Ag 101 is designed to give you a good feel for farmers, the business and industry and sustainability. The three modules provide more than six (6) hours of training with a depth of resources linked on each lesson and downloadable PDF files that reinforce the information and to help you dive in deeper on lessons where your interests lie most. 

Getting to Know Farmers

We open the Grounded in Ag experience by asking people to examine perceptions of farmers and agriculture as we get perspectives from eight (8) farmers around the country. The ability to understand and connect with folks at the heart of the industry can have a major impact on the ease with which you work. This conversation is intended to challenge notions of what farmers are like and ask people to reflect on the sources they have had available to construct these mental images. 

Through the diverse stories shared by the panelists, ranging from urban specialty growers to traditional dairy farmers and large-scale crop producers, we hope to give students a rich understanding of the varied experiences within the agricultural community. Our speakers shed light on the multifaceted nature of farming, encouraging a broader appreciation for the multitude of ways in which individuals engage in agricultural practices.

Getting to Know Farmers module includes (video watch time 2 hrs 25 min.)

• Meeting & Getting to Know Farmers 
• Understanding the Demographics
• Family Farms: Similarities & Differences
• Communities & Sense of Humble Pride
• Tips From Farmers for New Comers

The Business of Agriculture

In this module, we focus on the business of agriculture, expanding beyond individual farms to explore the marketplace and the businesses that support them. The course will explore the intersection of technology, equipment, market forces, and the economics of agriculture.

As people often associate agriculture solely with farming, this module aims to shed light on the broader business aspects, emphasizing the importance of financial sustainability for farmers. Additionally, we will explore industry associations and the collaborative nature of the agricultural community, and provide clear and accessible explanations of complex concepts, thus enabling a deeper understanding of the agriculture industry.

During this course, each lesson is presented by a farmer(s) or expert as they take you through the various topics we've learned are most important for folks to understand as they begin working in ag and ag adjacent roles.

The Business of Agriculture (video watch time 2 hrs)

• The Markets & Cash Flow
• Mental Health
• Distributor, Retailer & Farmer Sales
• Independent Consultants
• Let’s Talk About Equipment
• Technology & Data in Agriculture
• The Basics of Pesticides & Regulatory
• Food & Feed Safety
• Understanding Farm Organizations
• What do people get wrong? (includes perspectives from experts in this module as well as experts in the crops and livestock courses) 

Agricultural Sustainability

The topic of sustainability is one that gets discussed in all areas of society now but perhaps no industry is more discussed and, potentially misunderstood, than agriculture. Agriculture is often discussed in the industry, but that discussion may not be as clear to people more broadly. 

Because of the complexity of the topic, this module takes the format of a round table discussion, facilitated by Janice Person. The conversation is propelled by a diverse panel of experts that includes farmers, consultants, and industry professionals, each offering a unique perspective on the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture. We will touch on various aspects of sustainability, from soil management to water conservation, and how these are essential for the future of agriculture.

While this course was largely created through the round table, follow-up visits to the farmers involved adds another dimension. 

Sustainability module includes these lessons (video watch time 1 hr 45 min.)

• Agriculture and Water 
• It’s Soil, Not Just Dirt
• The Role of Ag with Climate Change & Carbon
• Animals, Pollinators & Wildlife
• People Need to Thrive as Well 
• Wrapping Up on Sustainability
• On-farm visits with farmers in Kansas, California & Louisiana 

Because Ag 101 is a building block that is important to cover for all, it's included in the full range of product offerings we have.