University of Southern Indiana Outreach and Engagement is offering a series of noncredit agriculture courses as part of its Lifelong Learning program. These low-cost programs, designed in part from feedback provided by farmers in the region, will cover a variety of topics and will be offered throughout the year.
Lifelong Learning courses are open to anyone in the community regardless of educational background. All courses are presented in a noncompetitive atmosphere, where interest in learning is the primary consideration. No grades are assigned and formal admission to the University is not required for course registration.
The first three one-session courses offered in February and March will be on the following topics:
- Family Farm Transfer and Estate Planning – This class is designed to guide estate planning and the transfer of assets process. Participants will learn how planning now can help reduce taxes on the transfer of appreciated farmland and address the settlement problems that may arise. The class will discuss the pros and cons of various entities including: limited liability company, sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership and corporation. Class dates are forthcoming.
- Understanding Federal Crop Insurance Program – This course will examine the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) program and the role of private and governmental participants. Learn the relationship between the private insurance companies, their managing general agencies (MGAs), the FCIC, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the private reinsurers that are the foundation of the program. This course will not focus on policy selection, coverage levels or other matters best answered by crop insurance agents or adjusters and no specific companies or products will be recommended. This one-session class will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 12 and March 25.
- Soil Sustainability- Back to Basics – This program will discuss the concept of sustainable agriculture and why it is important to satisfy human food and fiber needs, enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends. Participants will learn to make the most efficient use of nonrenewable and on-farm resources, appropriately integrate natural biological cycles and controls, sustain the economic viability of farm operations and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society. Soil basics will be discussed including soil structure, minerals, organic matter, humus, living organisms and nutrients. This one-session class will be offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on March 10 and March 31.
For more information or to register, contact USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989. Registration also may be completed online at USI.edu/agriculture.
