Certificate in Alternative Farming

The Certificate in Alternative Farming allows you to learn different farming practices. Ideal to start your own niche farm.

Course Code: VSS103
Fee Code: CT
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 600 hours
Qualification Certificate
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Take your farming to the next level!

Increase creativity, innovation and adaptability in your farming methods.

This course develops a foundation for building a successful agricultural business and promotes a higher level of creativity and innovation when considering your options for a future in farming. You will be taught to apply alternative farming methods,  becoming better equipped to meet changes in industry demands through adaptive thinking. The core modules cover Soils, Water, Land Care, Financial Sustainability, Broad Management Strategies, Plant and Animal Enterprises). The elective modules incorporate a variety of subjects relevant to alternative farming which can be chosen according to where your specific interest lies.
 

This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success. 


Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the Certificate in Alternative Farming.
 Sustainable Agriculture BAG215
 Organic Farming BAG305
 
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 4 of the following 20 modules.
 Alternative Energy VSS102
 Herb Culture BHT114
 Animal Diseases BAG219
 Aquaculture BAG211
 Commercial Organic Vegetable Growing VHT241
 Cut Flower Production BHT221
 Forage Management BAG226
 Hydroponic Management (Hydroponics II) BHT213
 Hydroponics I BHT224
 Mariculture - Marine Aquaculture BAG220
 Nut Production BHT219
 Permaculture Systems (PDC) BHT201
 Pigs BAG209
 Plant Breeding BHT236
 Poultry BAG208
 Trees For Rehabilitation BHT205
 Urban Farming BAG229
 Viticulture BHT220
 Agricultural Marketing BAG304
 Animal Breeding BAG301
 

Note that each module in the Certificate in Alternative Farming is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.


CONSIDERING NEW ENTERPRISES

 

Over recent years, farmers from many countries, have looked increasingly towards growing new types of crops or animals. There can be a distinct advantage in 'getting in first' with novel and potentially valuable products. At the same time, there can also be challenges such as not have an infrastructure developed to deal with the product. For example, Australia has been farming an increasing number of emus and ostriches, but there are few abattoir facilities developed to kill and process the meat, leather, feathers, etc.


Advantages & Disadvantages Of New Industries - 

 

 Getting in first can allow you to:

  •  Develop a market niche
  • Develop a reputation, and
  • A level of expertise that you can market to future industry members, e.g., providing start-up or breeding stock for the next wave of farmers.

 Starting later:

 

 It may be hard to break into the market in the face of established producers, but you may be able to bypass mistakes made by earlier contributors (pioneers in the industry).

High prices are generally obtained for stock/produce at first, particularly if they are in high demand as breeding stock, but once numbers increase, then often price drops quite rapidly. This means that you can lose a lot of money buying expensive stock, only to see prices plummet in a short time. Timing your entry into developing industries is crucial.

You can often get extensive help, advice, support from various government agencies (e.g., agriculture departments) who are keen to develop new industries in conjunction with  farmers.

Some new products require more sophisticated facilities for processing than others, while others can utilise existing facilities for other crops or animals. You need to be aware of what is needed and ensure you have reliable access to such facilities (or an ability to develop suitable processing facilities), before making a commitment to grow something new or different.

Markets - may already be established, or you may need to develop market opportunities.

New industries often have additional tourism potential, for example, uncommon animals will attract interest as an oddity to be looked at, not just for meat, fleece, or milk production.

 


HOW THEN DO YOU DECIDE WHICH ENTERPRISE/S TO TRY?

 

Careful selection of which new enterprise/s to undertake is extremely important!


STEP 1.

A simple process to get you started is to consider, on a BROAD SCALE, all the possibilities for potential enterprises. This could be done as a brainstorming session, perhaps with relatives, staff members, and/or fellow farmers. Don't limit yourself at this stage - no idea is too silly. You may want to do a little research to give you a few more ideas. What products or services are being trialed in Australia, or which are being grown overseas successfully, but not yet trialed in Australia, that you might be interested in?

A little research, even a visit overseas, could extend the range of possibilities to consider.

List all the ideas you come up with. A list of possible enterprises/activities to give you a good head start is included later in this chapter.


STEP 2.

List all of the things that you already have, or could readily get hold of, that could be potentially utilised as part of a new enterprise. Once again don't limit yourself. Items to be listed could include, such things as:

  • Land - how much, where is it located (e.g. next to a major highway or near a big town), topography, soils, climate, etc.
  • Water - how much, from what sources, cost, quality, reliability, etc.
  • Established infrastructure - do you have sheds, buildings, dams, fences, roads, etc. on your property?
  • What services do you have access to (mains water, power, telephone, etc.)?
  • What equipment do you have, or can readily get access to (e.g. tractors, harvesting equipment, cultivating equipment, sprayers, irrigation equipment, vehicles, etc? What enterprises are these resources suited to, or could be readily adapted to.
  • What skills and knowledge do you have - don't just consider farm production skills, also consider computer skills, marketing skills, cooking skills, handyman skills, business skills,etc. Some crops and animals are very difficult to grow; others are easy. Some services are easy to provide, others may be more difficult. If you are inexperienced, it is often best to start with the easy ones, even though profit margins may not be as high as for other products or services.
  • What are your personal interests? You will put much more effort into something you are really interested in.
  • Can you get extra, suitably trained staff easily if required?


STEP 3.

Limiting Factors

What things would limit you from doing certain enterprises. List these. Could these limitations be readily overcome. You might, for example, have a water shortage problem, or your property may be well off the beaten track, or your property is subject to heavy frost.


STEP 4.

Go through each of the potential enterprises on your first list and cross check them with your other two lists. Put a tick or an asterisk against those enterprises that you feel you could do given the list of resources you have or could readily get hold of. Put a cross next to those enterprises where you feel you wouldn't have the necessary resources to carry out that enterprise. Also put a cross against those enterprises where the items from your limitations list would make the undertaking of that enterprise difficult, for example, if you have water shortages, then trying to produce a crop or animal with high water demand (e.g. water chestnuts, aquaculture) is not likely to succeed.


STEP 5.

Start to carry out some initial research into the items that you have asterisked or ticked. You may limit this step to those enterprises that particularly interest you, especially if your list of possible is still a long one. Don't throw away your original list though. As conditions change (e.g. finances improve, irrigation channels are supplied to your area) you might want to later on reconsider some of the enterprises you have at first rejected.

 

 

Where can this course lead?


Industries in alternative farming:
Organic/Sustainable Farms
Private Enterprises
Farm Processing Plants
Agriculture Research and Development
Agriculture Education and Training
Government Departments of Agriculture, Environment, Forestry, Conservation
Conservation and Wildlife Organisations
Not for Profit Agencies
Ecotourism
Farm Supply Companies
Farm Advisory Services

Jobs in alternative farming:
Run your own alternative farming business
Farm Supervisor
Farm Hand
Farm Machinery Operator
Project Officer
Agribusiness Analyst
Quality Assurance Officer
Laboratory Assistant
Research Assistant
Marketing
Advertising
Sales
Tour Guide
Logistics Clerk
Administration Assistant
Agronomist

 

 

Why Study with ACS?

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Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time. 

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!


Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS is a Member of the Permaculture Association (membership number 14088).
ACS is a Member of the Permaculture Association (membership number 14088).
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's
ACS is an organisational member of the Future Farmers Network.
ACS is an organisational member of the Future Farmers Network.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason has been a member of the International Scociety of Horticultural Science since 2003
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason has been a member of the International Scociety of Horticultural Science since 2003
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112

How can I start this course?

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Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding in your selected discipline. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (6 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

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Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Maggi Brown

Maggi is regarded as an expert in organic growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more than three decades.
Some of Maggi's qualifications include RHS Cert. Hort. Cert. Ed. Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA) .

Martin Powdrill

25 years working in Telecommunications, IT, Organisational Development, and Energy Conservation & Efficiency, prior to setting up his own Permaculture consulting business. Martin has a Bsc (Hons) Applied Science (Resources Option), MSc Computer Studies, Permaculture Design Certificate.
Martin volunteers with many local environmental and community groups, and facilitates discussions on climate change, peak oil, and transition towns. Martin has an allotment, and is currently enrolled in the Scottish Mountain Bike Leader Award programme.
Martin’s goal as a catalyst for sustainable change brings together his strengths and experience in his environmental, project management, and business backgrounds.

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