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Diane Dunlop

Agricultural system models play increasingly important roles in creating sustainable agriculture businesses across diverse agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions. Agricultural system models are being used for various types of landscape-scale, national, and global modeling and analysis. Models provide information to land managers, policymakers, and the general public that inform management practices, public policy design, research and development, and investment decisions in order to maximize sustainability goals.

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Agricultural system models play increasingly important roles in creating sustainable agriculture businesses across diverse agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions. Agricultural system models are being used for various types of landscape-scale, national, and global modeling and analysis. Models provide information to land managers, policymakers, and the general public that inform management practices, public policy design, research and development, and investment decisions in order to maximize sustainability goals.

Learners will use models as "thinking tools" to inform strategy by looking at how different variables in different magnitudes and times affect outcomes in specific contexts. Understanding and using models are preferred versus field and farm experiments that require large amounts of resources and may still not provide sufficient information to identify appropriate and effective management practices.

This course will explain how manipulation of a sustainable agriculture model helps learners focus onagriculturalsystems as a whole and understand the multiple variables that interact within that system to achieve economic and sustainability outcomes

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Discern how variables impact outcomes within specific contexts
  • Articulate how models can be used to maximize sustainability
  • Utilize sustainable agricultural models to achieve economic and sustainability outcomes

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches students how to use agricultural system models as effective decision-making tools
Useful for understanding how variables within an agricultural system interact to meet economic and sustainability goals
Core audience includes land managers, policymakers, and members of the general public who need to be informed about sustainable agricultural practices
Builds a foundation for learners to discern how variables impact outcomes within specific contexts

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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 Agricultural Economic Modeling Tools with these activities:
Practice using agricultural system modeling software
Practicing with agricultural system modeling software will help you gain proficiency in using the tools and techniques needed to create and use models effectively.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific agricultural system modeling software program.
  • Review the documentation and tutorials for the software.
  • Create several practice models using the software.
  • Analyze the results of your practice models to identify areas for improvement.
Follow a tutorial on how to use a specific agricultural system model
Following a tutorial on how to use a specific agricultural system model will help you to get started with using models and see how they can be applied to real-world problems.
Show steps
  • Identify a tutorial on how to use a specific agricultural system model
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial
  • Test your understanding by running a few simulations
Participate in a peer study group
Participating in a peer study group will allow you to discuss the course material with other students and get help with any concepts that you are struggling with.
Show steps
  • Find a peer study group to join
  • Attend the study group meetings
  • Participate in the discussions
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Compile a list of resources on agricultural system modeling
Compiling a list of resources on agricultural system modeling will help you to find the information you need to learn more about the topic.
Show steps
  • Identify the types of resources you want to include in your compilation
  • Search for resources on agricultural system modeling
  • Create a list of the resources you find
Explore tutorials on agricultural system modeling
Exploring tutorials on agricultural system modeling will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and use models effectively.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources of tutorials on agricultural system modeling.
  • Review the available tutorials and select those that align with your learning goals.
  • Follow the instructions in the tutorials to create and use agricultural system models.
Create an interactive model
Creating an interactive model will help you solidify your understanding of agricultural system models and how they can be used to analyze sustainability outcomes.
Browse courses on Sustainable Agriculture
Show steps
  • Choose a specific agricultural system to model.
  • Identify the key variables and relationships that influence the system.
  • Create a visual representation of the model using a software tool.
  • Use the model to simulate different scenarios and analyze the impacts on sustainability outcomes.
Attend a workshop on agricultural system modeling
Attending a workshop on agricultural system modeling will allow you to learn from experts in the field and get hands-on experience with using models.
Show steps
  • Identify a workshop on agricultural system modeling
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities
Run multiple model simulations
Running multiple model simulations will allow you to experiment with the variables you are able to change in a safe environment that allows room for mistakes.
Show steps
  • Identify the variables you want to change and record the initial values
  • Change one variable and run the simulation
  • Record the results and compare them to the previous results
Create a presentation on the use of agricultural system models in sustainable agriculture
Creating a presentation on the use of agricultural system models in sustainable agriculture will help you to synthesize your understanding of the course material and communicate it to others.
Show steps
  • Identify the key points you want to cover in your presentation
  • Organize your thoughts and create an outline
  • Create your presentation slides
  • Practice your presentation
Model the sustainability of your local agricultural ecosystem
Creating a model of your local agricultural ecosystem will allow you to apply the concepts learned in this course to a real-world scenario, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the sustainability of agricultural systems.
Browse courses on Sustainable Agriculture
Show steps
  • Gather data on your local agricultural ecosystem, including information on crop production, livestock production, and environmental conditions.
  • Use the data you have gathered to create a model of your local agricultural ecosystem using the sustainable agriculture model provided in the course.
  • Analyze the results of your model to identify areas where the sustainability of your local agricultural ecosystem can be improved.
  • Develop recommendations for improving the sustainability of your local agricultural ecosystem based on your analysis.
Create a model of your own agricultural system
Creating a model of your own agricultural system will allow you to apply the concepts you have learned in the course to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Identify the components of your agricultural system
  • Develop a conceptual model of your system
  • Translate your conceptual model into a mathematical model
  • Test and validate your model
Write a blog post about the benefits of using agricultural system models
Writing a blog post about the benefits of using agricultural system models will help you to synthesize your understanding of the course material and share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
  • Identify the benefits of using agricultural system models
  • Organize your thoughts and create an outline
  • Write your blog post
  • Edit and proofread your blog post

Career center

Learners who complete Agricultural Economic Modeling Tools will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Economists engage in the study of food systems, natural resource utilization and management, agricultural production and trade, and the socio-economic forces that influence all of these facets. This course provides a foundation in the use and application of modeling tools within these systems. By providing instruction in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, this may be a useful course to prepare someone for a career as an Agricultural Economist and provide a foundation to interpret real-life modeling results within the food, production, and trade industries.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations become more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. This course, with its focus on the creation of sustainable agricultural businesses, can help one to build a foundation for becoming a Sustainability Consultant in the farming industry by providing knowledge of business practices and modeling tool utilization in these domains. This knowledge and skillset can allow them to provide counsel on best business practices.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists work to improve environmental quality and protect public and environmental health. This course, with its focus on modeling and analysis of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students interested in becoming Environmental Scientists in the agricultural sector. The course will provide knowledge of key tools and analysis techniques for use in understanding the environmental impact of agricultural practices and policies.
Natural Resources Manager
Natural Resources Managers work to manage, conserve, and restore natural resources such as forests, water, and soil. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to understand the relationships between agricultural practices and natural resources, and how to use this knowledge for informed decision-making.
Farm Manager
Farm Managers run day-to-day operations of farms, ensuring that they are profitable and sustainable. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in decision-making on a farm.
Agricultural Policy Analyst
Agricultural Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies that affect the agricultural sector. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various policies, knowledge that can be used in policy development and analysis.
Agricultural Researcher
Agricultural Researchers conduct research on agricultural systems to improve their productivity and sustainability. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in research.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in the design and implementation of environmental solutions.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems to meet the needs of society and the environment. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in the design and management of water systems.
Soil Scientist
Soil Scientists study the properties of soil and how it can be used to support plant growth. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in soil management and research.
Crop Scientist
Crop Scientists study the growth and development of crops and how they can be improved. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in crop management and research.
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientists study the growth and development of animals and how they can be improved. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in animal management and research.
Agronomist
Agronomists study the production of crops and how they can be improved. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in crop management and research.
Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Engineers design and develop agricultural machinery and systems. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a strong foundation for students seeking to enter this field. The course will provide a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in the design and development of agricultural machinery and systems.
Food Scientist
Food Scientists develop new food products and processes. This course, with its focus on the use of models to understand and predict the behavior of agricultural systems, can provide a foundation for students interested in becoming Food Scientists, especially those focused on agricultural products. The course provides a foundation in the use of modeling tools to simulate the effects of various management practices and conditions, knowledge that can be used in the development of new food products and processes.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Agricultural Economic Modeling Tools.
A comprehensive textbook covering the principles and applications of agricultural systems modeling and simulation, providing a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the course's concepts.
Offers a foundational understanding of the principles and definitions of sustainable agriculture, complementing the course's focus on modeling tools.
Provides a broad overview of agricultural economics, offering a helpful background for understanding the economic aspects of agricultural modeling.
Examines the economic implications of sustainable agricultural practices, offering insights into the course's focus on achieving economic and sustainability outcomes.
Provides a comprehensive overview of land use change and its implications for agriculture, complementing the course's focus on modeling tools for landscape-scale analysis.
Explores the impacts of climate change on food security and the role of agriculture in adaptation, aligning with the course's emphasis on sustainable agriculture practices.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of agricultural policy, complementing the course's focus on modeling tools for policy design and analysis.

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