Frequently asked questions

About MGIC

What is the Managed Grazing Innovation Center (MGIC) or "magic"?

The Managed Grazing Innovation Center (MGIC) is the educational arm of the Dairy Grazing Alliance (DGA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization . MGIC provides online education programs focused on regenerative agriculture and managed grazing practices for dairy farmers across the nation. Our mission is to bridge traditional farming knowledge with modern digital learning, making sustainable grazing education accessible to farmers regardless of location, language, or background.

What makes MGIC different from other agricultural education providers?

MGIC offers several unique advantages:
  • Farmer-Centric Design: Our courses are built around actual farm schedules and challenges, with flexible timing that works around milking and farm chores
  • Expert Instructors: Learn from subject matter expert with decades of real-world farming experience
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: We provide a complete educational hub for all aspects of regenerative agriculture, not just isolated topics
  • Supportive Community: Connect with fellow farmers nationwide to share experiences and build lasting professional relationships
  • Multilingual Offerings: Courses available in English and Spanish to serve diverse farming communities


Who is MGIC for?

  • Beginning farmers seeking foundational knowledge in sustainable dairy practices
  • Transitioning farmers moving to grazing-based or regenerative systems
  • Experienced farmers looking to refine their practices and stay current with innovations
  • Farm employees and herd managers wanting to advance their careers
  • Agricultural students pursuing careers in pasture-based dairy farming
  • Anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and managed grazing

Is MGIC accredited or certified?

MGIC is approved as a private postsecondary school by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Program. This approval covers the seven core courses of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program.

Courses & Programs

Are courses self-paced or scheduled?

MGIC courses can be self-paced or combine both live and self-paced elements. Weekly live sessions provide opportunities to interact with instructors and fellow students in real time, while recorded materials allow you to review content at your own pace. All live sessions are recorded and available for later viewing, making our programs flexible enough to fit around your farm schedule. 

How long do courses typically last?

Course duration varies by topic. Most comprehensive courses run 7-12 weeks, with students spending approximately 3-5 hours per week on coursework. Shorter workshops and specialized topics may be 2-4 weeks. Specific duration is listed on each course page.

Do I need prior farming experience to take MGIC courses?

No prior experience is required for most courses. MGIC courses are designed to be accessible to beginners while still providing valuable insights for experienced farmers. We assume no previous knowledge and explain all concepts and technical terms clearly. Course descriptions indicate the intended audience and any recommended prerequisites.

What if I'm not a dairy farmer? Can I still benefit from MGIC courses?

While MGIC specializes in dairy grazing education, many of our courses cover principles applicable to other livestock operations, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable farming practices. Topics like soil health, holistic management, farm business planning, and leadership development benefit farmers across all agricultural sectors.

Enrollment & Pricing

How much do MGIC courses cost?

Course pricing varies depending on the length and content of each program. Specific pricing is listed on each course page. As a nonprofit organization, MGIC strives to keep education affordable and accessible to all farmers.

Are scholarships or financial assistance available?

While we do not have a scholarship program at this time, we are committed to accessibility. We may be able to create a personalized payment plan for you, so please reach out to us directly to inquire. We are also continuously looking for new sponsorship partners to help us support farmers with more opportunities

When do courses start?

MGIC offers courses throughout the year with multiple start dates. Many courses follow a cohort model so students progress together. Specifically, courses that are part of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program are offered during the Spring and Fall semesters. Please check our homepage or individual Course pages for specific dates and enrollment deadlines."

What is your refund policy?

MGIC offers refunds for withdrawals made within the first week of the course. After that period, refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on individual circumstances. 

Live Sessions & Community

What are live sessions like?

Live sessions are interactive online classes where you can see and hear the instructor, view presentations, ask questions in real time, and participate in discussions with fellow students. Sessions typically include lectures, demonstrations, Q&A periods, and sometimes breakout discussions. You can participate via video/audio or simply watch and type questions in the chat.

What if I can't attend a live session?

All live sessions are recorded and posted. You can watch recordings at your convenience and still participate in discussions through the course forum. However, we encourage attending live when possible for the best learning experience and to connect with the community. If you are an Apprentice, attendance for Apprenticeship courses is required. 

Can I interact with instructors outside of live sessions?

Absolutely! You can ask questions through the course discussion forum, email instructors directly, or post in community channels. MGIC emphasizes instructor accessibility and supportive learning. 

Will I be able to connect with other farmers?

Yes, community connection is a core part of the MGIC experience. Each course includes discussion forums where you can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from fellow students. Many students form lasting professional relationships and continue supporting each other long after the course ends.

Certificates & Career Development

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Yes, students who successfully complete all course requirements receive a certificate of completion from the Managed Grazing Innovation Center. Certificates include your name, the course title, completion date, and can be used for professional development documentation.

What are the requirements to earn a certificate?

Requirements vary by course but typically include:
  • Attending or viewing a minimum percentage of live sessions (usually 80%)
  • Completing weekly assignments or quizzes
  • Participating in discussions or practical exercises
  • Passing a final assessment or project
  • Specific requirements are outlined in each course.

How can MGIC courses help my farming career?

MGIC courses provide practical knowledge that directly improves farm operations, leading to increased profitability, improved sustainability, and enhanced animal welfare. Certificates demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can support loan applications, grant proposals, land lease negotiations, and employment opportunities in agriculture.

Partnership Opportunities

Does MGIC offer partnership opportunities for agricultural organizations?

Yes, MGIC partners with agricultural organizations, educational institutions, and farming associations to expand access to quality online education. We offer two flexible partnership models designed to meet different organizational needs and goals. For more information send an email to mgic@dga-national.org or visit our Partnerships page

What are the two partnership options?

Option 1: Co-Branded on MGIC Platform - Your courses live on the MGIC platform (example) with dedicated partner branding and a separate channel for your community.
Option 2: Branded School Partnership - A completely branded online school with your own domain, where MGIC serves as your LMS administrator. For more information send an email to mgic@dga-national.org

What is the Co-Branded Partnership?

The Co-Branded Partnership option allows your organization to host courses on the established MGIC platform while maintaining your brand identity. Your courses receive a dedicated landing page with your branding, and you have a separate community channel for your students. This option includes shared platform infrastructure, partner-branded course pages, a revenue sharing model, and MGIC handles all technical management. Your organization becomes part of the larger grazing education community, giving your students access to networking with farmers from other programs. For more information send an email to mgic@dga-national.org

Who is the Co-Branded Partnership best for?

The Co-Branded Partnership is ideal for organizations wanting to test online education without significant upfront investment, those with limited technical capacity who need platform management support, or organizations that value being part of a broader grazing education ecosystem. It's also excellent for partners who want to focus on content creation and student engagement while MGIC handles the technical infrastructure.

What is the Branded School Partnership option?

The Branded School Partnership is a completely branded online school with your own custom domain just like MGIC but with your own name. MGIC serves as your LMS administrator, managing all technical backend operations while you maintain 100% control over branding and the student experience. This option includes complete control over design, navigation, and user experience, optional mobile app development (iOS and Android native), and full branding control including logo, colors, and all visual elements.

Who is the Branded School Partnership best for?

The Branded School Partnership is ideal for organizations with strong brand identity who want their education platform to be a seamless extension of their existing brand, those wanting complete control over the student experience and platform appearance, or organizations planning significant online education expansion and needing a scalable, professional solution. It's perfect for partners who want their own distinct educational presence while benefiting from MGIC's platform expertise and technical management.

What kind of organizations does MGIC partner with?

MGIC partners with a diverse range of agricultural organizations including farming associations and membership organizations, agricultural education institutions and extension services, nonprofit organizations focused on sustainable agriculture, agricultural consulting firms and service providers, and industry groups and cooperatives. We're open to partnerships with any organization committed to advancing agricultural education and supporting farmers.