Courses in Regenerative Agriculture

An introduction to management approaches that focus on the interactions and synergies of ecosystem processes (energy flow, water and nutrient cycles, and community dynamics) to leverage the power of photosynthesis to improve water use efficiency and soil health across a variety of agro-ecosystems using appropriate production practices. 

6 weeks

Understand the connection between soil health and primary productivity and, ultimately, food and fiber quality. This course will cover soil properties, metrics of soil health, and influences of production practices and soil management systems (integrated practices) on these components. Soil sampling, analysis and interpretation are presented, along with monitoring strategies to ensure on-farm success.

6 weeks

This course will address whole ranch and grazing management planning and design with a focus on climate smart/regenerative practice implementation and assessment.  We will explore key concepts including the Holistic Management (HMI or Savory) and the Nine Step Conservation Planning Process from NRCS.

 6 weeks

This course explores agricultural practices that enhance pollination services by native pollinators and honeybees. It includes the importance of establishing pollinator habitat and hedgerows, use of pollinator-friendly cover crops, choosing plants, and other pollinator-friendly practices.

4 weeks

The aim of regenerative forestry is to promote the abundance, diversity and functioning of soil life, to better enable forests to be resilient in the face of stresses they will face in the 21st century. Soil life can be stewarded through practices that promote the flux of carbon from plants to the belowground ecosystem. This course will first present our current scientific understanding of the diversity of life belowground in forests and the fluxes of plant carbon that fuel the belowground ecosystem. We will then explore how forestry practices could be adapted to promote soil biodiversity and functioning.

4 weeks

This course is an introduction to tribal relations, cultural competency, and understanding your tribal partners. We'll discuss the benefits of meaningful tribal relations, cultural applications, and the link between indigenous culture and traditional cultural practices. Specifics will include the role of wildfire in the ecosystem, traditional fire use, tribal relations techniques, partnership building, and project design and implementation.

4 weeks

This course provides entry-/mid-level learning outcomes and real-world resources for producers and technical assistance providers on the theory and practice of regenerative orchard management within both conventional and regenerative treenut systems.

6 Weeks

This course introduces students to the biology of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and provides a comprehensive overview of beekeeping practices. Students will learn about the life cycle, anatomy, behavior, and ecology of honey bees and explore essential beekeeping methods such as hive management, honey production, and disease control. The course combines theoretical and practical knowledge.

4 weeks

Carbon Farming is a whole farm approach to optimizing carbon capture on working landscapes by implementing practices that are known to improve the rate at which CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere and stored in plant material and/or soil organic matter. Carbon Farm planning is a framework for engaging with the agroecosystem processes that drive system change taking into consideration the unique characteristics of a specific property.

4 weeks

This course supports the transitional process to a plan, implement, monitor, replan management framework that encourages producers and ag professionals to work through a systems lens that addresses economic success and improved land health. Participants will develop a vision that incorporates management goals, establish a land management plan, and identify metrics to quantify outcomes and reassess their plan annually. 

6 weeks