The small acreage landowner is a growing segment in Texas agriculture. Per Ag Census statistics, 33% of all farms and ranches in Texas are ranked under 50 acres in size. The small acreage farm or ranch owner may have purchased their small acreage operation for many reasons retirement, a source of alternate income, or to impart a life-style change.
Small scale farmers/ranchers many times have arrived in the enterprise with the need for education concerning enterprise choices, basic production guidelines, as well as advice on marketing strategies and agricultural legalities. One characteristic also typical of small scale farmers/ranchers is that they have hurried schedules in many cases but are considered very technically astute.
With the growing success of university-level distance learning opportunities, the same webcourse access is now provided for adult learners in non-degree seeking courses. The Small Scale Web-Based Program is targeted for small scale farmer/ranchers in need of agricultural courses to address some of the most common small acreage enterprises and problems. The courses are completely asynchronous (can be completed in time available) but at the same time, interactive. The courses will be conducting using the Moodle course management system. The fee for taking the webcourses is low at $50 per course for the introductory courses.
Interested small acreage landowners may visit the Small Acreage Landowner Webcourse website at http://grovesite.com/tamu/RI for more information on the courses currently available and the course schedules.
This educational opportunity is being offered through Texas AgriLife Extension of the Texas A&M University System. Courses will be added during the 2008 year, so save the link and check back frequently. The first three courses to be offered will be:
The Resource Inventory Course (4 week course)
Courses currently scheduled:
January 22 February 22, 2008
March 3 March 31, 2008
April 21 May 19, 2008
June 2 June 30, 2008
County Extension Agents report that large numbers of small farm producers will purchase land before an agricultural enterprise is determined. Identifying resources ranging from the amount of funds to the amount of time available to the operation is essential before an enterprise can be selected.
If all resources available to the operation are not identified prior to selecting an enterprise, land owners may find more labor, machinery, land, or finances are required to meet their goals than initially thought. This web course will assist land owners in the identification all available resources as well as the creation of a complete inventory of these resources. Once the Resource Inventory is completed, the selection of enterprises that correspond to all resources of the operation will be much easier.
This course will assist small landowners in answering the question, I bought some land
now what do I do with it?
Beef Cattle Management Course (6 week course)
Courses currently scheduled:
January 28 March 7, 2008
March 24 May 2, 2008
July 14 August 22, 2008
Beef cattle management has many components. Experienced ranchers spend a lifetime learning, however, there some critical components that will need to be identified and studied before responsibly entering into this type of enterprise. In this basic course, students are introduced to all of the important components of beef cattle management.
The beef cattle feeding and nutrition program for small producers is typically fairly concentrated due to the smaller acreage available. Basic nutritional needs are discussed per class of animal and expected growth goals. Options are presented balancing protein and energy needs. The subject of waste management is also discussed ensuring the environmentally sound practices. The most common beef cattle breeds are provided including discussion on traits of each.
The basic breeding systems used by cattle producers are detailed and the simple genetics incorporated. Matching breed (maternal and paternal traits) to agricultural enterprise is a main educational goal. The small farm producer has many options to market beef cattle raised. Tradition forms of trade as well as technologically advanced options are presented as well as methods used to reduce risk.
This course will address a comprehensive need for education for small landowners entering into an operation including beef cattle.
Pasture Management Course (5 week course)
Courses currently scheduled:
January 30 February 29, 2008
March 12 April 18, 2008
The establishment of a quality pasture for any livestock species will be the most healthy and economic option for any ruminant livestock species. Educational modules in this course will include: the nutritive value of forages; the importance of stocking rate to the operation and how to manage it most efficiently; hay storage and feeding; and forage establishment.
This course will be appropriate for small landowners seeking to establish forage/hay operations as well as preparing pastureland for a livestock enterprise.
For more information on this or any other Texas AgriLife Extension Service program contact Roger Skipper, County Extension Agent Agriculture at 903-583-7453.
