for permaculture systems.
A "permaculture system" is unique landscape where plants and animals live balanced in a self sustaining ecosystem.
It commonly involves developing a garden or farm where the plants and animals are put together in such a way that they support each others growth and development. The garden or farm may change over years, but always remains productive, requires little input once established, and is environmentally sound.
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Pig management: for commercial production, self sufficiency or hobby
This course is relevant to all production systems
Due to better breeding, stricter selection and scientific feeding the modern pig can produce good quality pork or bacon. The feeding system and age at slaughter will determine what the pig will produce.
By studying this course you will learn about pig biology and production.
You will cover topics such as: breeding and selection, feeding, diseases, boar management, managing the sow and litter, fattening pigs, record keeping and more. Follow the link for more detailed information on this course: |
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Study poultry online
Manage poultry on a small or large scale, for production of eggs, meat or young birds. This course covers all aspects of poultry care and management. Learn about: Terminology, Breeds , Nutrition, Diseases In Poultry, Layers, Broilers, Incubation, Brooding, Record Keeping, Economics & Marketing.
This is a very solid course appropriate for both for the amateur, or as a foundation study for anyone working in the poultry industry. |
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Learn about Crop Production in a Greenhouse
Develop your broad understanding of practices and processes involved in successful plant cropping. It will develop a clear understanding of environmental control and plant growth within a protective environment, together with a practical knowledge of plant husbandry techniques. |
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Study Post-Harvest Handling of Farm Produce
Learn to manage chilling through to freezing of horticultural and agricultural products:
- The engineering you need to understand and manage refrigeration equipment
- The post harvest horticulture and agriculture needed to manage fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat and other farm produce
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Learn about Regenerative Agriculture
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Learn to Farm Sheep
This valuable course aims to develop your ability to analyse and make decisions about sheep management. Dual purpose breeds can provide the farmer with two products - meat and wool. This spreads the farmers source of income should there be an overproduction one of the two products. Sheep can also be farmed for dairy and sheep cheese can be as popular as cows cheese in some parts of the world.
Learn about: Breeds, Selection and Breeding, Nutrition of Sheep, Diseases of Sheep, General Management of a Flock, Care of the Lamb, Wool, and the Marketing of Sheep and Sheep Products. |
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Good Soil is the Start of Profitable Farming.
There are many things that can be wrong with soil (e.g. poor nutrition, chemical imbalance, structural problems such as drainage, lack of microbial life etc). Often minor and relatively inexpensive treatments can make a huge difference to productivity, but the problems need to be identified first, and that requires a solid understanding of soil theory and management practice.
Learn about soil properties and requirements in agriculture, and how to apply that knowledge at a management level. |
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Study the soil microbiome and through an understanding of the living things that occur in soil, better understand how to manage soils for optimal plant growth. |
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Established approaches to farming are changing. A modern farmer needs to be receptive to change to retain viability not only from a financial point of view, but environmentally. Develop your capacity to choose both what you farm and how you farm it, to have an improved long term viability. This course is relevant to any scale of farming, from small hobby farm to the largest enterprise.
Additional Reference Available:
Sustainable Agriculture 2nd edition by John Mason Principal of this school, published by Landlinks Press/CSIRO
John Mason examines and explains the concepts and long term benefits of sustainable farming systems such as permaculture, biodynamics, organic farming, agroforestry, conservation tillage and integrated hydroponics.
Click to order a copy |
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Learn urban and city farming
Discover the options and how to optimise farm viability on a small suburban or city property.
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