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Curricula and Instructional Modules for Sustainable Small-Scale Greenhouse Production

Curricula and Instructional Modules for Sustainable Small-Scale Greenhouse Production

Objectives/Performance Targets

Justification

The purpose of this proposed Professional Development Program (PDP) is to enhance the skills and knowledge base of agriculture professionals from the inner-mountain west on small-scale commercial greenhouse production. To accomplish this goal a series of curricula, which can be accessed by agriculture professionals and educators, will be developed with supplemental training. The commercial greenhouse educational programs will be targeted towards small acreage farm and ranch owners whom are attempting to diversify their agricultural production using sustainable greenhouse practices providing year-round income, profitable self-employment, and an enhanced quality of life.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Skills Assessments

A needs and greenhouse skills aptitude survey has been conducted for on-line delivery. This survey was sent system wide to Extension faculty, state and federal partners, and members of the commercial greenhouse industry. The intent of this survey was to determine range of interest in participation, the core knowledge of those choosing to participate, and identify any additional unforeseen needs.

A total of 78 individuals participated in the survey. Of those participated, 28% were agents, 14% program assistants, 8% educators, 8% university researchers, 14% owner/managers, and the remainder listed as "other." 76% indicated that they would be willing to further participate in the PDI training when released.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

On-line training modules

On-line training modules are under development to include the recorded slide sets along with static web pages, reading materials, and participant assessments.

The training modules are being uploaded to the eXtension Moodle learning platform for program delivery.

A series of electronic slide sets are being assembled with topics including: The Greenhouse Industry; Greenhouse Structures; Climate Control Technologies; Fuels; Environmental Factors on Plant Growth; Root-zone Media; Fertility; Irrigation; Integrated Pest Management; Vegetable Crops; Cut Flower Crops; Potted Flower Crops; Bedding Plants; Post Harvest Handling; Financing the Business; Budget Analysis; and Production Scheduling.



Project Content Page

2010 Annual Report

Project Number: EW09-014
Type: Professional Development Program
Region: West
SARE Grant: $60,000

Coordinator:
Steven Newman
Extension Specialist and Professor
Colorado State University
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture , 111 Shepardson
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Phone: 970-491-7118
E-mail: steven.newman@colostate.edu
Website: http://ghex.colostate.edu

Steven Newman
Extension Specialist
Colorado State University Extension
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture , 111 Shepardson
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Phone: 970-491-7118
E-mail: steven.newman@colostate.edu
Website: http://ghex.colostate.edu

Participant:
Brooke Edmunds
Regional Specialist
Colorado State University Extension - Adams County
9755 Henderson Road
Brighton , CO 80601
Phone: 303-637-8016
E-mail: bedmunds@co.adams.co.us
Website: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/Adams/greenhouse.htm
This project and all associated reports and support materials were supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.