ORGANIC FARMING - BAG305

The philosophy at the heart of organic farming is to work with the cycles of nature rather then against them

 

Organic farmers see their farms as a 'whole' (but closed) system; they try to minimise outside inputs, even those that are organically approved. Although organic farming will not solve all the economic problems inherent in modern farms, there is a definite trend towards organic produce.

This course provides the student with a solid understanding of the systems and management techniques of organic farming, for both crops and livestock.

Field trips for research purposes are required.

 

Learn how to farm in a natural and environmentally sensitive way; while still remaining commercially viable.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENTS

There are 10 lessons as follows:

1. Introduction to Organic Farming -

  • scope
  • nature
  • history
  • types of organic farming

2. Integrated Farm Management Systems -

  • rotation design
  • cash crops
  • managing waste
  • permaculture
  • polyculture
  • biodynamics etc

3. Organic Management Issues -

  • certification
  • environmental concerns
  • marketing
  • PR

4. Organic Soil Management and Crop Nutrition -

  • composting
  • mulching
  • green manuring
  • cover crops
  • organic fertilisers

5. Weed Management -

  • selecting appropriate techniques of control
  • weed identification

6. Pest and Disease Management-

  • Animals
  • Plants

7. Livestock Management I-

  • Beef
  • Dairy
  • Sheep
  • Pigs

8. Livestock Management II -

  • Poultry
  • Goats
  • Alpacas
  • Ostriches
  • Deer

9. Pasture-

  • Pasture Varieties
  • Management Principles
  • Intensive systems
  • nitrogen fixation
  • correct seed mix
  • risks with legumes

10. Crops -

  • Wheat
  • Plant Fibre
  • Hay and Silage
  • Mung Beans
  • Sesame seed, etc

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

 

Duration: 100 Hours (Nominal Duration).

 

Additional Reference

An ideal complementary reference is the book Sustainable Agriculture 2nd edition, written by our principal John Mason, and published by Landlinks Press (A division of CSIRO).

Click here to view an outline or to order a copy of this book

AIMS

On successful completion of the course you should be able to do the following:

  • Discuss the scope and nature of organic farming in today's world.
  • Select appropriate organic management systems for different organic farms.
  • Understand the environmental, economic and political issues concerning organic farming.
  • Explain the role of living organisms and decomposing organic matter in creating and maintaining an appropriate soil condition for successful organic farming.
  • Contrive and apply appropriate weed management practices for an organic farm.
  • Select and apply appropriate pest and disease management practices for both animal and plant production on an organic farm
  • Design an appropriate system for organic production of cattle, sheep and pigs.
  • Design an appropriate system for organic production of poultry and other miscellaneous animals.
  • Design an appropriate system for organic pasture management.
  • Explain the broad-acre organic production of a grain or legume crop.

 

WHAT THE COURSE COVERS

Here are just some of the things you will be doing:

  • Investigate Organic industry such as, Certifying Organisations, Producers or organic farming groups in your locality or region
  • Determine allowable inputs to an organic farm certifying in your area
  • Discuss how an organic farm requires more labour than a conventional farm
  • Visit an organic farm, either a real visit or virtual visit if that is not possible
  • Prepare a plan for an organic farm.
  • Describe the conversion process for one of the organic farms
  • Investigate organic market potential
  • Prepare a compost heap
  • Prepare a diagram of a healthy soil food web
  • Prepare a weed collection (25 weeds -either pressings or illustrations)
  • Determine appropriate weed control within allowable organic farming limits.
  • Describe the life cycle of three animal parasites
  • Describe habitat requirements of various predatory insects
  • Survey one or more farms regarding animal production systems
  • How can the animals above be integrated into a vegetable or fruit production system
  • Determine organic solutions to different farming problems
  • Investigate different pasture management systems

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?

ENROL TODAY!
Just go to the top of this page for pricing and enrolment options. If you have any questions you can contact us now, by:
Phone (UK) 01384 44272, (International) +44 (0) 1384 442752, or

Email us at [email protected]