This class will explore grape origins, domestication, and fundamental principles of grape growing, both domestically and globally. It will include practices specific to the winter such, as pruning.

This class will explore grape origins, domestication, and fundamental principles of grape growing, both domestically and globally. It will include practices specific to the winter such, as pruning.

In this course students will formulate a complete production plan for a 20 acre organic vegetable farm through the comprehension of introduced topics and activity. Topics covered in detail include small farm business development, production planning for established markets, compliance with farm certifications for organic production and food safety regulations, soil health and fertility and, methods for plant production and crop maintenance.

Interrelationship of soils and higher plants. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Practical approach to current problems through basic soil principles. Prerequisite: some knowledge of chemistry. (Gen.Ed. BS)

This class will help to develop the skills and understanding of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while being a successful farmer or gardener. Students will learn basic anatomy for safe and sustainable manual labor and practice applying safe body mechanics to typical farming labor tasks.

This course is a farmer's perspective on the sustainable management of cows, sheep and goats on a small farm. It provides students with a clear understanding of how to think through the planning and management of cows, sheep and goats for meat production. All aspects from breeding to marketing will be addressed. Students will gain a rudimentary plan on how to incorporate ruminants into their small farm plan.

The ecology of plant, microbe, and human interactions in plant diseases, from wilderness to industrial farms. Epidemics, traditional farming, environmental impacts and sustainability issues. Ways in which agriculture, particularly plant production and plant disease management, change ecosystems. Independent project. Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 100 or equivalent recommended.
(Formerly MICROBIO 515)

Introduction to the indoor culture of tropical plants and other species. Artificial lighting, acclimatization, moisture requirements, soils and nutrition, and diagnosing plant problems. Information applicable to professional indoor plant maintenance, retail marketing, and growing plants in the home.

Advanced methodology and psychology of training horses.

Participants will work under the direction of USDA Farm Service Agency personnel, providing assistance to the farm loan process, participating in government assistance programs, and working with USDA FSA outreach.