Free online courseSustainable Agriculture Fundamentals: Whole-Farm Practices, Soil Health and Economics

Course Description

Sustainable Agriculture Fundamentals: Whole-Farm Practices, Soil Health and Economics is a free online course in the Professional Skills category, designed for anyone who wants a practical introduction to farming systems that balance productivity, resilience, and responsible resource use.

Through a whole-farm perspective, the course explores how day-to-day decisions connect across fields, livestock, labor, and the surrounding environment. You will learn how soil-building strategies such as cover crops and conservation tillage can support long-term soil health, and how thoughtful planning can reduce inputs while maintaining performance.

The course also examines social sustainability on farms and in communities, alongside ecological approaches to pest management that prioritize prevention and biodiversity. Sustainable grazing and water conservation are covered as key practices for protecting land and waterways while improving farm adaptability in changing conditions.

To round out the fundamentals, the course addresses the economics of sustainable agriculture, helping you think through costs, benefits, and trade-offs when adopting new practices. If you are looking for a clear, approachable overview of sustainable farming principles and whole-farm decision-making, this course offers a focused starting point.