Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050
University of Western Australia
About this Course
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1
Section
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 readings
The 'UWA Future Farm 2050' Project - testing multidisciplinary options for future food production systems10m
1 practice exercises
Introduction to Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 205018m
2
Section
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
3
Section
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 readings
Optional Readings: Ecological Cropping10m
1 practice exercises
Week 2: Ecological Cropping20m
4
Section
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 readings
Optional Readings: Versatile Livestock Systems10m
1 practice exercises
Versatile Livestock Systems20m
5
Section
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.
2 videos (Total 16 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
2 videos
Ms Anne Smith: Conservation of Biodiversity in Agriculture15m
1 readings
Optional Reading: Conservation of Biodiversity in Agriculture10m
1 practice exercises
Conservation of Biodiversity in Agriculture20m
6
Section
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"
4 videos (Total 31 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
4 videos
Welcome to Country with Noongar Elder Gary Bennell1m
Dr Susan Bailey: People15m
Mr Patrick Beale: Rural Infrastructure13m
2 readings
Optional Reading: People10m
Optional Reading: Infrastructure10m
2 practice exercises
6. People10m
6. Infrastructure10m
7
Section
CONCLUSION OF COURSE
Congratulations! You've reached the end of "Discover Best Practice Farming for a Sustainable 2050"
1 video (Total 2 min), 1 quiz
1 practice exercises
Final Assessment20m
4.6
Top Reviews
By JR•Jan 11th 2018
Different subjects related to sustainable farming are well presented highlighting many interesting aspects in general and illustrated by local examples
By JQ•Nov 16th 2017
WHAT AN INTERESTING AND GREAT COURSE! I WISH I HAD LEARNED A LOT OF THIS STUFF YEARS AGO. IT ALL MAKES SUCH GREAT SENSE. THANKS SO MUCH!
Instructor
Graeme Martin
ProfessorAbout 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 pay for this course?
If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.
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