Organic Farming
In the past, organic farm production was often considered as being only for radicals or hippies. Now it is seen as a viable economic move - with benefits to the farm soil, to the environment, and to the purchasers of the products. This course will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the issues and practices related to today's organic farming models.
The aims of this course are:
- To select appropriate organic management systems for different organic farms.
- To explain the role of living organisms and decomposing organic matter in creating and maintaining an appropriate soil condition for successful organic farming.
- To contrive and apply appropriate weed management practices for an organic farm.
- To select and apply appropriate pest and disease management practices for both animal and plant production on an organic farm.
- To be able to design an appropriate system for organic production of cattle, sheep and pigs.
- To design an appropriate system for organic production of poultry and other animals.
- To design an appropriate system for organic pasture management.
- To explain the broad-acre organic production of a grain or legume crop.
Career Prospects
- Convert your existing farm to a more sustainable, economically and environmentally friendly organic model.
- Improve your career prospects in the agriculture industry as a farmer, farm worker, consultant, teacher or working in a farm supply or service business.
Course Delivery
This course is delivered 100% online. Upon enrolment students are issued with a login and password, providing access to OCA's e-learning centre. For a full demo of the OCA student experience from enrolment to graduation click here.
Recognition and Accreditation
Upon successful completion of this course you will receive an OCA Certificate of Achievement in Organic Farming. There are no pre-requisites to this course.
Units of Study
This course has 10 units of study.
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1. Introduction to Organic Farming
- Nature.
- Scope.
- History.
- Types of organic farming.
2. Integrated Farm Management Systems
- Rotation design.
- Cash crops.
- Managing waste.
- Permaculture.
- Polyculture.
- Biodynamics.
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.
How Long Does The Course Take?
This short course should take approximately 100 hours.
Each unit should take approximately 9-11 hours. Maximum six months access to this online course.
Course Costs
Purchase this course online and complete it at your own pace in your own time.
Pay Now
To purchase this course, simply click on add to cart.
Save at least 15% if paid in full
Pay Now Cost$499
Payment Plan
You may pay for this course via a flexible payment plan. To do so simply select this option and click on add to cart.
$50 Deposit
$50/Week for 12 Weeks
Total Payment Plan Cost $650
