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Agriculture

Introduction To Agronomy

Duration: 5 hours

Agronomy can be broadly defined as the practice and study of field crops for use as human food, animal feed,
fibre and oilseed production, and some industrial products. Agronomic practices refers to field crops such as wheat and cotton but does not cover vegetable, fruit, forestry and flower crops. In this course, you'll learn about types of crops to grow, plant structure and function, crop development phases, plant life cycles, selection, and more.

1 Lesson

Crop Culture Foundation

Duration: 5 hours

Identify factors that affect the success of a crop, including soil condition, weather and biological influences such as pests and diseases. In this course, you'll learn about the components of soil, how to identify soil texture, problems with soils and fertility, erosion, salinity, cultivation techniques, plant nutrition and more. Includes clear, easy to use information on macronutrients, including easy to use tables for diagnosing potential problems.

1 Lesson

Seed Management

Duration: 5 hours

Seed storage behaviour refers to the capacity of seeds to survive desiccation (drying). The periods which seed survives (i.e. its longevity) varies quite a lot among species. The influence that provenance and genotype have on the longevity of seed also depends on a multitude of factors. In this course, you'll learn how to achieve successful seed germination for different agronomic crops under different conditions in the field.

1 Lesson

Crop Husbandry Practices

Duration: 5 hours

A weed is any plant that is growing where you don't want it. A weed will compete with your desired plants for light, space, water and nutrients. A plant could also be a weed because of a particular characteristic; it could be poisonous to stock or humans for several reasons. In this course, you'll learn about weed control for agronomy crops. Includes classification of different weed types and how to treat them, including material on herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide use.

1 Lesson

Harvesting

Duration: 4 hours

Different crops will be ready for harvest at a different time. Most often, the stage of growth at which crops are harvested depends upon the purpose for which they are grown, and the way in which the subsequent produce will be used. In this course, you'll learn about different harvesting equipment and techniques, including post-harvest handling and treatments for a range of different crops. Includes material on machinery use.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Poultry Breeds

Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy learning about a range of poultry breeds which can be kept on hobby farms or in commercial environments. Review an overview of many breeds to understand the advantages and disadvantages between the breeds available. Discover other poultry species such as geese, turkey and emus.

1 Lesson

Bee Biology

Duration: 3 hours

Bees are one of the most important important insects known to man. Their role in the web of life is essential to the health and reproduction of many significant crop species, without which the human diet would be significantly altered. In this course, you'll learn about bee physiology and anatomy, how bees produce honey, and learn the basics of bee behaviour. Includes material on bee castes and their purpose.

1 Lesson

Bee Health Management

Duration: 3 hours

About 30% of the food we consume relies on bees for pollination; they are necessary to maintaining food security in many places. As such, bee health is a global concern; There are many different types of pests and diseases that can impact bee health and productivity. In this course, you'll learn about bee pests (including the varroa mite), diseases, viruses, and other problems. You'll also learn about recognising problems through recognising signs of colony stress.

1 Lesson

Bees In The Landscape

Duration: 2 hours

Where would we be without plants? Humans -- and many other animals -- rely on plants to sustain health, or in some cases just to live. To ensure that our plants -- including the cropping species we rely on so much for our survival -- keep providing for us and other animals, we need pollinating insects, including bees. In this course, you'll learn about different types of bees, how to attract bees to your garden, and study different types of bee products.

1 Lesson

Equipment, Materials, & Obtaining Bees

Duration: 1.5 hours

To start beekeeping you need a few basic things -- and the most basic thing is knowledge! In this course, you'll learn about protective clothing and tools and equipment to handle the bees and produce the honey. You'll also learn how to stay organised, set up for your first honey extraction, and source your first bees, either through catching a swarm or buying in bees. Useful for beginners, as a resource for helping others get started, and more.

1 Lesson

Scope and Nature of Bees & Beekeeping

Duration: 1.5 hours

Bees occur all over the world and honey has been farmed from bees for thousands of years. To most people, a bee is thought of as something that lives in a hive, produces honey and can sting you. In reality this only describes some bees; many people also confuse bees with other insects such as wasps and hornets. In this course, you'll learn about how bees are important to both the Earth and humans. Includes material on bee families and types of stingless bees.

1 Lesson

The Hive - Types, Construction, & Inspection

Duration: 2 hours

Hives can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Depending upon the amount of honey in a hive, they can become very heavy, and it is critical to choose a hive that you are physically able to manage. Each individual comb in a top bar may weigh 4.5kg. A hive box though can easily weigh 16 kg or more. In this course, you'll learn about types of hives, how to choose a hive, and how to open your hive safely. Includes easy-to-follow instructions on how to inspect your hives.

1 Lesson

Using Honey & Bee Products

Duration: 3 hours

Bee products are not limited to honey. They produce a variety of products that are versatile and have both medicinal and nutritional properties for both humans and animals. Bee products are utilised in household, cleaning and personal care products. In this course, you'll learn how to incorporate these in your daily life. Includes recipes.

1 Lesson

Working Bees, Seasonal Husbandry & Harvesting

Duration: 5 hours

In order to maintain healthy hives, there a variety of maintenance tasks you must complete year-round. In this course, you'll learn about seasonal tasks, such as how to collect and process royal jelly, and pollen. You'll also learn about overwintering, including how to feed bees to avoid starvation using home made sugar syrup, how to use contact feeders or frame feeders, and how how often you will need to feed a colony. Discusses how and when to move to a swarm.

1 Lesson

Feeding Animals: Forage

Duration: 1 hour

Animal feeds are often measured or described in terms of a variety of characteristics. These characteristics are influenced by the physical and chemical structure of the plants used. In this course, you'll learn about the composition of plant tissues used as animal food, common pasture grasses, pasture hays, silage, root crops, and trees for fodder. Includes easy to use examples for identifying typical feed parameters.

1 Lesson

Managing Fodder

Duration: 1 hour

Good management of pastures requires and understanding of the different plant and grass species and the livestock requirements. Grasses show three distinct phases of growth, and an understanding of these is necessary in understanding when to intervene in your pasture's growth. In this course, you will learn about how to promote the health for pasture, promoting the nutritional intake of animals, pasture management principles, feed supply, and stocking.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Feeding Animals and Industry Opportunities

Duration: 1 hour

Some animals have a plant-based primary feed source. Animals whose diet consists primarily of other animals are referred to as carnivores and animals whose diet consists of both plant and animal based sources are known as omnivores. In this course, you will learn about variations in animal eating and drinking adaptations, classification of feeding strategies, and digestive systems. You'll also learn about industry opportunities in primary industries and different jobs available in this sector.

1 Lesson

Feeding Animals: The Composition of Feed

Duration: 1 hour

Every species, and individual, animal requires different nutrition and in order to provide them with the most optimal diet we must understand feed analysis. Nutritional analysis usually tells us the amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fibre and moisture. These may vary in amount due to the species, age, health, activity, reproduction and environmental condition. In this course, you will learn about the constituents present in animal food, common feed analysis, macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids), and micronutrients (minerals, vitamins).

1 Lesson

Feeding Chickens and Other Poultry

Duration: 2 hours

The purpose of raising poultry is primarily to produce eggs or meat for human consumption. This means that good nutritional practice should be applied under good conditions and with sound management of procedures. By applying sound principles quality birds can be produced but knowledge of nutrition is also paramount. In this course, you'll learn how to feed appropriate rations, which products and scraps are toxic, nutrition required, and how to feed for the relevant stage in the your poultry's lifecycle.

1 Lesson

Healthcare for Poultry

Duration: 3 hours

Good health of poultry means the flock will be free of injury, illness or pain. Signs of ill health can be noted from changes in water and food consumption, general behaviour and feather condition. Generally birds will try to hide signs of ill health, making it essential to learn how to recognise as many signs as you can. In this course, you'll learn about key signs, disease prevention, how to respond to ill-health or injury, in order to maintain the health of the entire flock. Includes information on how to make up a first aid kit and adminsiter medication via syringe.

1 Lesson

Scope and Nature of the Poultry Industry

Duration: 1 hour

Learn how to raise chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese for commercial production or self-sufficiency. This course will introduce you to the nature and scope of the industry and you will learn to about the possibilities open to you working with poultry.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Domesticated Poultry

Duration: 1 hour

Learn about the similarities and differences in domesticated poultry species. It's important to recognise different behaviours and needs in poultry in order to care for them effectively. Ducks, Chickens,Turkeys, Geese are popular poultry breeds covered in this covered.

1 Lesson

Management of Poultry Flocks

Duration: 3 hours

Poultry can be housed in free-range systems, shed and barn systems or caged systems. In this course, you'll learn about different production systems from extensive (free range), semi-intensive and intensive production systems, in terms of: management, production cost, product quality product quantity. You'll also learn about three procedures used in an egg production system which are critical to the efficient operation of a specified farm.

1 Lesson

Care of the Horse at Grass

Duration: 3 hours

Many breeds of horses can be kept at grass all year round, withstanding the worst weather conditions, if they are cared for adequately. If shelter, additional feeding, rugs (especially in cold climates) are used, drainage of the paddock or field is good, water supply is kept fresh
and unfrozen, and grooming is carried out. In this course, you'll learn about how to maintain a healthy environment for your horses at grass, including material on grazing requirements, boundaries, shelter, an annual grass management programme, and avoiding toxic plants in grazing areas.

1 Lesson

Care of The Stabled Horse

Duration: 2 hours

It is not always practical to keep a horse solely at grass depending on the individual horses needs and the type of work the horse is required to do. A horse may need to be kept stabled, either periodically or on a more permanent basis, due to the facilities available, quality and availability of grazing, injury or illness, for convenience or for a variety of other reasons. In this course, you'll learn when and how to keep horses in a stable. Includes material on types of stabling, bedding, mucking out, feeding and watering, and grooming.

1 Lesson

Horse Health Management

Duration: 2 hours

Familiarity with the signs of good horse health is essential to enable any signs of illness to be detected early in the disease process. In this course, you'll learn how to identify changes in health through signs such as behavoural changes, changes in respiration, and physical changes (including skin condition changes). You'll also learn about some specific causes of ill health and options for treatment or management.

1 Lesson

Horse Anatomy and Movement

Duration: 3 hours

In horses, a good mover will actively use the joints, utilise both front and back ends equally, move forward with balance. Their anatomy will affect their overall movement, including gait and leaps. Yet horses also have many minor anatomical differences across breeds. In this course, you'll learn about the anatomy and physiology of horses, alongside some of the minor differences in anatomy that can differ depending on breed. You'll also learn about how anatomy affects movement. Includes easy-to-read material on conformation.

1 Lesson

Horse Breeds and Identification

Duration: 3 hours

Learn how to recognise different horse breeds and their characteristics. This is important in understanding how the different traits and characteristics effect the horse's temperament, behaviour, hardiness, ability to learn or it's overall performance. Knowing breeds - their strengths and limitations - is very useful in training and breeding.

1 Lesson

Horse Digestion and Feeding

Duration: 1.5 hours

Understanding nutrition and feeding is vital. It is an area of horse care which is often not comprehensively understood but it is vital in ensuring physical well being. Over feeding, as well as underfeeding, are issues which need to be understood. This course takes you through all the basics of feeding, to introducing and using supplements.

1 Lesson

Horse Handling

Duration: 2 hours

People working with horses should learn as much as possible about horse psychology. This is necessary to understanding a horse’s behaviour, and helps create better horse handlers. Knowing how horses behave - naturally and the feral herd - is important to enable confident handling. Keeping people safe around horses is paramount. Handling horses respectfully keeps the horse well too. In this course, you will learn about how to handle a horse properly, integrating information about horse psychology with good practice.

1 Lesson

Saddlery and Equipment for Horses

Duration: 1.5 hours

Saddlery consists of every item of clothing and equipment worn and by the horse and used by the rider. This means it saddlery encompasses saddles, bridles, bits, neckstraps, headcollars, girths, numnahs, martingales, withers pads, cruppers, lungeing equipment, boots, bandages and clothing, such as rugs and blankets. In this course, you'll learn about the major parts of saddlery (including the components of a saddle) and the purpose for each part.

1 Lesson

Horse Shoeing (Farrier Services)

Duration: 1 hour

In its natural environment, the hooves of the horse provide adequate protection for the underlying sensitive structures of the foot. However, when horses areused as working animals hooves are worn away more quickly than they can be renewed, leading to pain and lameness. Horse shoes help prevent damage to the hoof; proper shoeing should not interfere with either function or gait. In this course, you'll learn about the shoeing process, types of shoes, and general foot care.

1 Lesson

Working with Horses and Equine Careers

Duration: 1.5 hours

Horses are widely appreciated and used. As such, many horse-based businesses and services are common place: riding stables, training facilities, breeding/stud farms, transportation companies and producers, and clothing retailers. Beyond recreation, there are further opportunities within the equine industry such as health care, farrier services and alternative medicine practices. In this course, you'll learn about common roles in the equine industry, how to buy and sell a horse for a farm, breeder or owner, and more industry related insights for your agricultural career.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Animal Welfare

Duration: 5 hours

For the past 10,000 years, people all over the world have domesticated animals for various purposes. Livestock animals such as cows and sheep were kept to provide products such as meat, wool or milk or even kept as working animals. Over time, however, the human approach to animals and their welfare has evoled. In this course, you'll learn about major theories in animal rights and welfare and how to consider welfare and health in making decision affecting the lives of animals. Includes material on animal ethics and the moral status of animals.

1 Lesson

Animal First Aid

Duration: 5 hours

Whenever working with animals (at a farm, zoo, vet, and more), it is essential to be prepared prepared to administer first aid. In preparation for first aid, you will need an appropriate level of knowledge and awareness and you will require certain facilities and equipment. In this course, you will learn how to recognise common problems and learn how to treat them until appropriate medical care can be sought. Includes information on wound care, stitching, fly control, poisoning, and restraint for care. Also includes material on first aid for wildlife.

1 Lesson

Preventing Animal Disease and Injury

Duration: 5 hours

In many cases, prevention is more important than treatment. As such, it is vital that to understand the ways in which we can help prevent illness, injury and disease in animals. It is important that we not only look after the general health and wellbeing of the animal, but also the environment around them. In this course, you'll learn how to anticipate and prevent accidents and injuries when possible. Includes safety material and disease prevention and control.

1 Lesson

Observe and Understand Health Issues in Animals

Duration: 5 hours

It is important when studying animal health to understand what may cause diseases or health issues in animals. Health issues and diseases may be passed on from a range of pathogens or parasites, could be a genetic disorder or even a metabolic or nutritional disorder. In this course, you will learn about some common types of pathogen, genetic disorders, and metabolic disorders in animals. Includes an overall health checklist and signs of ill health.

1 Lesson

Sheep Flock Management - The Fundamentals

Duration: 2.5 hours

Sheep are herd animals, so it is much easier to deal with them as a group than as individuals. When you need to treat an individual animal, it is much easier to bring the whole flock into the handling pens and pick the ailing sheep out rather than try to catch one animal in the camp. In this course, you will learn about the techniques used in the management of a commercial flock of sheep. Includes material on necessary facilities, regular care routines and their use, and general husbandry tasks.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Soil Classification

Duration: 4 hours

Healthy and sustainable agricultural soils must balance a range of functions to meet the needs of both the farmer and the broader community. They must support and sustain soil biota and plant life, decompose organic matter, suppress pathogens, store and cycle water and nutrients, deactivate toxic compounds, and protect catchment water quality. In this course, you'll learn about the physical and chemical properties of soils and how to classify them. Includes material on soil landscapes, profiles, horizons, and key properties of different soil groups.

1 Lesson

Properties of Soils and Plant Nutrition

Duration: 3 hours

The value of a soil for growing plants will be determined by both the chemical and physical properties of that soil. In this course, you will learn about the chemical and physical make-up of soils and plant nutrient requirements. Includes material on rock types, minerals, natural soil development (including weathering), fertility and plant nutrition, texture and effect on plant growth, and structure and its effect on plant growth.

1 Lesson

Land Degradation and Other Soil Problems

Duration: 1.5 hours

A number of major soil related problems can occur. Some are inherent in the nature of the soil itself and other are man-made. In this course, you will learn about the range of problems that affect soils. Includes material on structural decline, water repellence, erosion, hard layers (including cementation), acidifcation, and alkalinity and sodicity. Also discusses salinity and control methods for salinity.

1 Lesson

Soil Management on Farms

Duration: 4 hours

Conservation farming is any system or practice which aims to conserve soil and water by using surface cover (mulch) to minimise runoff and erosion and improve the conditions for plant establishment and growth.It involves planting crops and pastures directly into land which is protected by mulch using minimum or no-tillage techniques. In this course, you will learn about conservation farming and other types of remediation and soil protection methods used in agriculture, including alley farming, controlled traffic farming, earthworms, pest management, and more.

1 Lesson

Broadacre Crop Soil and Nutrient Requirements

Duration: 2 hours

In this course, you will learn about the nutrient requirements for specific crops; when and what to apply prior to seeding, soil requirements; pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium and more. Includes material on wheat, oats, barley, chickpeas, canola, faba beans, and grapes. Useful for people with existing knowledge moving into broadacre, and people working with crop farmers and management.

1 Lesson

Nutrition in Beef Cattle

Duration: 1.5 hours

Different types of feeds contain different quantities of essential feed components. There are many different types of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Some of these types are essential, others may not be essential. In this course, you'll learn about how different feed components serve different functions in the body, and how feed and nutrition are used as part of commercial beef cattle production systems.

1 Lesson

Beef Cattle Production Systems

Duration: 1.5 hours

The type of system used on a farm will depend on a number of factors, including size, location, climate, soil type, transport, markets, and individual goals. In this course, you'll learn about the different beef production systems such as cattle handling facilities, dips and spray races, types of identification, dehorning methods, castration, vaccines and treatments.

Video Content Included

1 Lesson

Breeding Dairy Cattle

Duration: 2 hours

Animal breeding programs are as important to the small-scale individual farmer with a single herd as the large farming company with many herds. The starting point in any breeding program is the selection of the animals from which to breed. This becomes the foundation stock. The criteria used to select these animals will vary according to the type of animal the farmer ultimately wants to have in their herd. In this course, you'll learn the major animal breeding programs, artificial selection for milk production, and artificial insemination. Includes a useful table with selection criteria.

1 Lesson

Dairy Cattle Diseases

Duration: 1+ hours

Viral and bacterial-based diseases of beef cattle are a common but important problem. Both of these organisms are smaller than the human eye can see yet can cause devastating disease among herds. Usually, the organism is carried by another agent such as ticks, midges, bodily fluids, bedding or food. In this course, you'll learn how to manage the wellbeing of a dairy cow, including consideration of its health and vigour, to optimise quality and quantity of production. Includes a useful table with symptoms and material on how to recognise common issues and diseases.

1 Lesson

Dairy Cattle Products

Duration: 1 + hours

Any two single samples of milk will differ quite noticeably when analysed in detail. The composition of the milk can also be used to determine the effect of certain feeds and the effect of rapid changes in the food. It is also an excellent guide to the general health of the animal, although this is not used on a regular basis. In this course, you will learn about the different characteristics of milk and how it related to animal health and feed.

1 Lesson

Managing Dairy Cattle

Duration: 2 hours

The single most important factor in determining the financial outcome from a dairy herd is the production capacity of the individual cows, or more simply, how much milk each cow can yield. In this course, you will learn how to manage general husbandry operations for the dairy cow. You'll also learn about feeding, grooming, nutrition, factors affecting general health of cows and more.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Pig Farming

Duration: 1.5+ hours

Of all the farm animals, the non-ruminant pig has the greatest capacity to accumulate body fat early in life. Early maturation has been obtained to a far higher degree than in sheep and cattle. The challenge for the pig farmer is to control the growth of the pig so that the animal is not too fat at slaughter. In this course, you will learn about the differences between different pig varieties being farmed, the physical facilities of a pig farm including buildings and equipment, and the sustainability and environmental aspects to be considered.

1 Lesson

Pig Farming: Feeding

Duration: 1.5+ hours

Ruminants have four stomachs and are able to make use of a large amount of roughage in their diet. Examples of ruminants are cattle and sheep. Pigs are non-ruminants so their feeding is different to that of most farm animals. In this course, you will learn about the procedures used in the feeding of pigs, including energy requirements, nutritional ratios, protein and micro-nutrient requirements, feeding on pasture and more.

1 Lesson

Growing Rice

Duration: 2 hours

Learn about rice cultivation. Rice is one of the most important agricultural commodities in the world. Rice is a staple of diets all over the world, and considered the most important human food. Approximately 50% of the global population eats rice on a regular basis, with 40% depending on rice as a major food source.

1 Lesson

Growing Pulses (Legumes)

Duration: 4 hours

Pulses are generally the edible seeds of grain legumes. They are also called dried beans or peas. Pulses are very rich in nutrients, with high protein levels (double that of wheat and three times that of rice). They are also rich in complex carbohydrates, micronutrients, and B-vitamins, which are vital parts of a healthy diet, and making them one of the most important sources of nutrition in the world. In this course, you will learn about the production systems and uses of important cool and warm season pulse crops grown around the world.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Grains

Duration: 2.5 hours

Grain crops are those that are grown to produce seeds for human or animal consumption. Cereals are the most common grain crops (produced from grasses), though there are many others that are not cereals. In this course, you will learn how to important existing and emerging grains (cereals) grown around the world and explain the production systems both large and small scale, used for growing, harvesting and storing grains in different countries.

1 Lesson

Pig Breeding and Selection

Duration: 2 hours

Pig farmers should aim to rear animals that will produce first grade pork or bacon. To do this, they must have a clear picture in his mind of what is required from the carcasses of first grade animals. The tools they will use to achieve such animals are heritability and performance and progeny testing. In this course, you will learn how to select appropriate pig breeds for different purposes, and how to explain the management of the breeding of pigs.

1 Lesson

Pig Diseases

Duration: 2 hours

There are many types of diseases that can occur in grazing animal populations. Each group tends to have specific diseases. For example, the breeding stock will have diseases associated with reproduction. Some pig diseases, however, are common to all types and ages. Yet many pig illnesses can be prevented by good management.In this course, you will learn about the procedures used in the management of health in pigs. Includes useful tables with diseases, prevention, symptoms, and potential treatments.

1 Lesson

Managing Boars

Duration: 2 hours

The importance of the boar is often overlooked by producers. The boar is responsible for the production of forty to fifty times more piglets than a sow. Half of the genetic potential of the piglet originates from the boar. Strict selection has a marked effect on the genetic make-up of the herd. In this course, you'll learn about the management of husbandry operations associated with a boar.

1 Lesson

Pigs Managing the Sow and Litter

Duration: 2 hours

Each phase of a sow's pregnancy calls for a distinct feeding approach. From weaning to service, the farmer is concerned with preparing the sow for a good ovulation rate so that the sow ultimately gives birth to a large litter. This is commercially important. In this course, you'll learn about the management of husbandry operations associated with a sow and litter, from feeding a gilt through to suckling piglets.

1 Lesson

Fattening Pigs

Duration: 2 hours

Once piglets have been weaned and are being fattened for pork or bacon production, there are two ways of feeding them - either ad lib. or by rationing. The system the farmer uses will depend on the market that he is supplying. Many farmers supplying pigs for the production of quality pork and bacon have to comply with very exact grading standards in their countries. In this course, you'll learn about the management of husbandry operations associated with farming pigs for slaughter. Includes material on feeding spaces, frequency, and wet vs dry feed.

1 Lesson

Pig Economics and Records

Duration: 2 hours

Changing economic and environmental conditions some impacts may post threats to the viability of pig farming in some regions, while in other regions changes may improve viability or create new farming opportunities. In this course, you'll learn about developing different strategies for marketing of pigs and pig products, including both traditional and innovative approaches. Includes useful worked examples and examples of record-keeping for future use.

1 Lesson

Sheep Terminology and Breeds

Duration: 2 hours

Sheep were one of the first animals to be domesticated by man. Over time, selection for wool type, hair, flocking instinct and other economically important traits has resulted in numerous distinct breeds of sheep occurring worldwide. Modern breeding schemes have also resulted in an increasing number of composite or synthetic breeds which are the result of a crossing of two or more established breeds.

1 Lesson

Sheep Selection and Breeding

Duration: 2.5 hours

Selection should be a part of all breeding sheep production enterprises. It is effective for almost all the important economic traits in sheep. The first step in any selection program is to identify the traits of greatest economic importance. They may be growth rate, carcass merit, fleece traits, or reproductive efficiency. In this course, you'll learn about selecting sheep to be used for different production purposes and the techniques used in sheep commercial breeding. Includes a useful glossary of terms.

1 Lesson

Nutrition of Sheep

Duration: 2 hours

Sheep are ruminants and have a compound stomach made up of four organs: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum and the abomasum. The abomasum is the "true" stomach. Digestion takes place by a combination of mechanical and chemical methods. In this course, you'll learn about the procedures used in managing the health of the sheep. Includes worked examples.

1 Lesson

Diseases in Sheep

Duration: 2.5 hours

There are five major types of sheep diseases. The sheep farmer should always have certain medicines on hand for emergencies and supportive treatment. In this course, you'll learn about common diseases affecting sheep and the procedures used in managing the health of sheep, including drenches and injections. Includes a useful table with parasites, symptoms, and potential treatment types.

1 Lesson

Care of the Lamb

Duration: 2.5 hours

Lambing is the most important time in the cycle of sheep production and the time when good management is vital. Lambing can be looked upon as "harvest time" for the sheep farmer. Many farmers lose up to 25% of their lambs before weaning which is a great waste of both stock and money. Each year many lambs die before weaning. The sheep farmer should aim for a lamb mortality of below 10% with 5% being the target. The following points can help to avoid unnecessary deaths at lambing.
Care

1 Lesson

Wool Production

Duration: 1.5 hours

There are over one hundred recognised sheep breeds in the world today and one of the main ways of distinguishing between them is by the wool they produce. There are five hundred and six different recognised classes of wool in the world trade, though wools are usually divided into two broad classes. In this course, you'll learn about the processes involved in handling wool after shearing.

1 Lesson

The Marketing of Sheep and Sheep Products

Duration: 1.5 hours

The International wool trade is a highly regulated industry. This regulation is required to ensure consistency in supply and marketing. In this course, you'll learn about the techniques used in managing the marketing of sheep and sheep products. Includes examples and a glossary of useful terms.

1 Lesson

Integrating Animals into Permaculture

Duration: 2 hours

When you create a permaculture system, you need to understand how all of the components of that ecosystem work together in order to make appropriate choices about the components you introduce into the system, the way you introduce them and the way you manage them. Permaculture is about self-reliance through community, not self-sufficiency.

1 Lesson

Farming Pseudo Cereals

Duration: 1.5 hours

Pseudo grains have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people become aware of gluten intolerance and celiac disease. They do not contain gluten and many contain more essential amino acids than cereal grains. In this course, you will learn about the main pseudograins (quinoa, chia, amaranth, sesame seed, buckwheat), common varieties, cultivation, harvesting and properties.

1 Lesson

Grazing Animals in Permaculture

Duration: 3 hours

Some breeds of animals are better suited to grazing than others. Breeding herds can do well at grass; the mare's milk production is stimulated whilst the youngsters benefit from the sunshine, fresh air and exercise. Horses that are not being worked for any length of time should be put out to grass to prevent boredom and stable vices occurring. In this course, you will learn about the role of grazing animals in permaculture systems.

1 Lesson

Grain Growing and Processing Infrastructure

Duration: 2.0 to 2.5 hours

For successful production of grain crops, various types of farming infrastructure are required in addition to natural resources such as land, water and a suitable climate. This infrastructure varies according to the region, crops grown, and financial status of the farmer and so on. This course is designed to help you understand relevant farm infrastructure, equipment, vehicles and supplies required for successful production of cereal/grain crops.

1 Lesson

Deer Farming

Duration: 3 hours

Some products from deer farming are sold for niche markets or in alternative therapies, whereas other products are considered mainstream and people can source the farmed products online or in supermarkets with ease. There are well established markets worldwide. In this course, you'll learn about farming deer, including the type of deer to farm, how managing deer differs to other livestock, grazing systems, marketing potential, the products produced, and more.

1 Lesson

Beef Cattle Breeding

Duration: 5 hours

Farmers can choose to establish a pure-bred herd, or they can make use of cross bred animals. Both systems have good and bad points when rearing beef. One of the major factors limiting productivity of beef cattle is poor reproductive performance. This is particularly true of cattle grazed in arid areas. In this course, you will learn about beef cattle breeding and its significance to production. Includes material on reproductive systems, fertility problems, and more.

1 Lesson

Beef Cattle Feedlot Management

Duration: 3 hours

The success of a feedlot operation depends upon careful planning of facilities, to ensure efficient handling of animals, and proper health care. When any cattle are put together, an order of dominance will develop. The farmer will try to minimise this affect by grouping (as much as possible), animals of equal status. In this course, you will learn about the main principles of feedlot production and management.

1 Lesson

Commercial Beef Cattle Herd Management

Duration: 2 hours

The ideal size for a breeding herd is 30 to 50 cows running with one bull. This is a single sire herd. Herds of this size need to be properly fenced and grazed on good pasture; and that is only justified with quality stock. During the season, herds are broken down into smaller numbers, and built back up into larger herds, depending on the time of year. In this course, you will learn how to manage a commercial beef herd.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Beef Production and Beef Cattle Breeds

Duration: 4 hours

Beef cattle produce manure which feeds the soil and maintains soil structure. This increases the production of the arable crops on the farm. Beef cattle can make use of marginal land. Although the greatest demand is for the high energy plant foods such as cereals and oil seeds, the amount of useable land in the world is limited. In this course, you'll learn about the nature and scope of beef cattle production. Includes useful material on a variety of breeds and how to select the most appropriate breeds for your set up.

1 Lesson

Parasitic Diseases in Beef Cattle

Duration: 4 hours

There are many types of diseases that can occur in the herd, from ticks and mites through to milk fever. In this course, you will learn about common parasites that infect cattle and appropriate management strategies. Includes a useful table with disease types, symptoms, and options for prevention and treatment.

1 Lesson

Stud Herd Management for Beef Production

Duration: 2 hours

Keeping a pedigree beef herd means a farmer can produce pedigree bulls for sale to other commercial farmers, and other commercial breeders. The farmer who wants to keep his breed pure will, however need pedigree bulls for use on his cows. The fact that the bull is pedigreed, guarantees that it is purebred.In this course, you will learn about stud herd management for beef production.

1 Lesson

Viral and Bacterial Disease in Beef Cattle

Duration: 3.5 hours

A producer/farmer (or anyone working in animal husbandry) needs to be familiar with the normal, vital signs of his animals, so that he can recognise health and ill health. In addition to vital signs, the farmer should continually observe the natural habits and behaviour of stock. Any changes in behaviour should be investigated immediately as it could be due to illness. The earlier a farmer can treat sick animals, the better. In this course you will learn about beef cattle health and disease.

1 Lesson

Farm Management

Duration: 4 hours

Sustainable agriculture is a long-term answer to this scenario. As with any business enterprise, long-term goals should be in place to give the business a direction that will see it running successfully for generations to come. With this course you will learn about changing an existing farm to a sustainable property, pre-planning, monitoring your farm system, socioeconomic considerations, organic certification schemes, production planning and more.

1 Lesson

What is Sustainable Farming?

Duration: 2 hours

Sustainable agriculture is a philosophy: it is a system of farming. It empowers the farmer to work with natural processes to conserve resources such as soil and water, whilst minimising waste and environmental impact. With this course you will learn more about how to evaluate a site, what land carrying capacity and land potential are, and key indicators for sustainable agriculture.

1 Lesson

Sustainable Harvesting

Duration: 4 hours

for a farm to remain sustainable, certain minimum productivity levels must be maintained. Learn to select crops that are in high demand where possible so that your business can remain economically sustainable. With this course you will also learn about grain and other broad acre crops, row and cover crops, hay and silage, quality control, hydroponic fodder.

1 Lesson

Sustainable Integrated Pest Management

Duration: 4 hours

Some small level of pest and disease damage may be acceptable. However, pest and disease damage/ infestation can render some produce virtually worthless, as it cannot be sold at a fair price. That is the reason why learning about natural/organic forms to control pests and diseases in so important. With this course you will learn how to use pesticides, physical and biological controls, sprays and dusts, companion plants, legislation.

1 Lesson

Sustainable Soil

Duration: 5 hours

Whilst the actual definition of sustainable farming varies somewhat, conservation and rejuvenation of agricultural soils are essential elements of any sustainable agricultural system. Healthy soil is crucial to root development and general health. To achieve this, we must care for our soil, adding nutrients and increasing organic matter in a sustainable way. With this course you will learn about growing media, major types of soil problems, soil sodicity, salinity, erosion, cultivation techniques, plant nutrition, earthworms, nitrogen fixing, composting and more.

1 Lesson

Sustainable Animal Management

Duration: 4 hours

Sustainability aims to optimise the long- and short-term productivity of a property, whereas traditional farming has often aimed to optimise the short-term production of individual farm products. With this course you will learn the possible problems of livestock production, production systems, land care practices, pastures, how much animals graze, grazing methods, guidelines for raising different livestock.

1 Lesson

Agricultural Sustainability Concepts

Duration: 4 hours

There is a variety of ways of growing plants that work with nature rather than against it. Some techniques have been used for centuries. With this course you will learn the main topics in sustainable agriculture, such as organic farming, whole farm planning, systems thinking in sustainable agriculture, permaculture, minimal cultivation, no dig techniques, biodynamics, crop rotation, seed saving, urban farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, environmentally friendly farming.

1 Lesson

Sustainable Weed Control & Cultivation

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

The generally accepted definition of a weed is any plant that, for some reason or other, is unwanted in a particular position. Once it is determined that a particular plant or group of plants is a weed, we need to select a suitable method to control it. Usually, chemical methods are the first choice to control weeds in farms. With this course you will learn how to identify weeds, ways to control them without chemicals, check soil condition, biological weed control, chemical control, herbicides and more.

1 Lesson

Technological Applications in Sustainable Agriculture

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

Science and technology has enhanced our understanding of the natural world. Commercial research and development of our ever expanding scientific knowledge has created a continually evolving range of products geared to improving farm sustainability. This course covers topics in technology such as precision agriculture, machines and tools, drones, wearable technology, robotics, computer technology, fertilisers and soil conditioners, chemical pesticides and herbicides, soil microbes, biotechnology and sustainable agriculture, cloning, problems for biotechnology and more.

1 Lesson

Trees for Sustainable Agriculture

Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

Tree plantings and windbreaks are significant aspects of farms. Trees play an important role in ensuring that our agricultural lands remain in good health. Much of Australia’s farmland, like that of many nations, has been extensively cleared. Many of the remaining trees in agricultural areas are in poor health, with many suffering from dieback. With this course you will learn about agroforestry, timber trees, fodder trees, windbreaks, firebreaks, habitat corridors for wildlife, tree planting methods.

1 Lesson

Water Management in Sustainable Agriculture

Duration: 4 hours

Water, its quantity and quality, can be a major determining factor in the success or failure of a farm. These features also have an influence on determining how the water will be used on the farm. Learn how to sustainable manage water systems. This course covers topics such as water usage, methods of water storage, rainwater collection and storage, livestock water requirements, problems with water, mosquitoes, algal blooms, livestock contamination, water quality, water saving measures, water wastage, reed beds, swales and keylines, irrigation systems, maintenance procedures and scheduling and more.

1 Lesson

Fodder Trees

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the value of fodder trees for livestock and how to select them. Most grazing animals normally graze on pasture but in some circumstances, trees can be an equally valuable source food source. This is particularly so when pasture and other foliage is dry. Here, tree foliage can supplement other food sources.

1 Lesson

Soil Microbiome Health

Duration: 2.5 hours

Healthy soil is teaming with microscopic bacteria and other organisms that are critical to plant health. Understanding the soil microbiome is key to managing soils for better plant growth and environmental sustainability. Microorganisms help plants acquire nutrients, they capture carbon (providing an important carbon sink), and so much more. Learn about biostimulants, cover crops and other fundamentals.

1 Lesson

Fish Suited to Aquaponics

Course Duration: 3 hours

With this course, you will learn many different freshwater fish species that have been successfully farmed on a small or large scale. You will also learn what each species require to grow optimally, their diet, water parameters, the type of tanks they are mostly grown, feeding habit and more.

1 Lesson

Growing Fish in Aquaponics

Duration: 3 hours

Generally, don’t mix species of fish in the same tank. Choose something that suits your needs then manage conditions for that species. With this course, you will learn about the key facts for growing fish in aquaponics, how often to feed fish, how you should monitor fish tanks, what to measure and how often, common problems and their symptoms.

1 Lesson

Growing Plants in Aquaponics

Duration: 3 hours

It is important to remember that the plants you choose to grow need to be compatible with the aquaponic system you are using. So, understanding system functioning and plant requirements for growth are essential. With this course, you will learn about growing conditions, nutrients requirements, suitable systems for each plant variety, planting season, harvest and post-harvest.

1 Lesson

Scope and Nature of Aquaponics

Duration: 3 hours

Aquaponics is a way of combining aquaculture or fish farming, with hydroponic growing. This is typically achieved by using the waste from fish tanks to fertilize plants, and waste water from plants to top up water in the fish tanks. Learn what grows well in aquaponics, different systems used in aquaculture, design home systems, commercial farms, advantages of aquaponics,

1 Lesson

The Aquaponics System

Duration: 3 hours

Aquaponic systems can vary greatly in size. They can be as small as an indoor fish tank or a large scale commercial aquaponics
system. The type and size of aquaponics system you choose will affect the components and features that you will need to run it. With this course, you will learn how to start a system, what media is best for growbeds, vertical systems, and what to consider when staring your system.

1 Lesson

Animal Behaviour

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the natural behaviour of different types of domestic animals in different situations. There are some behaviour patterns which may create problems in a veterinary practice. If you can foresee such problems, you can prepare for them, and perhaps even control them to a greater or lesser degree.

1 Lesson

Common Health Problems in Animals

Duration: 4 hours

Learn about common health problems in various animals, including injuries & diseases.

1 Lesson

Health Problems in Domestic Pets

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn about health problems and their treatment in domestic pets, including burns, urinary tract infections, shock and ticks.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Animal Health Care

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the scope of services offered by animal care services, including veterinary practices. For the past 10.000 years or more people worldwide have domesticated animals for various reasons, either as pets or as farm animals . Whatever the reason animals are being kept, it is now well accepted that the owners of any animal have a responsibility toward the animal they keep. That responsibility is both a matter of ethics, and increasingly is also a matter of law.

1 Lesson

Preventative Health Care in Animals

Duration: 2 hours

Learn about the requirements for maintaining good health in domestic animals, including nutrition & preventative medicine.

1 Lesson

Rehabilitation Care of Animals

Duration: 3 hours

Develop skills in caring for animals prior to, during or after treatment. As with people, a large part of treating illness in animals is often rest and good care during a period of rehabilitation.

1 Lesson

Routine Treatments for Healthy Animals

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn about routine treatments for healthy animals, including de-sexing, preparing an animal for surgery and post-operative treatment.

1 Lesson

Safety Procedures for a Veterinary Practice

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn about safety procedures required for a veterinary practice. On a daily basis vets and veterinary assistants are at risk of physical trauma, chemical hazards and biological threats that can harm their health, reduce their productivity and even shorten their career if not properly dealt with.

1 Lesson

Signs of Ill Health in Animals

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn how to identify common signs of ill health in different animals.

1 Lesson

Veterinary Facilities

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the purposes of different facilities used in veterinary practice.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Animal Welfare

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn what is meant by animal welfare and how it can be implemented in society. Animal welfare is concerned with the physical and mental state of an animal under the conditions in which it is living. Welfare also concerns the decisions made which affect an animal's life. As people, it is our responsibility to ensure that animals have a good state of welfare.

1 Lesson

Managing Animal Welfare

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn how animal welfare is assessed and upheld. The management of animal welfare involves prevention of injuries and disease, assessment of animal health and putting into practice laws and regulations.

1 Lesson

How to Grow Beets

Duration: 1.5 hours

Learn about the cultural requirements and growing techniques for beets and their relatives.

1 Lesson

How to Grow Carrots and Their Relatives

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the cultural requirements and growing techniques for carrots and their relatives.

1 Lesson

How to Grow Less Common Root Crops

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the cultural requirements and growing techniques for a range of less common root crops, including salsify, Jerusalem artichokes, cassava and arrowroot.

1 Lesson

How to Grow Potatoes

Duration: 2.5 hours

Learn about the cultural requirements and growing techniques for potatoes.

1 Lesson

How to Grow Turnips and their Relatives

Duration: 2.5 hours

Learn about the cultural requirements and growing techniques for turnips and their relatives, including radish, horseradish and kohlrabi.

1 Lesson

How to Grow Yams, Taro and Sweet Potato

Duration: 2 hours

Learn about the cultural requirements and growing techniques for yams, taro and sweet potato.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Root Cropping and Root Botany

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about root vegetables, their variations and nutritional value, and the morphological internal and external structures of roots.

1 Lesson

Root Vegetables: Harvest and Post-Harvest Requirements

Duration: 2 hours

Harvest and post-harvest treatment of crops is as important to the farmer as the growing process. Learn about the harvest and post-harvest requirements of root vegetable crops.

1 Lesson

Root Vegetables: Soil Management, Crop Scheduling and Soil Water

Duration: 6 hours

Learn about the cultural practices needed to produce root vegetable crops.

1 Lesson

Root Vegetables: Weed Control and Pest Management

Duration: 5 hours

Learn about methods of weed and pest management used in root crop production.

1 Lesson

Diagnostic Testing for Animal Diseases

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn about different diagnostic tests that may be performed by a veterinarian or animal health professional.

1 Lesson

How Animal Diseases Are Diagnosed

Duration: 5 hours

Learn about the information collected by veterinary professionals for disease diagnosis, and how samples may be collected.

1 Lesson

Inherited Conditions (Genetic Disorders) in Animals

Duration: 2 hours

Learn about a range of genetic disorders that affect animals.

1 Lesson

Metabolic and Nutritional Conditions Affecting Animals

Duration: 2 hours

Learn about a range of metabolic and nutritional diseases that affect animals.

1 Lesson

Miscellaneous Conditions and Disorders Affecting Animals

Duration: 1.5 hours

Learn about miscellaneous conditions and disorders that affect animal health, including allergies, dehydration, and age-related conditions.

1 Lesson

Parasites of Animals

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about a range of parasitological conditions that affect animals, including protozoa, worms, ticks, fleas, and mites.

1 Lesson

Poisoning in Animals

Duration: 3.5 hours

Learn about common disorders that result from poisoning or toxins in animals.

1 Lesson

Viral Animal Diseases

Duration: 5.5 hours

Learn about common characteristics of viral diseases and the significance of a range of viral diseases that affect animals.

1 Lesson

Barramundi, Eel and Catfish Production

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the commercial production of barramundi, eel and catfish.

1 Lesson

Bass Production

Duration: 2.5 hours

Learn about the commercial production of bass.

1 Lesson

Fish Foods and Feeding

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about methods, including feeding and harvesting, used to manage freshwater animal populations.

1 Lesson

Introduction to Aquaculture

Duration: 2 hours

Aquaculture can be defined as the culture of aquatic organisms for commercial purposes under controlled or partly controlled conditions. Learn about the nature and scope of freshwater aquaculture.

1 Lesson

Marron, Red Claw and Yabbie Production

Duration: 4 hours

Learn about the cultural practices for freshwater crayfish, including marron, red claw and yabbie.

1 Lesson

Setting up an Aquaculture Farm

Duration: 5 hours

Develop informed management decisions for establishing an aquaculture enterprise.

1 Lesson

The Basics of Trout Production

Duration: 3 hours

Learn about the commercial production of trout. There are three main species of trout farmed: Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis).

1 Lesson

The Animal Digestive System

Duration: 4 hours

Digestion reduces the nutrients in food to compounds which are simple enough to be absorbed and used by the animal for energy and the building of tissues.

1 Lesson

The Animal Circulatory System

Duration: 4 hours

Explain the circulatory system of animals, in terms of both structure and function.

1 Lesson

The Animal Urinary System

Duration: 4 hours

The urinary system is used to get rid of urea and other waste products from the animal’s body. These are carried to the urinary system by the bloodstream, filtered out, and excreted as urine.

1 Lesson

The Animal Nervous System

Duration: 3 hours

The nervous system allows the animal to adapt to changes as well as process information happening in its environment.

1 Lesson

Respiration In Animals

Duration: 3 hours

The respiration of animals consists of inspiration and expiration. When oxygen is taken into the body by way of the lungs and passed into the bloodstream it is known as inspiration.

1 Lesson