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Unit 1: Basic Ecological Concepts and Principles Related to Agricultural Systems

By the end of this course, you will:

• understand the key ecological principles related to crop and animal production systems.

• be able to help farmers and ranchers use agroecological concepts to manage their farms and ranches.

• understand the national standards that apply to organic farming, and how they affect management and input decisions.

• know how farms and ranches can be managed to optimize effects on watersheds, wildlife habitat, and adjacent non-agricultural lands.

What are your expectations for this course? Do these learning objectives match some of your own goals?

Let’s get started!