Subject Matter Expert (SME) Opportunity: Online Course Development, AFF-1030: Introduction to Regenerative Grazing

Program Overview and Course Structure

The Regenerative Grazing and Livestock Systems Certificate Program prepares you for a fulfilling career in the livestock farming industry. In this hybrid, 24-credit accredited program, you will develop the well-rounded skills to manage ruminant (beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goat) grazing, as the cornerstone of a modern and profitable agricultural operation. Through coursework and a capstone internship experience you will be connected to leaders in the agricultural practices of adaptive multi-paddock grazing, and develop a host of unique skills to put regenerative grazing into practice. Areas of study include: fence and water system design, sound pasture plant management, soil health management, selection criteria for livestock genetics, development of comprehensive grazing management plans, and, the right business and problem-solving skills to run a successful and modern livestock business.

Program Outcomes

• Understand regenerative livestock production systems.
• Understand and design forage and pasture management systems, taking into full account the variables of soil, forage plants, cover crops, rotational density and herd.
• Identify key components of ruminant nutrition, infectious diseases, pests, and herd genetics/breeding, and understand the role of pasture management within the context of herd health.
• Effectively use farm management tools and business knowledge to create a financially sustainable grazing business model.
• Design, construct and maintain fencing and watering systems.
• Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios.
• Create an implementable custom grazing management plan for an actual farm.
• Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.

As an SME, you will create and revise original course materials following VTSU Online’s established course development process, including templates, milestones, and quality reviews. Compensation per course is $1,000.00/credit.

Course Details:

AFF-1030: Introduction to Regenerative Grazing

Credit Hours: 1

Format: 100% Online, AFF1030

Catalog Description:

This course serves as an introduction to regenerative grazing practices and best practice. Students will apply the status quo approach to agriculture and livestock management in the U.S., including crop monocultures and confined animal feed operations (CAFOs). Students will become proficient in identification of alternatives to conventional systems by understanding key principles of natural systems and how they inform regenerative grazing approaches.

Learning outcomes:

Understand livestock production systems. Define regenerative grazing and understand the relationship to natural systems. Explain how regenerative grazing differs from conventional livestock production systems. Describe the One Health concerns with intensive agricultural production. Describe how regenerative grazing can support human-environmental health.

 Prerequisites: None.

Minimum Qualifications

Required minimum qualifications:

• Qualified candidates should have applied (workforce) subject matter experience, either through direct work experience in the industry, educational degree(s)/certifications, or a combination thereof.  Prior experience teaching is preferred. 
• Applicants should include a brief statement of interest and a resume or CV showing any relevant work and/or educational experience. 

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