AGR 125 : Specialized Crops
This course focuses on the production of specialized crops including heirloom varieties, native plants, as well as emerging production industries such as hemp. The importance and usefulness of crops in an ecological and economic setting is emphasized, as well as current regulations and practices regarding production. Students will also be given the opportunity to explore growing specialized crops meeting their own interest to help diversify local agriculture and increase potential economic benefit for new and existing farmers. Three lecture hours per week.
Course Outcomes
After completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Identify the difference between native and non-native/invasive plants, as well as the benefits and uses of native and heirloom plants and hemp.
2. Develop a plan for growing/marketing native plants and heirloom plants.
3. Discuss the biology, history and uses of native plants and hemp as well as other specialized crops.
4. Recognize the current state and federal regulations regarding all levels of production of specialized crops, from seed saving/collecting, to growing and processing
crops.
5. Prepare for the practice of growing specialized crops.