The Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050 Course is based on a clear vision: imagine best practice farming for 2050, start to implement these strategies now, all the while making sure it will still be profitable. At UWA we're doing just that with the Future Farm 2050 Project, set on a mixed-enterprise farm in Western Australia and we want you to learn how it can be done in your part of the world.
Although this course is based on agriculture, it's not only about farming. It is a multi-disciplinary course that addresses a wide range of issues confronting the industry, including rural communities, rural infrastructure and conservation of biodiversity in agriculture.
By completing this course you will understand that feeding and clothing the planet requires a multi-disciplinary approach
and upon completion you will be able to explain best practices of sustainable farming and apply them in new contexts.
Offered By
University of Western Australia
5,488 enrolled
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
11 hour to complete
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.
3 videos (Total 33 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
3 videos
360 Farm Tour8m
Introduction to Ridgefield Farm Manager - Mr Steven Wainewright4m
1 reading
The 'UWA Future Farm 2050' Project - testing multidisciplinary options for future food production systems10m
1 practice exercise
Introduction to Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 205018m
Week
21 hour to complete
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.
4 videos (Total 30 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
4 videos
Asst/Professor Matthias Leopold: Soils8m
Interview with Emeritus Professor Lynette Abbott6m
Dr Matt Hipsey: Water14m
2 readings
Optional Readings: Soil10m
Optional Readings: Water10m
2 practice exercises
Week 2: Soils10m
Week 2: Water8m
Week
31 hour to complete
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.
6 videos (Total 58 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
6 videos
Professor Stephen Powles: Cropping and Weed Management20m
Interview with Dr Ken Flower11m
Interview with Wheatbelt Farmer Shauna Stone8m
Professor Wallace Cowling: Plant Breeding14m
360 Wheat Crop Harvest1m
1 reading
Optional Readings: Ecological Cropping10m
1 practice exercise
Week 2: Ecological Cropping20m
Week
41 hour to complete
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.
2 videos (Total 22 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
2 videos
Professor Philip Vercoe: Versatile Livestock Systems20m
1 reading
Optional Readings: Versatile Livestock Systems10m
1 practice exercise
Versatile Livestock Systems20m
4.6
25 Reviews33%
started a new career after completing these courses
25%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top Reviews
Thank you for giving me a vision of what agriculture will (or should) look like in 2050. Content, presentation and curriculum are fantastic. Thank you!
Different subjects related to sustainable farming are well presented highlighting many interesting aspects in general and illustrated by local examples
Instructor
Graeme Martin
ProfessorSchool of Agriculture and Environment
About University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia (UWA) was established in 1911 and continues to set the standard for other West Australian universities. Staff, students and graduates from the University have been recognised at state, national and international levels, and UWA continues to confirm its standing as one of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities. UWA's leaders and researchers work in partnership with three domestic and international networks, the Group of Eight, Matariki and the Worldwide Universities Network.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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