VAEAP Orientation


Veterans Agriculture Education and Assistance Program (VAEAP) in the Southwest 


  • This VAEAP orientation video will ensure you are aware of the requirements of the program and will also cover the last paperwork you need to fill out and return. After the orientation video, please fill out and sign the last three pages of the Participant Protocols.

    Once your paperwork is submitted, you'll be sent a code so that you can access all of the VAEAP curriculum. 


AT001B-Solar PV Basics: Load Analysis

Course Name: AT001B-Solar PV Basics: Load Analysis

This course is the second installment in the class AT001 - Solar Photovoltaic Basics. This class teaches you how to calculate the size required for solar systems by analyzing the load of the devices you plan to operate.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AT009-Drone Applications in Agriculture

Course Name: AT009-Drone Applications in Agriculture

This course will address the use of drones for agriculture including spray applications, and field data acquisition. Questions? Contact Dr. Ed Franklin at uafrank0@arizona.edu

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


VAEAP-Introduction to Careers and Business Opportunities in Agriculture and Horticulture

Course Name: VAEAP-Introduction to Careers and Business Opportunities in Agriculture and Horticulture

This is the required class for the Veterans Ag Education and Apprenticeship Program. We go over the different career possibilities in agriculture and other green industries. If you have any questions, please contact the professors. Dr. Ursula Schuch: uschuch@arizona.edu Trent Teegerstrom: tteegers@ag.arizona.edu Dr. Edward Franklin: uafrank0@arizona.edu

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AH005-Landscape Management

Course Name: AH005-Landscape Management  

Contact Dr. Ursula Schuch at uschuch@u.arizona.edu with any questions. 

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AH004-Food Safety

Course Name: AH004-Food Safety 

Remember to check in with Dr. Schuch following completing the course at uschuch@u.arizona.edu

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AH003-Controlled Environment Food Production

Course Name: AH003-Controlled Environment Food Production

Introduction to different types of controlled environment food production. Topics covered will include infrastructure requirements, control of environmental factors, and examples of production using the following systems: • Hydroponic • Aquaponics • Mushroom Cultivation Questions? Contact Dr. Ursula Schuch at uschuch@arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AH002-Organic Versus Conventional Food Production

Course Name: AH002-Organic Versus Conventional Food Production

This class will cover definitions of different types of production: • Conventional • Sustainable • Pesticide free • Local • Organic • USDA certified organic Requirements for USDA organic production will be discussed. Questions? Contact Dr. Ursula Schuch at uschuch@arizona.edu

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.

Contact and technical support: Robert Masson, masson@arizona.edu.



AH001-Basics of Agriculture and Horticulture Production

Course Name: AH001-Basics of Agriculture and Horticulture Production

Join Dr. Ursula Schuch for this introductory course into horticulture and agriculture production. If you have follow up questions, feel free to email Dr. Schuch at uschuch@arizona.edu.  

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.

Contact and technical support: Robert Masson, masson@arizona.edu.


Recreation Drone Flight TRUST

Course Name: Recreation Drone Flight TRUST

This course will look at the recreation aspect of drone flying and introduce you to a new online exam for recreation drone flyers. 


AT007-Pumping Water with Solar PV Energy

Course Name: AT007-Pumping Water with Solar PV Energy

This course will cover the use of solar PV energy to power submersible wells used in agriculture. Topics will include: DC pumps, Pump controllers, Safety Disconnects, Combiner Box, Mounting systems, Modules & arrays, Wiring & connections Questions? Contact Dr. Ed Franklin at uafrank0@arizona.edu

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


VAEAP-Hoop House Build at AVG

Course Name: VAEAP - Hoop House Build at AVG

This video shows the construction of a Hoop House kit at the Avra Valley Growers. Thank you to Bruce Laird for hosting VAEAP participants

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AT003-Solar PV Modules

Course Name: AT003-Solar PV Modules

This video is the first installment in the AT003 course focusing on Solar Photovoltaic Modules and how to interpret the module cut sheets. Contact uafrank0@arizona.edu with any questions about the course!

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AT002-Types of Solar PV Systems

Course Name: AT002-Types of Solar PV Systems

This course will cover the types of solar PV systems including PV-direct, Grid-connect, Stand-alone, and Multi-modal systems. We will address where these systems are found in our communities, our homes, schools, and businesses. Questions? Contact Dr. Edward Franklin at uafrank0@arizona.edu

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AT001-Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Basics

Course Name: AT001-Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Basics

This course will cover how solar photovoltaic energy systems work focusing on what takes place within the solar PV cell and how electricity is produced. The type of electrical current and electrical terms and definitions commonly used in the solar energy industry including power, watts, voltage, current, and resistance are presented. Questions? Contact Dr. Edward Franklin at uafrank0@arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB015-Tax Issues for Farmers and Ranchers

Course Name: AB015-Tax Issues for Farmers and Ranchers

This course introduces common tax filing issues for owners of small businesses or farms. The information presented in this module comes from the Ruraltax.org website, which contains a variety of small farm tax examples that could be used to supplement the presentation. This module briefly touches of individual tribal tax and deferred tax issues. This module is not meant to be a comprehensive look at taxes and tax issues; rather, it is meant to help participants become more aware of the types of tax issues that exist. 1. Basic tax forms 2. Schedule F 3. Self-employment taxes 4. Hobby loss rules 5. Form 1099 6. Individual tribal taxes 7. Section 179 8. Depreciation and estate taxes Questions? Contact Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB014-Ownership, Liability, and Risk

Course Name: AB014-Ownership, Liability, and Risk 

This course covers different business structures and the advantages and disadvantages of each. For example, a sole proprietorship (the most common type of business structure) is owned and operated by a single individual. Sole proprietorship has the most flexibility of the business structures, but this flexibility comes with a price—unlimited liability. This class also covers risk and risk management. Areas of risk can include production, financial, price, institutional, or human. This module will teach participants how to evaluate the level of risk in their businesses or farms and create plans for corrective measures to avoid or minimize risk. Identifying and managing risk in the early stages of the planning phase is important. 1. Business structures and the pros and cons of each 2. Risk management 3. Tools for managing risk 4. Analyzing on farm risk 5. Food safety issues 6. Disaster preparedness Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu. 

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB013-Introduction to American Indian Land Tenure Act

Course Name: AB013-Introduction to American Indian Land Tenure Act 

This course covers first how American Indian reservations were established, beginning with the Doctrine of Discovery, to Manifest Destiny and the creation of the Office of Indian Affairs, through the evolution of federal policies that have created the reservations that we know today. The second section of the module covers the difficulties of navigating the uniqueness of each reservation. How the reservation was established and whether or not it was impacted by the Dawes Act of 1887 will determine land tenure on a given reservation. American Indian trust land is held in a "trust status" by the US government; in the case of allotments, fractionation occurs, resulting in hundreds of owners on a single parcel of land. Water rights are also brought up as a contentious issue on reservations, and the use of Indian trust land as collateral is difficult. This class shines light on the laws and legislation that have created social economic hardship for reservations and Native Americans. 1. Federal policy eras 2. Tribal governance and the federal relationship 3. Tribal sovereignty 4. General Allotment Act, 1887 5. Fractionation 6. Trust to fee conversion 7. Water rights on reservations Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB012-Financial Analysis

Course Name: AB012-Financial Analysis

This course builds on the previous module’s financial overview of budgets and statements. Using examples, this class explains in greater detail how to create and analyze a partial budget and an enterprise budget using tools like sensitivity analysis and break-even analyses. MyFi Assist is also re-introduced. This tool can be used to find monthly payments to be used in a partial budget or an enterprise budget, which will allow participants to find break-even points or complete sensitivity analyses. Participants should understand that all financial options should be considered on paper to determine the outcomes that are good, bad, and ugly. Once these are known, it becomes possible to plan for future financial success. 1. Sensitivity analysis 2. Break-even analysis 3. Partial budgeting Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB011-Introduction to Budgets and Financial Statements

Course Name: AB011-Introduction to Budgets and Financial Statements 

This course is meant to be an introduction to (not a comprehensive understanding of) different types of financial statements and budgets (budgets will be covered in greater detail in AB012). Understanding financial statements can benefit business owners by helping them determine whether or not the business or enterprise is performing as expected. When discussing budgets, help participants understand that budgets are a way of managing resources to maximize profits. The budgeting worksheets used in this module are meant to guide participants through the steps of building their own enterprise budgets and incorporating all production costs. Future entrepreneurs should be as accurate as possible with their revenue and expenses, and understand that it is easier to make adjustments on paper now, rather than when their businesses are operational. The cash flow worksheets help visualize when expenses are incurred and when revenue is generated. The excel version of the worksheet can be a helpful tool to use as an in-class example, and the long-term cash flow worksheet can help your participants compare different cash flow scenarios and see whether they will run a deficit or a surplus. 1. Types of budgets 2. Cash flows 3. Types of financial statements 4. Important ratios 5. Why it is important to keep records Questions? Contact Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB010-Market Assessment-Estimating Market Size and Price

Course Name: AB010-Market Assessment-Estimating Market Size and Price

This course is a comprehensive look at defining a customer base, estimating the size of the market, and determining a price point. This class uses worksheets to guide participants through the process of determining market size and price points for their products. Each worksheet covers a different topic, including customer segmentation, potential volume, competition, pricing strategy, and promotion strategy. Additional resources are listed in the PowerPoint presentation to help participants find information on potential customer demographics, average food consumption, and pricing. Completing a market assessment is an important and cost-effective step in starting a business: Investing time into completing one now can save money in the future. 1. Market assessment process 2. Estimating product price 3. Competitive analysis 4. External factors in pricing Questions? Contact Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB009-Early Development of a New Idea

Course Name: AB009-Early Development of a new Idea   

This course uses a mini assessment tool to help a prospective entrepreneur determine whether they are financially and personally capable of starting a new venture. Once the mini assessment is complete, another set of questions goes into more detail about the product, cost structure, and market. The more detail a prospective entrepreneur can put into the answers, the better prepared to start a business they are. The business planning questions are meant to give participants a comprehensive look at the steps to starting a business. 1. Am I ready to start a business? 2. Introduction to finances and budgeting 3. Developing a market strategy 4. Can I make money? Questions? Contact Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu. 

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB007-Creating Your Financial Plan

Course Name: AB007-Creating Your Financial Plan

The focus of this course is to help students analyze their budgeting assignments. Students will identify their goals and insert them into their budgets. This is also a point to reiterate trade-offs and wants versus needs (refer to module 6) to help keep a balanced working budget. Included in this module is the financial self-assessment worksheet that was initially provided in module 1 in addition to a budget review questionnaire. Students fill out the financial self-assessment worksheet. The self-assessment worksheet will give them a benchmark for their progress, as well as a direction for what they need to be working on. 1. Length of time to maintain records 2. Review progress on exercises 3. Creating your plan 4. Assessment of current situation 5. Analyze your assessment 6. Prioritize your goals 7. Develop a plan to achieve your goals 8. Review your plan 9. Monitor and modify your financial plan Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB006-Personal Finances

Course Name: AB006-Personal Finances

This course is an in-class review of the long-term cash flow and budgeting assignment. A discussion will cover how students developed their cash flows. Did they run into any obstacles? Did they figure out where to put odd expenditures? Are they having problems incorporating savings into their budget? Is their budget accurate? This module helps students understand that they can still reach their goals while meeting their financial needs. 1. Students’ Cash Flow 2. Trade-Offs 3. Wants verus Needs 4. Unexpected Expenses 5. Hold Yourself Accountable 6. Adjust Your Expenditures Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB005-Savings and Budgeting

Course Name: AB005-Savings and Budgeting

This class introduces long- and short-term savings plans and goals as well as how to define each of these. This class also uses the MyFi Assist app to help students create a savings plan. Going over the cash flow and budget assignment will help students introduce savings into their budgets if they have not done so already. Their savings plans should include an emergency fund, a long-term goal like retirement, and at least one short-term goal. If students’ budgets seem to be stretched, they can identify areas where they can spend less or find areas where they can earn extra income. 1. Savings Goals 2. Good versus Bad Savings Goals 3. Risk and Rates over Time 4. Where Do I Save my Money? 5. Budget Check-Up and Questions 6. Finding Ways to Save 7. Inflation Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB004-Credit Reports and Scores

Course Name: AB004-Credit Reports and Scores

This course explains how to access and understand credit scores and credit reports. Banks and lenders use FICO scores (a specific credit score) to measure the risk of lending to someone. Credit scores indicate the level of borrower risk: higher scores indicate lower risk and lower scores indicate higher risk. If the risk is too high, the lender may not approve the loan. This module covers what FICO scores are, their importance and how they are determined. 1. Key Concepts 2. FICO Score Background 3. FICO Score Considerations and Requirements 4. FICO Score Components 5. Where to Find Your Score 6. Why Your Score Matters 7. Credit Reports 8. Identity Theft 6. Strategies to Improve Credit Students should keep track of their cash flows and budgets; if they have an accurate budget they may find that they are able to use it to schedule the repayment of any debt. They can also use credit to buy the things they want and pay off the debt monthly to not incur interest expense. If applying for a loan is necessary, they already have an idea of where they stand in the eyes of a lender and can negotiate terms. Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.


AB003-Applying for a Loan-the 5 C's of Borrowing

Course Name: AB003-Applying for a Loan-the 5 C's of Borrowing  

This class does not revisit the record keeping assignment, but students should remember to keep track of their cash flows. Also try to answer any questions that may come up while they are trying to compile their budget. Cash flows and budgets will be referred to in later modules. This class addresses the factors that lenders take into account when approving loan applications. Understanding what a lender is looking for in a borrower can help potential borrowers increase their chances of being approved for a loan, or obtaining a better interest rate. 1. Qualities Banks and Lenders Look for in a Borrower 2. Sources of Money 3. Terms and Conditions of a Loan 4. Personal Information Required for Loan Application 5. 5 C’s of Borrowing 6. Basis of Loan Approval Students should keep track of their cash flows and budgets; if they have an accurate budget they may find that applying for a loan is not necessary. Instead, they can cut frivolous expenses and save to buy the things they want. If applying for a loan is necessary, they already have an idea of where they stand in the eyes of a lender. Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

AB002-Loans and Credit Cards

Course Name: AB002-Loans and Credit Cards  


At this point, this class does not revisit record keeping, but students should remember to keep track of their cash flows, because they will be referring to them in later modules. AB002 addresses interest rates on loans and credit cards. We also introduce the MyFi Assist app, it is a free financial assistant app. MyFi is used extensively through the money management modules. 1. Components of an Interest Rate 2. Credit Score versus Interest Rate 3. MyFi Assist 4. Paying Credit Cards 5. Paying for House Loans 6. Take-Home Message 7. Money Management Module Review 8. Reminder to Keep Track of your Budgeting Exercise The objective of module 2 is to understand the effects of interest rates, as well as managing loans and credit card usage. Questions? Contact Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.

Contact and technical support: Robert Masson, masson@arizona.edu.




AB001-Record Keeping and Cash Flows

Course Name: AB001-Record Keeping and Cash Flows 

This class starts with the basics of building a financial plan, which is keeping track of your income and expenses. This is where we first introduce the financial self-assessment. Students will fill out the assessment to help them gain a better understanding of their own financial well-being, and hopefully give them motivation to go through the entire money management modules. The assessment is retaken in module 7, which allows students to see their progression. 1. Record Keeping 2. Hand versus. Computer Records 3. 5 Basic Steps to Record Keeping 4. Cash Flow Statements 5. Types of Expenses By the end of this class students should have a clear method for how they want to track their expenses and build a cash flow budget. Questions? Email Trent Teegerstrom at tteegers@ag.arizona.edu.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.

Contact and technical support: Robert Masson, masson@arizona.edu.


Get it in the Bag! Sweep Net Basics and Advanced Pest Management

THIS COURSE IS UNDER REVIEW AND NOT AVAILABLE FOR CALIFORNIA CEU CREDITS AT THIS TIME


Course Name: Get it in the Bag! Sweep Net basics and advanced pest management.

Course Overview: 

Sweep-nets are a common tool Pest Control Advisors use to scout cotton and alfalfa fields for insect pests and beneficials. We will meet at a farm, discuss various scouting techniques, and experienced alfalfa and cotton Extension Specialists will conduct hands-on training. Participants will be required to successfully demonstrate competency with sweep net collection, and reference publications written by workshop instructors, to determine the threshold for different chemistry selections. Additionally, product updates and novel methods of pest control will be discussed by two industry representatives.     


Course Number: CA-DPR # O-XXXX-24, AZDA # 24338 

CEU Credits: This course is accredited by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (2.0 CEU 'Other' category and the Arizona Department of Agriculture (2.0 CEU) 

Course will be automatically removed from circulation December 31st 2023.

The course contains video so it requires a computer that can play audio and video.

Contact and technical support: Robert Masson, masson@arizona.edu.


Cost of this course is $20.00