During the Spring semester, UNL offers a five-part mini-course series called "Science-based Organic Farming." The courses, taught by Chuck Francis, are available for academic credit, noncredit professional development, or CEU-credit; and students have the choice of attending a traditional, resident class on the UNL East Campus or participating entirely via the Internet: http://agronomy.unl.edu/distance_ed/ Normal UNL admission requirements and tuition apply for academic students.
The five courses are as follows:
Overview of Organic Farming: Dates: January 8 - February 12, 2007 / Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: Resident class meets in 234 Keim Hall on the UNL East Campus Instructor: Dr. Charles Francis Description: This course, the first in a series of five modules dealing with science-based organic farming, introduces students to the principles of organic farming, including historical perspectives and certification standards. Topics include maintaining soil fertility, crop choices, cover crops, and holistic and integrated pest management, as applied to farming systems, vegetable systems and agro forestry.
Organic Farming Systems: Dates: Spring Semester Location: Resident class meets in 234 Keim Hall on the UNL East Campus Instructor: Dr. Charles Francis Description: This course, the second in a series of five modules dealing with science-based organic farming, focuses on organic farming practices, including choice of crops and cultivars, alternatives for building and maintaining soil fertility, pest management options, and overall crop and crop/livestock system design and function. Key reference materials about the scientific basis of organic and biodynamic farming practices are also discussed.
Current Issues in Organic Farming: Dates: Spring Semester Location: Resident class meets in 234 Keim Hall on the UNL East Campus Instructor: Dr. Charles Francis Description: This course, the third in a series of five modules dealing with science-based organic farming, covers contemporary organic farming topics, including criteria for certification of specific products, rules on rotations, non-use of GMO crops and animals, industrialization of organic production, mainstream marketing of organic products, political issues in the import and export of organic food, local versus organic food, and the future of organic farming and food systems.
Organic Vegetable Production: Dates: Spring Semester Location: Resident class meets in 234 Keim Hall on the UNL East Campus Instructors: Dr. Charles Francis and Dr. Laurie Hodges Description: This course, the fourth in a series of five modules dealing with science-based organic farming, covers the practical application of organic principles to vegetable production in small- to medium-sized farms, including choice of crop species, managing soil fertility and pests, mulching and companion planting, growing under controlled high tunnel conditions, integration of crop enterprises, and special challenges unique to vegetable production.
Marketing Organic Products: Dates: Spring Semester Location: Resident class meets in 234 Keim Hall on the UNL East Campus Instructors: Dr. Charles Francis and Dr. Laurie Hodges Description: This course, the final module in a five-part series dealing with science-based organic farming, covers the principles of marketing organic products and foods, including differentiating products, seeking new marketing outlets, institutional sales opportunities, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), farmers' markets, pick-your-own, on-farm sales outlets, and rules and regulations applicable to sales by individuals.
