Short Course
Student Testimonials
"This course has really helped me improve overall management of my resources, ït is a very effective and useful course."
Terrance H., Brisbane
"Farming is moving into a new era, with a new variety of opportunities and trends. I’m very pleased with the easy applicability of what I've learnt from the course."
Elliot G., Queensland
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainability in agriculture has become increasingly important over recent times. It is no longer sufficient to just be productive and the cost of production is no longer just thought of in terms of money. The environmental resources of a farm as well as the financial must not deteriorate if a farm is to continue to exist in the future.
This course was developed by John Mason, author of the best selling book 'Sustainable Agriculture, Second Edition' published by Landlinks Press, in response to the growing demand for quality education in sustainability.
The aims of this course are:
- Explain the broad possibilities for improving sustainability on farms.
- Explain how to avoid serious degradation of soils on a farm through sustainable management.
- Explain the broad possibilities for improving sustainability on farms.
- Explain how to avoid serious degradation of soils on a farm through water management.
- Discuss economic rules that apply to a farm enterprise.
- Crop management techniques for sustainability.
- Minimising degradation through planning and management.
- Evaluate the financial viability and potential of animal enterprises.
Career Prospects
- Make your farm more sustainable, both economically and environmentally.
- Discover new ways to improve farm sustainability.
- 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 Sustainable Agriculture. There are no pre-requisites to this course.
Units of Study
This course has 8 units of study.
Click here for more details
1. Introduction
- Sustainable ways of farming.
- Whole farm planning.
- Land Management programs.
- Sustainable ways of farming.
- Natural farming.
- Organic farming.
- Permaculture.
- No Dig techniques.
- Biodynamics.
2. Soils
- Growing media.
- Major types of soil problems.
- Soil structural decline.
- Erosion.
- Salinity.
- Acidification.
- Soil improvements.
- Phytotoxicity.
- Adding organic matter to soils.
- Cultivation techniques.
- Conservation tillage.
- Plant nutrition.
- Soil life.
- Cover crops.
3. Water
- Types of water storage.
- Livestock water requirements.
- Water problems.
- Water quality.
- Reed beds.
- Water saving measures.
- Recycling.
- Swales and keylines.
- Irrigation system.
4. Land Care
- Weed Management.
- Preventative measures.
- Tree management.
- Timber lots and plantations.
- Wind breaks.
- Wildlife corridors.
- Wildlife habitats.
- Pest and diseases.
5. Financial Sustainability
- Economic principles.
- Developing a farm business plan.
- Financial plan.
- Controlling growth.
- Value adding.
- Enterprise mix.
- Eco-tourism.
6. Broad Management Strategies
- Toward better planning.
- Land care or land management.
- New Enterprises
- Broad management categories.
- Marketing.
- Personal welfare.
- Plan drawing of farm.
- Looking at risk.
- Quality systems.
7.Plant Enterprises
- Crop management.
- Hydroponic fodder.
- Hay.
- Considering new crops.
- Nuts.
- Organic farming.
- Agro-forestry.
- Hydroponics.
- Herbs.
8.Animal Enterprises
- Deer.
- Ostriches.
- Emus.
- Alpacas.
- llama.
- Goats.
- Aquaculture.
- Wool and meat production.
- Horses.
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 10-12 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
