Organic Farming

Lesson Structure: Organic Farming BAG305

There are 10 lessons:

Introduction to Organic Farming
Scope
Nature
History
Types of organic farming
Integrated Farm Management System
rotation design
Cash crops
Managing waste
Permaculture
Polyculture
Biodynamics etc
Organic Management Issues
Certification
Environmental concerns
Marketing
PR
Organic Soil Management and Crop Nutrition
Composting
Mulching
Green manuring
Over crops
Organic fertilisers
Weed Management
Selecting appropriate techniques of control
Weed identification
Pest and Disease Management
Selecting appropriate techniques of control
Weed identification
Livestock Management I
Beef
Dairy
Sheep
Pigs
Livestock Management II
Poultry
Goats
Alpacas
Ostriches
Deer
Pasture
Pasture Varieties
Management Principles
Intensive systems
Nitrogen fixation
Correct seed mix
Risks with legumes
Crops
Wheat
Plant Fibre
Hay and Silage
Mung Beans
Sesame seed, etc
Learning Goals: Organic Farming BAG305

Discuss the scope and nature of organic farming in today?s world.
Select appropriate organic management systems for different organic farms.
Understand the environmental, economic and political issues concerning organic farming.
Explain the role of living organisms and decomposing organic matter in creating and maintaining an appropriate soil condition for successful organic farming.
Contrive and apply appropriate weed management practices for an organic farm.
Select and apply appropriate pest and disease management practices for both animal and plant production on an organic farm
Design an appropriate system for organic production of cattle, sheep and pigs.
Design an appropriate system for organic production of poultry and other miscellaneous animals.
Design an appropriate system for organic pasture management.
Explain the broad-acre organic production of a grain or legume crop.
Practicals:

Investigate Organic industry such as, Certifying Organisations, Producers or organic farming groups in your locality or region
Determine allowable inputs to an organic farm certifying in your area
Discuss how an organic farm requires more labour than a conventional farm
Visit an organic farm, either a real visit or virtual visit if that is not possible
Prepare a plan for an organic farm.
Describe the conversion process for one of the organic farms
Investigate organic market potential
Prepare a compost heap
Prepare a diagram of a healthy soil food web
Prepare a weed collection (25 weeds either pressings or illustrations)
Determine appropriate weed control within allowable organic farming limits.
Describe the life cycle of three animal parasites
Describe habitat requirements of various predatory insects
Survey one or more farms regarding animal production systems
How can the animals above be integrated into a vegetable or fruit production system
Determine organic solutions to different farming problems
Investigate different pasture management systems.
Organic farming has distinct advantages, for the environment, for human health, and also for farm economics. There are many definitions of organic farming. A commonly accepted definition is, farming without the addition of artificial chemicals. 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).

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. Organic farming has been adopted by some farmers for economic reasons, others for ethical or sustainability concerns. Whatever the reason for going organic, there is no doubt this method of farming is here to stay.

Through this course, learn to manage both plant and animal production in a more natural and environmentally sensitive way and develop a sound foundation for understanding how to set up an organic farm, or convert an existing farm to organic practices. This course provides the student with a solid understanding of the systems and management techniques of organic farming for both crops and livestock.