Instructor-Led

Soil & Water Resource Management

This course teaches the fundamentals of soil and water resource management for sustainable and profitable farming. You will learn to integrate regenerative agriculture and conservation practices to improve productivity and build natural capital.

  • Instructor-Led

    Course type

  • Once a Week

    Live Sessions

  • 9/25/25 - 12/11/25

    Course duration

  • Thursdays 1 pm CT
    /2 pm ET

    Date & Time
    What you are going to learn

    A few more words about this course

    Modern agriculture faces unprecedented challenges that make soil and water resource management more critical than ever before. Climate change is bringing increased weather variability, with more frequent droughts and intense precipitation events that test the resilience of farming systems. Simultaneously, growing global food demand requires farmers to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

    The foundation of addressing these challenges lies in understanding and managing the complex relationships between soil health, water resources, and agricultural productivity. Healthy soils with robust biological activity can store significantly more water, reducing irrigation needs and improving drought resilience. Well-managed water resources support optimal plant growth while preventing erosion and nutrient loss that can degrade soil quality over time.

    You will learn:

    • The fundamental principles of soil science, including physical, chemical, and biological processes
    • To develop practical skills in conducting soil assessments, and interpreting soil test results
    • How to integrate managed grazing systems with soil and water management to enhance soil health, improve water infiltration, and build organic matter.
    • To design comprehensive management systems that prevent soil erosion, protect water quality, enhance biodiversity, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations and conservation programs.

    What's included?

    Enrolling in this course gives you access to a rich and supportive learning experience designed for all levels. Here’s what you can look forward to:

    Ongoing Support

    Receive feedback and support throughout the course to help you succeed.

    Self-Paced Learning Modules

    Access engaging video lectures, readings, and activities anytime, anywhere.

    Weekly Live Sessions with the Instructor

    Connect in real time for Q&A, interactive lessons, and expert guidance.

    Assignments and Quizzes

    Apply what you learn through hands-on assignments and quizzes that reinforce key concepts.

    Discuss with others

    Participate in our online forum, share thoughts and ideas, increase connection, get help with your studies

    Student Forum & Community

    Join a vibrant online forum to discuss ideas, ask questions, and connect with classmates and instructors.

    Amanda Shine

    Expertise:
    Biology
    Soil Health
    Managed Grazing Systems
    Sustainable Agriculture

    About

    My agricultural journey started in my early 20's when I unexpectedly landed in an apprenticeship on a grass-based dairy in southern Wisconsin. I fell in love with dairying, grazing, and all things farming, and from there pursued additional training through the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy Farmers (at UW-Madison).
    I hold bachelor's degrees in biology and agriculture, and a master's degree in agronomy from the University of Nebraska, where I studied nutrient cycling in grazed ecosystems using a drone and geospatial analysis. I have also worked as a research associate for Montana State University assisting with field crop and forage research in northwestern Montana.
    I am passionate about all things soil- and forage-related and continually fascinated by the synergistic relationship between plants, soil and livestock and the potential for ecosystem restoration using well-managed grazing.
    Currently, my husband and I operate Roving Ram Ranch, LLC, a sheep operation near Kalispell, Montana. We focus on producing grass-finished lamb and high quality fleeces while providing targeted and regenerative grazing services to landowners in our area. We also breed and raise livestock guardian dogs.
    Don't hesitate

    Ready to master the foundation of sustainable agriculture? Enroll today and begin your journey toward becoming an expert in soil and water resource management.