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QUALIFICATION - CERTIFICATE IN ALTERNATIVE FARMING

Duration (approx) 600 hours
Qualification
Certificate

Learn Alternative Farming Onlines

Farming has changed greatly over recent decades, and to survive, the modern farmer needs to increasingly seek alternative approaches - whether in terms of what is produced, or how it is produced.  It is important for all of us to protect the land that we produce food on by using responsible and sustainable practices that will preserve the land for future generations.

  • Course developed to teach you through a diverse range of learning tasks, on and off computer; including practical and research work in the field.
  • Self paced and fully supported by administration and academic staff, on duty and ready to help you 5 days a week.

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the QUALIFICATION - CERTIFICATE IN ALTERNATIVE FARMING
 REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE BAG314
 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE - BAG215
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 4 of the following 17 modules.
 AGRONOMY V - OIL CROPS BAG312
 AQUACULTURE BAG211
 AQUAPONICS BHT319
 FARM TOURISM BTR205
 FORAGE MANAGEMENT BAG226
 GREEN WALLS AND ROOFS BHT256
 GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT BHT257
 HERB CULTURE BHT114
 MUSHROOM PRODUCTION BHT310
 NUT PRODUCTION BHT219
 OENOLOGY - WINEMAKING BHT258
 ORGANIC FARMING BAG305
 PERMACULTURE SYSTEMS (PDC) BHT201
 REFRIGERATING FARM PRODUCE BAG225
 SOIL MICROBIOME BSC310
 URBAN FARMING -BAG229
 VITICULTURE BHT220

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Study Alternative Agriculture Online

Agriculture has seen massive changes in most developed countries over recent decades due to changes in global economics, technology and environmental concerns. This course provides a foundation for dealing with those changes, whether on your own farm, or in a broader sense.

Duration:  600 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between conventional, organic and alternative agriculture?

Conventional agriculture most often involves farming a single type of crop or animal as a monoculture with priority given to productivity that season or year, and less consideration given to the long term. Income is usually derived primarily from one source (eg. the grain crop or current herd of livestock. Fertiliser is added to optimise soil fertility, and chemicals are used to control pests or weeds that might impact the crop.

Organic farming takes a more holistic approach. It doesn't use artificial chemicals for maintaining soil fertility or controlling pests.  It seeks to work with nature, and in doing so, produce cleaner produce, and maintain a cleaner environment. Organic produce needs to be grown according to standardised rules, set by by industry, and sometimes governments

Alternative agriculture is focussed on using ways of farming, and  different types of produce that are not found in widespread conventional farming. Alternative farming may embrace anything that diversifies the income stream or gives the farm a competitive edge in the market. In doing so, alternative farming can become more sustainable farming.

 

Why Study This Course?

  • Explore less mainstream approaches to agriculture.
  • Explore alternatives to common farming practices.
  • Broaden your job and career prospects filling gaps in your knowledge of agriculture.

The course is suitable for anyone wanting to work in alternative agriculture:

  • Anyone with a passion for farming
  • Farmers seeking to diversify
  • Farm hands
  • Labourers
  • Land holders
  • Hobby farmers
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Alison Pearce (animal)B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Masters Degree in Ecotourism. P.G.Cert. Ed. (Science). Alison's first job was in 1982 as a stockwoman, working with pigs in Yorkshire. Within a few years she of that she was working for the University of Western Australia as a Research Technician and instructor with their school of Agricultural Science.In 1989 she moved to Melbourne University as Unit Manager and Instructor in Animal Husbandry. By the mid 1990's she moved back to England to work in Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing at Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture. Throughout her career, Alison has developed and delivered courses in veterinary nursing and animal sciences for vocational colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand and Australia. She has built a high level of expertise and an outstanding international reputation as an expert in animal sciences.
Cheryl McLardyA scientist, teacher, writer and animal scientist, with more than 20 years experience including: Sports Horse Stud Groom, Stable Manager, Yard Manager, Equine industrial Training Manager, FE Distance Learning Manager. Cheryl has travelled widely, working in England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand; and is now based in Scotland. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons), Higher National Diploma in Horse Management, and a City and Guilds Teaching Certificate.
Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.


Check out our eBooks

Animal HealthUnderstand animal health issues, diseases and how identify and manage illnesses and injuries. Animals can become sick for many different reasons -diseases caused by infections, injuries, poisoning, genetic disorders, poor nutrition and other things.
Farm ManagementThe Farm Management ebook is a valuable piece of equipment for any farming student or current farmer. Improve your farm management skills or learn new skills and techniques. The topics covered within this Farm Management ebook include 1/ Scope and nature of the farm industry, 2/ The farm site, 3/ Production systems, 4/ Managing livestock, 5/ Managing pasture, 6/ Managing crops, 7/ Managing equipment and materials, 8/ Computer applications, 9/ Farm structures and buildings, 10/ Financial management, 11/ Marketing, 12/ Farm planning, 13/ Staff management, 14/ Water management and 15/ Diversification.
PoultryPoultry are entertaining as pets and life sustaining as a commercial product! Whether you are seeking a book as a beginner poultry keeper or if you are embarking on a new career in poultry production or management, this book is for you. Easy to read, easy to understand and packed with easy to implement practical advice. Know how to care for the health and wellbeing of poultry and make production a commercially viable enterprise.
Profitable FarmingDiscover new ways to make money from your farm and broaden your perspective on the farming industry. A few things in life are certain; change is inevitable and people need to eat. Learn to embrace change as an opportunity and improve your ability to forge a sustainable career in farming.