Lesson Structure:  Organic Farming BAG305

There are 10 lessons:

1. Introduction to Organic Farming
   • Scope
   • Nature
   • History
   • Types of organic farming
2.  Integrated Farm Management System
   • 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
   • Over crops
   • Organic fertilisers
5. Weed Management
   • Selecting appropriate techniques of control
   • Weed identification
6. Pest and Disease Management
   • Selecting appropriate techniques of control
   • Weed identification
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

Learning Goals (AIMS):    Organic Farming BAG305

• 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.

Practicals:

Practicals:   (Here’s What You’ll Do)  – Organic  Farming  BAG 305

• 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.

THE SCOPE OF ORGANIC FARMING

In many developed countries, including the US, the UK, and Australia, organic produce has been the fastest growing sector of agriculture over the last decade. In Australia farmers cannot grow enough organic produce to meet local demand.

There is a significant demand in Japan and Europe for quality organic produce, so there are strong opportunities for organic farmers to supply produce for export markets. In the UK in recent years, sales through box schemes, farmers’ markets and farm shops have grown faster than any other retail outlet.

Around 47% of organic farmers in the UK are likely to sell direct to the consumer, compared to 19% of non-organic farmers. In the US there is a crisis in organic milk products as chain food stores have incorporated organic yoghurt amongst their products, and demand has exceeded production.

Government agriculture departments have recognised the significance of the organics industry and are now promoting organic farming methods as being sustainable and viable alternatives to conventional farming.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.