Farm using organic, biodynamic, eco-farming techniques!
Organic farming and production are important, economically viable and sustainable food production system. It is advantageous to farmland soils, the environment, consumers and future generations.
- Organic farming requires fewer costly inputs than many mainstream, traditional farming systems.
- It reduces land degradation risks and can even lead to improved soils and land health through application of the right, long-term, sustainable strategies.
- Public demand for organic produce has markedly increased over recent years.
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.
Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons in this course:
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Introduction to Organic Farming
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nature
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scope
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history
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types of organic farming
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Integrated Farm Management Systems
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rotation design
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cash crops
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managing waste
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permaculture
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polyculture
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biodynamics
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Organic Management Issues
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certification
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environmental concerns
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marketing
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PR
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Organic Soil Management and Crop Nutrition
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composting
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mulching
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green manuring
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cover crops
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organic fertilisers
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Weed Management
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selecting appropriate techniques of control
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weed identification
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Pest and Disease Management
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Livestock Management I
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Livestock Management II
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Poultry
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Goats
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Alpacas
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Ostriches
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Deer
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Pasture
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Pasture Varieties
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Management Principles
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Intensive systems
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nitrogen fixation
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correct seed mix
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risks with legumes
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Crops
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Wheat
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Plant Fibre
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Hay and Silage
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Mung Beans
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Sesame seed
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.
Aims
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Discuss the scope and nature of organic farming in today’s world.
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Select appropriate organic management systems for different organic farms.
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Understand the environmental, economic and political issues concerning organic farming.
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Explain the role of living organisms and decomposing organic matter in creating and maintaining an appropriate soil condition for successful organic farming.
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Contrive and apply appropriate weed management practices for an organic farm.
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Select and apply appropriate pest and disease management practices for both animal and plant production on an organic farm.
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Design an appropriate system for organic production of cattle, sheep and pigs.
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Design an appropriate system for organic production of poultry and other miscellaneous animals.
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Design an appropriate system for organic pasture management.
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Explain the broad-acre organic production of a grain or legume crop.
What You Will Do
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Investigate Organic industry such as, certifying organisations, producers or organic farming groups in your locality or region.
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Determine allowable inputs to an organic farm certifying in your area.
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Discuss how an organic farm requires more labour than a conventional farm.
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Visit an organic farm, either a real visit or virtual visit if that is not possible.
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Prepare a plan for an organic farm.
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Describe the conversion process for one of the organic farms.
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Investigate organic market potential.
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Prepare a compost heap.
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Prepare a diagram of a healthy soil food web.
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Prepare a weed collection (25 weeds – either pressings or illustrations).
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Determine appropriate weed control within allowable organic farming limits.
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Describe the life cycle of three animal parasites.
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Describe habitat requirements of various predatory insects.
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Survey one or more farms regarding animal production systems.
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How can the animals above be integrated into a vegetable or fruit production system.
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Determine organic solutions to different farming problems.
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Investigate different pasture management systems.
Learn from Experts in Organic Farming
Our principal, John Mason is author of over 45 books including titles Farm Management & Profitable Farming (published by Kangaroo Press / Simon and Schuster), and Sustainable Agriculture (published by CSIRO / Landlinks Press)
Tutors and course developers include a team of internationally renowned experts who have worked in agriculture throughout Australia, the UK, and beyond. (see our staff list at https://www.acs.edu.au/default.aspx)
What is Organic Farming?
There are many definitions of organic farming. A commonly accepted definition is “farming without the addition of artificial chemicals”. An artificial chemical is one that has been manufactured or processed chemically, for example, super phosphate (one of the world’s most important fertilisers).
Organic farmers cannot use any chemical herbicides at all. Some fertilisers and soil treatments are acceptable if they are from natural sources, for example rock phosphate, lime and gypsum. Most artificial pesticides are prohibited; the exceptions being substances which have mild effects on the environment, such as soap and winter oil. The routine use of animal vaccines is not permitted, although some certifiers allow the use of vaccines under certain conditions.
All kinds of agricultural products are produced organically – vegetables, fruit, grains, meat, dairy, eggs, and fibres such as cotton and wool. Many processed foods are also produced organically (e.g., bread).
Permaculture Systems
Permaculture is a system of agriculture based on perennial, or self-perpetuating, plant and animal species which are useful to man. In a broader context, permaculture is a philosophy which encompasses the establishment of environments which are highly productive and stable, and which provide food, shelter, energy etc., as well as supportive social and economic infrastructures.
In comparison to modern farming techniques practised in Western civilisations, the key elements of permaculture are low energy and high diversity inputs. The design of the landscape, whether on a suburban block or a large farm, is based on these elements.
There are nine key guiding principles of permaculture design:
1. Relative location
Place components of a design in a position which achieves a desired relationship between components. Everything is connected to everything else.
2. Multiple functions
The designer will determine a number of different functions for a design (e.g., produce fruit, provide shelter). When a design is prepared, each function is then considered one by one. In order to make the design achieve a "single" function, the designer must:
• Deal with several different components which influence that function
• Make different and distinct decisions about each of these components
• Every function is supported by many elements.
3. Multiple elements
In permaculture, the term "element" is used to refer to the components of a design such as plants, earth, water, buildings. A design must include many elements in the design to make sure functions are achieved. Every element should serve many functions.
4. Elevational planning
The design must be on a 3-dimensional basis, giving consideration to length, width and height of all elements (i.e., components). Particular emphasis is given to energy impacts.
5. Biological resources
• Priority is to use renewable biological resources (e.g., wood for fuel) rather than nonrenewable resources (e.g., fossil fuels).
• Design so that biological resources are reproduced within the system.
6. Energy recycling
• Energy use should be minimised.
• Waste energy should be harvested (e.g., often pollution can yield useable energy).
• Design the system to optimise collection of energy by plants and animals. (e.g., Using plants that catch light, produce bulk vegetation and then rot to provide a store of nutrients). This way energy is caught, stored and reused in the system.
7. Natural succession
Design in a way that plant and animal life is always rich by ensuring new organisms emerge as old ones die.
8. Maximise edges
The edge of two different areas in a system has more things influencing it than other parts of the system. This is because there is greater diversity there with components of two different areas having an effect. As such design of an edge is more critical, and potential for an edge can be greater.
9. Diversity
Design should be a polyculture (i.e., a system where a greater number of species are growing together). This ensures greater biological stability.
Design can be seen to have two elements: aesthetics and function. In other words, design (of any kind) can be influenced to varying degrees by the aesthetics or appearance of what you are trying to achieve; and/or by the function or purpose to be served by what you are trying to design.
Permaculture concentrates on function and gives low priority to conventional ideas of aesthetics. As such, a permaculture system does not need to look 'nice', but it does need to serve its intended purpose.
Why Study this Course?
This course has the potential to transform the way you think about farming.
• Your knowledge and understanding of organic methods will grow.
• You will begin to see possibilities for applying ideas and techniques from various organic farming approaches; perhaps on a property you already own or work on, and maybe elsewhere.
For some, this course will expand your potential for employment or business. For others, it will be an opportunity to learn more about an idea that you have a passion for, and to explore ways to use what you learn in your daily living.
Why Study with ACS?
Design your own learning pathway.
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!
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