Speaker: Joel Slate-Corporate Director of Fiber Supply ND Paper

Discussion of markets for low-grade forest products and resources to support them.

0.5 Category 1 CEU;  $10.00

Speaker: Amanda Lind-Technical Content Writer, Blue Marble Geographics

An explanation and demonstration how to use available software as a tool for foresters.

0.5 Category 1 CEU;  $10.00

Listen to some of the items being presented and discussed on the floor of the state legislature.

0.5 Category 1 ceu; $10

Fundamentals of Agricultural Credit Analysis is a self directed course for beginning agricultural lenders and beginning farmers. In this course participants will learn how to analyze financial statements to make credit decisions. In addition, the farmer will learn how to use financial statements to make better management decisions.

For more information on this course or to enroll please contact: Ryan Larsen at ryan.larsen@ndsu.edu

This online course consists of six units which address various topics relevant to municipal government in Montana. Each unit contains required reading, a discussion forum, and a quiz. It is anticipated that participants will complete each unit in approximately two hours for a total of 12 credited Institute hours.

Equine Genetics: An Important Diagnostic Tool is a self directed course designed for horse owners and enthusiasts. Participants will gain basic information on equine genetics and genetic diseases commonly found in horses from taking this course. For more information contact Nichol Schultz, University of Minnesota, at mccar556@umn.edu.

Teachers include: P. Stephen Baenziger, Leah Sandall, Diane Nolan

For more information or to enroll contact Kathy Schindler at kschindler1@unl.edu or 402-472-1730

Online 4-H Crop Production Lessons for Grades 4-8: Soil-based and Soilless Systems

Earth’s population growth and concurrent decline in farmland pose great challenges for food security across our planet.¹ The challenge of how to feed 9.9 billion people calls for new methods to grow and distribute food.² Having access to fresh and nutritious food is a basic need for all people. We invite youth to be learners and leaders who meet these challenges with a new vision for crop production that combines soil-based and soilless farming.

To engage youth in these global challenges, WVU Extension Service, Iowa State University Extension, and PLANTS, LLC have partnered to create a series of online lessons. Youth can gain a foundation by digging deep into crop growth and development in conventional and hydroponic systems. Youth learners in this online program will also explore their role and possible career opportunities in sustainable agriculture and ag technology.

Questions that students will explore in the online lessons include:

• How do plant seeds differ in terms of germination rates, structures, and plant types? 
• What type of plant maintenance is important for each stage of plant growth?
• How does light intensity and duration affect photosynthesis? 
• What are key elements of a healthy soil, and how does soil quality affect plant growth? 
• When are soilless plant production systems good alternatives to soil-based farming?
• What plant growth strategies can be used to conserve water? 
• How can farmers apply new plant growth technologies to increase crop yield and integrate sustainable agricultural practices?

1 Read more about world population growth projections presented by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) at: https://sdg.iisd.org/news/world-population-to-reach-9-9-billion-by-2050/

2 Read more about New and Emerging Technology for High Quality and Sustainable Horticulture Production in Gonnella, M., & Renna, M. (2021). The evolution of soilless systems towards ecological sustainability in the perspective of a circular economy. Is it really the opposite of organic culture? Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050950.

In the 'Growing Raspberries and Blackberries with IPM' course, Master Gardeners will learn the best maintenance techniques for growing brambles, including insect and disease management. This course places special emphasis on a new insect pest, the spotted wing drosophila.

Once you register for the class, you will have unlimited time to complete the work at your own pace. Once you have completed this course and received a certificate, you will receive Master Gardener credit worth 3 CEUs.

For more information, contact Mary Meyer University of Minnesota, at meyer023@umn.edu

Growing Strawberries with IPM is an online course for Master Gardeners looking for further certification or home gardeners. Students will learn the basics on what to consider when planting strawberries, as well as IPM-based strategies for controlling common pests and diseases.Once you have completed this course and received a certificate, you will receive Master Gardener credit.

For information or to enroll contact:
Mary Meyer, meyer023@umn.edu or
Echo Martin, mart1794@umn.edu with University of Minnesota

Aloha! Welcome to the Hawaii Interisland Livestock Shipper Certification training. This training module will briefly cover best management practices for interisland ocean transport of livestock in the state of Hawaii. This certification is required for any shipper transporting livestock via Young Brothers, Ltd. Certification training is free and will be valid for 3 years from date the course is completed. Questions regarding the topics covered in this module should be directed to your course facilitators, county livestock extension agent, livestock commodity group, or Young Brothers.  Mahalo for your time, effort, and commitment as a livestock shipper to help improve the transportation practices here in Hawaii.

This course is for child care providers. This 30-minute online class is a fun and interactive way to learn about the latest recommendations for healthy beverages for children and help child care providers meet the requirements of the California Healthy Beverages in Child Care Act (AB 2084). It includes videos, short quizzes, activities, and covers topics such as milk, types of fruit juice, drinking water, and reading a nutrition label. A professional development certificate will be provided upon completion. The course is free for child care providers located in California and available for child care providers outside of California for a $15 fee.