Course covers tools, concepts and strategies to help farmers
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Registration is open for Climate-Smart Practices for Forage Systems an online, self-paced course designed to help farmers improve production and resilience in their operations by incorporating climate-smart practices. (Clemson University)
CLEMSON, S.C. — The Clemson Cooperative Extension Service is offering a free online course to help both new and experienced farmers improve production and resilience in their operations by incorporating climate-smart practices.
Registration is open for Climate-Smart Practices for Forage Systems, a self-paced course available through Clemson Extension Online. The course covers tools, concepts and strategies to help farmers make informed decisions about managing forage and livestock systems, while also supporting long-term viability and resilience in operations.
“This beginner-to-intermediate level course is open to anyone interested in learning more about forage systems and ecological best practices,” said Liliane Silva, Clemson Extension forage-livestock systems specialist and course administrator. “We’ll be sharing research-based recommendations related to climate-smart practices for forage-livestock operations.”
Topics include business planning, new farm technology, soil health, weed control and strategies to enhance carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve overall production and environmental and financial resilience of operations.
Participants will learn how to apply improved management techniques in their operations, support animal and forage production, and reduce environmental impacts from livestock farming. The course also offers guidance on managing weeds, optimizing nutrients and animal nutrition, and supporting mental health and farm transition planning.
Students will gain skills in recordkeeping, budgeting and creating business plans aimed at increasing farm profitability.
There are no prerequisites. Anyone interested in forage systems is encouraged to enroll from producers, Extension agents, agricultural professionals and students. To earn a certificate of completion, participants must complete all pre- and post-course quizzes and watch all instructional videos.
More details about course content, technical requirements and registration can be found at Climate-Smart Practices for Forage Systems.
This course is provided by funds from a Southern Risk Management Education grant.
–Denise Attaway, Clemson University
