A Field Guide to
Farming is an online survey
course designed to familiarize students with common Wisconsin farming
practices, introduce them to basic aspects of cropping systems agronomy, and
foster an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities farmers face in a
typical growing season. The first two modules (weeks) will focus on basic
principles related to soils, crops (i.e., corn, soy, wheat, alfalfa, pasture),
and farm equipment (e.g., planting, tillage, power). In the remaining six
modules (weeks) of the course we will apply this basic knowledge as we follow
four unique farm enterprises engaged in 1) conventional grain crop production,
2) organic grain crop production, 3) dairy-forage crop production, and 4)
rotational grazing. The course relies on video footage - including from working
farmers - to take students out into the field as the growing season progresses,
beginning with planning and preparations in the winter months and following
through to planting (spring), crop and pasture management (summer), and harvest
and marketing (fall). This course is intended for students interested in basic
and applied aspects of Midwestern farming, or who are entering related fields
of study, but have limited prior knowledge or experience on farm. Both
undergraduate and graduate students are welcome.
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