Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050 from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Welcome to "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050". In this first week you'll be introduced to the UWA Future Farm 2050 Project, an initiative by UWA in agricultural R&D and regional engagement. The project is centred on agriculture but you'll discover that feeding the world needs a mutli-disciplinary approach, and there are a wide range of issues confronting the agricultural industry which must be addressed if we are to cope with population projections for 2050.

Water and Soils

Welcome to the second week of "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050". This week you will gain an understanding into the importance of soil and water and its careful management.

Ecological Cropping

Welcome to Week 3 of "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050". This week you'll be introduced to Ecological Cropping, and more specifically weed management and plant breeding. Effective weed management strategies, in a changing environment with increasing resistance to herbicides, has become increasingly important for crop management. In addition to these management strategies, successful cropping also depends on high yielding varieties, tolerant to a changing environment.

Versatile Livestock Systems

Welcome to Week 4 of "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050". This week you'll be introduced to Versatile Livestock Systems. You'll learn about the about the principles of "Clean, Green and Ethical" livestock management. This is the driving livestock management principle of the Future Farm 2050 Project. You'll also understand the risks associated with livestock production in drylands, working towards versatile systems and managing the relationship between animals and the environment.

Conservation of Biodiversity in Agriculture

Welcome to Week 5 of "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050". This week you'll be introduced to Conservation of Biodiversity in Agriculture. You will learn about biodiversity hotpots, the impacts of clearing land for agriculture and our reliance of healthy ecosystems (ecosystems services) for survival. You will also learn about site and re vegetation planning and the integration of biodiversity into farming systems.

People and Infrastructure

Welcome to Week 6 of "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050". This week you'll be introduced to the importance of People and Infrastructure for sustainable agriculture. People in regional areas face many different challenges to those residing in urban areas. The changing environment has further increased these challenges. In addition, infrastructure in regional areas is expensive to build and often not "Fit for Purpose"

CONCLUSION OF COURSE

Congratulations! You've reached the end of "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050"

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for advanced learners who wish to apply best practices to advance their own agricultural practices and farming methods

Suitable for those looking to go into farming as this course can be foundational

Teaches learners key concepts of farming through an industry-style framework that you can apply to your own work situations

Suitable for those who wish to learn about the multi-disciplinary nature of farming and how best practices can advance the field

Reviews summary

"future farm 2050" practices

Learners say this course provides engaging assignments and a positive overview of sustainable farming practices based on the Future Farm 2050 project. Reviewers remark that experts and professors deliver informative lectures about topics such as soil, water, crops, livestock, community, and architecture, which can be applied globally while also considering local conditions. The material provided is well-structured, easy to understand, and applicable to anyone interested in sustainable farming, even those with no prior experience. Learners highlight the practical knowledge gained, especially about implementing sustainable practices and building sustainable farms. Overall, reviewers are largely positive about the course and recommend it.

Course includes practical assignments and readings.

"Concise and very helpful coursework for those who are interested in implementing sustainable farming."

"This course gave me a new perspective on the multi-disciplinary issues that need to be considered in designing future farms that are profitable, productive, environmentally friendly, and conserve biodiversity."

"As someone who is currently interested in learning the foundations of farming, with the intention of starting a farm within the next couple of years, this course provided valuable insight into the various aspects of sustainable farming."

"The videos/lectures are great. I enjoyed every minute of this course, except quizzes."

Course is based on an actual project called "Future Farm 2050".

"A fantastic undertaking for the "Future Farm" of 2050. Definitely very informative."

"The course has enhanced my knowledge and helped me to understand the challenges and reality of farming."

"I have learnt a lot from this course and it has even changed my perspective on agriculture."

"I was able to do this course at my convenient time."

Lectures are given by professors, industry professionals, and farmers.

"I have done multiple courses on Sustainability in Agriculture and this one was by far the BEST"

"I'm exploring a homesteading opportunity and I took this course to dip a toe in the pool"

"I especially liked that it is people centred, it is about the farmers and people living in farming communities and their interactions with the land and the environmnent."

"I learned how to provide water regardless of external conditions, how important is to provide real food to animals, and also a space with trees and bushes."

Concepts are presented in a practical way with real-world examples.

"The course shows the way agriculture should go."

"I appreciate how the concepts can be applied globally."

"its a very regionalized course, so lots was not applicable to tropical climates, but the general ideas and answers on integrated systems of productivity are applicable worldwide."

"I was able to do this course at my convenient time."

Instructors are experts in their fields and deliver engaging lectures.

"The Pedagogy is really simple and easy to follow."

"The lecturers throughout my run of the course are very explanatory, audible and a joy to watch."

"Excellent course. I am going to model my little farm using the 2050 future farm model."

"Informative and I cannot wait to start farming sustainably."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050 with these activities:

Soil and Water Management Exercises

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Engage in practical exercises that reinforce your understanding of soil and water management techniques, enabling you to apply them effectively in your own agricultural practices.

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Conduct soil tests to determine soil pH, nutrient levels, and texture.
Design and implement a crop rotation plan that improves soil health and reduces erosion.
Implement water conservation practices, such as drip irrigation or mulching.
Monitor soil and water quality to ensure the effectiveness of your management strategies.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

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Read an autobiographical account that delves into the cultural and economic challenges of rural America, providing a context for the issues faced by rural communities in this course.

View A Relevant Faith on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book in its entirety.
Take notes on key themes and ideas.
Reflect on how the book's insights relate to the course content.

Integrated Pest Management Tutorial Series

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Follow a series of video tutorials that demonstrate how to implement integrated pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting a balanced ecosystem.

Browse courses on Integrated Pest Management

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Watch the video tutorials on integrated pest management techniques.
Apply the techniques in your own agricultural practices.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies and make adjustments as needed.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Discussion Forum on Rural Infrastructure and Development

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Engage in peer discussions through an online forum to explore the challenges and opportunities related to rural infrastructure and development, gaining insights from diverse perspectives.

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Join the discussion forum.
Participate in ongoing discussions and share your own thoughts.
Read and respond to the contributions of other participants.
Synthesize your learnings and apply them to understanding the broader context of rural communities.

Farm Management Plan

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Develop a comprehensive plan that incorporates best practices from the course to guide the management of your own farm, farm business, or a specific area of interest.

Browse courses on Farm Management

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Identify the goals and objectives for your farm or project.
Research best practices and sustainable farming techniques.
Develop a detailed plan that outlines your strategies and expected outcomes.
Implement the plan and monitor its effectiveness regularly.
Evaluate and make adjustments to the plan as needed.

Sustainable Livestock Production Workshop

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Attend an in-person or virtual workshop focused on sustainable livestock production, providing a hands-on opportunity to learn from experts and share knowledge with peers.

Browse courses on Livestock Management

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Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
Network with other participants and industry professionals.
Apply the knowledge gained to improve your own livestock production practices.

Infographic on Sustainable Farming Practices

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Create a visually appealing infographic that effectively conveys the key principles and benefits of sustainable farming practices for food production, environmental conservation, and economic viability.

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Gather data and information on sustainable farming practices.
Design the infographic using appropriate visuals, charts, and text.
Proofread and refine the infographic for clarity and impact.
Share your infographic on social media or relevant online platforms.

Career center

Learners who complete Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agroecologist

Agroecologists seek to design and manage agricultural systems that mimic the diversity, resilience, and productivity of natural ecosystems. This course will help build a foundation for a career as an Agroecologist through its topics on ecological cropping, conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, and water and soil management, which are at the core of this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agroecologist

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers work to conserve and manage natural resources. This course covers topics such as water and soil management and the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, which are all areas in which Natural Resource Managers must have expertise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Agricultural Development Specialist

Agricultural Development Specialists work to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities in developing countries. This course covers topics such as water and soil management and the principles of sustainable farming, which are all skills that an Agricultural Development Specialist needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Development Specialist

Conservation Biologist

Conservation Biologists may be involved in research on threatened species, reforestation, or public policy surrounding conservation. The course covers the issues of land clearing, the importance of preserving biodiversity, and ecosystem services, which are all topics that a Conservation Biologist works with.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Biologist

Farm Manager

Farm Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a farm. This course fits into the role of Farm Manager by providing topics on ecological cropping, versatile livestock systems, and the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, which are all areas in which managers must have knowledge and expertise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Farm Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists work with scientists, businesses, policymakers, and community groups to find ways to protect the environment. This course provides the foundation for someone interested in this field with the topics of water and soil management, ecological cropping, and the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Agricultural Policy Analyst

Agricultural Policy Analysts analyze and forecast agricultural trends and develop policies that support the agricultural sector. This course may be useful for this role as it provides an overview of the challenges facing the agricultural industry, as well as the principles of sustainable farming, which are at the core of policy and decision-making in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Policy Analyst

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers find engineering-based solutions to solve environmental problems, from planning waste management systems to designing renewable energy systems. The course covers topics such as water and soil management, which are areas that Environmental Engineers must understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants work with businesses and organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices. This course may be helpful for someone entering this role as it provides a foundation on the principles of sustainable farming, as well as the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, which are all topics that consultants in this role would need to be familiar with.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Agricultural Systems Analyst

Agricultural Systems Analysts work to improve the efficiency and profitability of agricultural operations. This course may be useful for this role, as it covers topics in water and soil management, ecological cropping, versatile livestock systems, and the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, all of which are complex systems that analysts in this field must understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Systems Analyst

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants work with businesses and organizations to help them comply with environmental regulations and reduce their environmental impact. This course may be helpful for those in this role as it covers topics on water and soil management, ecological cropping, and the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, which are all areas that Environmental Consultants need to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans and policies for the development and use of land in urban areas. This course may be helpful for those interested in this role as it covers topics on the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, as well as the principles of sustainable farming, which are important factors to consider when planning for the future of urban areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology and behavior of wildlife. This course may be useful for those interested in this role by providing a foundation on the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture. Understanding the impacts of agriculture on wildlife is an important part of wildlife management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts analyze and forecast environmental trends and develop policies that protect the environment. This course may be useful for someone in this role by providing a foundation on the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, as well as the principles of sustainable farming, which are important topics when developing environmental policy in the agricultural field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Agricultural Education Specialist

Agricultural Education Specialists develop and deliver educational programs that help people learn about agriculture. This course may be useful for someone entering this role by providing a foundation on the principles of sustainable farming, as well as the conservation of biodiversity in agriculture, which are topics an educator in this field must be familiar with.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Education Specialist