Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Cultivating Success™: Education in Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching Academic Certificate

This educational program is designed for beginning and existing farmers, academic students interested in farming, as well as those in professions that support farming and ranching or who have interests in sustainable food systems. WSU, in partnership with the University of Idaho, and the non-profit Rural Roots offers a series of courses for people interested in sustainable farming and food systems. In the Cultivating Success program, students learn farm planning, decision-making and research skills. They also gain support from instructors, established farmers and fellow students as they develop sustainable agricultural enterprises. Courses include classroom instruction, hands-on learning, farm visits, and guest experts. Courses are taught by WSU and UI faculty and are offered around the state through a number of Extension offices in the two states. Courses are also available for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).

Requirements

Degree and non-degree seeking students enrolled at either Washington State University or University of Idaho are eligible to receive the Academic Certificate of Completion in Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching. This certificate program will give students a concentrated focus in Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching. Upon completion, a student will have completed 15–18 credits, in two required courses and a choice of one course from each of three modules. Please visit www.cultivatingsuccess.org for more detailed information about the certificate and courses. This certificate is offered through the Crop and Soils Sciences Department at WSU and the Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Science at the University of Idaho.

Required Courses

Sustainable Small Farms Overview Module

  • Sustainable Small Farming & Ranching (AFS/CRS 416 (WSU), Ag 416 (UI), 3 credits))

Farm-Based Learning Module

  • On-Farm Internship or Mentorship (Soils 498 (WSU), Ag 298 (UI), 3–6 credits)

Choice of at least one course (3 credits or more) from each of the following content areas or modules:

Business Module

  • Agricultural Entrepreneurship (AFS/CRS 417 (WSU), Ag 417 (UI), 3 credits)

Sustainable Production Module

  • Organic Farming and Gardening (AFS105/Soils 101(WSU), Ag 101(UI), 3 credits)
  • Organic Farming Practicum (Soils 480 (WSU), Ag 404 (UI), variable credits)
  • Ecological Soils Management (Soils 301 (WSU), 3 credits)
  • Sustainable Small Acreage Livestock Production (AVS 404 (UI), 3 credits)

Sustainable Food Systems Module

  • Science, Society and Sustainable Food Systems (Soils 150 (WSU), Ag 150 (UI), 3 credits)
  • Field Analysis of Sustainable Food Systems (AFS/CRS 445 (WSU), Ag 445 (UI), 3 credits)
  • World Agriculture Systems (Crops/Soils 360 (WSU), 3 credits)

How to Enroll in Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching Courses

WSU Students

WSU students at any campus and in any major can obtain the Academic Certificate in Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching, providing that they meet the prerequisites and requirements of the courses. Regional campus students can take classroom or online courses. If you are currently enrolled, please contact Hillary Templin, Academic Coordinator at htemplin@wsu.edu or visit www.cultivatingsuccess.org and contact the state coordinator for more information about the academic certificate.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

All participants in the Academic Certificate in Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching must be admitted to WSU, and may apply as a non-degree seeking student. There is a $25 application fee.

Non-degree seeking students interested in pursuing the certificate on the Pullman campus:

Please visit http://futurestudents.wsu.edu/admission/apply.aspx for more information and to apply to WSU. For more information about the certificate please contact Hillary Templin, Academic Coordinator at htemplin@wsu.edu or visit www.cultivatingsuccess.org and contact the state coordinator for more information about the academic certificate.