Organic Arable Farming

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by organic farming experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate. You have 2 years to complete the course.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Lesson 1 – Introduction and brief history of organic farming. Why organic farming? Introduction to soil structure, organic matter, soil organisms, the living soil, drainage and cultivation.

Lesson 2 – Nutrient cycling in natural ecosystems, agricultural systems, organic farms, specific plant nutrients and requirements, nutrient management, management of manures, slurry and organic residues.

Lesson 3 – Crop rotation, polyculture systems, fertility building, rotation design, crops within the rotation, stockless rotations, problem of rotations.

Lesson 4 – Weed management, weed ecology, cultural control practices, direct intervention techniques, biological weed control, integrated weed management.

Lesson 5 – Pest and disease management, causes of pest problems, self-regulation in organic systems, cultural control of pests and diseases, direct pest and disease control methods, pest management in grain storage, integrated pest management in organic farming, specific pests and diseases.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

There are no exams. On successful completion of this course you will receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* The HCC Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

• Once you have successfully completed this course you could work on a farm, either self employed or working for a farmer, growing crops using organic techniques. You may be suitable for roles such as a general farm worker or trainee assistant farm manager.
• If you already work in the farming industry, this course could help you take advantage of the growth of the organic farming sector and demand for organic products (supermarkets are expanding their organic ranges and more consumers are going straight to the farm or farmers’ markets to get the best quality meat). It would demonstrate to prospective employers that you understand organic arable crop production, and could also help you set up your own organic arable farm or convert an existing farm to organic practices.
• You could progress to the following HCC courses:

  Organic Livestock Farming
  Mixed Farming
  Tropical Agriculture
  Sheep Farming
  Crop Tech
  Market Gardening

You do not need previous farming knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

There are 2 ways you can enrol

• Pay the total course fee of £345 in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
• or
• Pay a deposit of just £95, followed by 5 instalments of £50