The small farm owner is a growing segment in Texas agriculture. Per Ag Census statistics, 33% of all farms and ranches in Texas are ranked under 50 acres in size.
The small scale farm or ranch owner may have purchased the operations for many reasons – retirement, a source of alternate income, or to impart a life-style change. Small scale farmers/ranchers many times have arrived in the enterprise with the need for education concerning enterprise choices, basic production guidelines, as well as advice on marketing strategies and agricultural legalities. Small scale farmers/ranchers have hurried schedules but are considered very technically astute. With the growing success of University level distance learning opportunities, the same webcourse access can be provided for adult learners in non-degree seeking courses.
The Small Scale Web-Based Program is targeted for small scale farmer/ranchers in need of agricultural courses to address some of the most common small scale enterprises and problems. The courses are completely asynchronous (can be completed in time available) but at the same time, interactive. Course facilitators will lead threaded discussion as a part of the learning modules and monitor classwork and survey instruments providing individual feedback to the course students. The courses will also be very useful in notifying students about additional learning opportunities that may be face-to-face instruction as well as resource sources.
