Colleges and universities have kept up with the changing ways of technology and are now offering online farming classes for those who do not have the time or the accessibility to attend a traditional classroom setting. Perhaps you currently work in the agricultural field but want to further your knowledge. Or perhaps you're interested in finding out more information about the agricultural industry but are nowhere near a classroom setting.

These are just two of the examples that have caused an increase in agriculture distance learning courses. It can be challenging to stay ahead of the game when following changes made to this burgeoning way of teaching. That's why you should consider the following when investigating agriculture distance learning news and trends:

1. Check blogs and online courses for information regarding agriculture distance learning courses.

2. Search through articles or reports to learn about what is happening with online agriculture courses.

3. Attend seminars or conferences where you can learn about current news for online agriculture classes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay current with any agricultural distance education changes by checking out blogs and courses

Blogs have quickly become an ideal place to search for up-to-date information for most anything, including the agricultural industry. If you're seeking to take a few agriculture online classes, then consider visiting blogs. They may contain advertisements on companies that provide agriculture distance education classes.

I recommend: Look to AcademicInfo and its updated blog about agriculture distance learning courses. Check out distance learning opportunities provided by the Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center. You can listen to podcasts online or download them to listen to later.

Get the latest on distance learning in agriculture by subscribing to agriculture magazines

Periodicals and reports are a quick way to stay on top of any changes needed to work in the agricultural field. These magazines and reports can inform you of changes made to laws and regulations that might affect online coursework. They can also tell you about schools that provide distance learning through online agriculture degrees.

I recommend: Farm Journal has a plethora of information available online. You can choose to subscribe to the print version, or you can peruse blogs and forums. Feel free to post questions about distance learning agriculture programs on its forum boards. The Progressive Farmer is another popular periodical choice, and on its site you can search through previously-posted articles to learn about agriculture training courses offered.

Visit seminars to learn about online farming classes

Seminars and conferences can be almost as informative as agriculture distance learning courses. They can be a great way to network and meet others who share your common interests. Speakers might also keep you abreast of any changes to the agriculture industry.

I recommend: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosts seminars for those in the agriculture field. You can easily access notes from the conferences or you can request to be added to its mailing list and be notified of upcoming meetings. Check out the World Ag Expo, which boasts that it is the world's largest annual agricultural exposition.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't be afraid to use other, nontraditional sources when scouring for information. Social networking sites, such as Facebook or MySpace, are also another place you can search for agriculture distance education information.

The old saying about being "kept down on the farm" isn't a bad thing when it comes to agriculture distance education. College and university agriculture programs have kept up with the times with online farming classes that make it possible to apply knowledge immediately to practical projects. The advantages are clear. You save money on gas and housing; you save time on commuting, but the mostly, you can manage your time to fit in with the demands of farming.

Before deciding if agriculture distance learning courses are right for you, determine your own personality and needs. Distance learning requires good time management and dedication to stay with it. If this sounds like you, you might be a good candidate for distance learning in agriculture. In addition to traditional bachelor and master's degrees, many universities are also offering certificates in agriculture.

1. A non-degree certificate may be a good choice for your agriculture distance education.

2. Bachelor's degree agriculture distance education offerings are often hybrid programs.

3. Master's programs often offer complete online agriculture degrees.

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Choose an online agriculture courses certificate program if a degree is not your goal

You may feel that a degree is not to your advantage or you want to continue your education into a specialty. Most non-degree programs take as little as a year to complete and con be conducted entirely online. Many programs will spotlight a specialty field such as sustainability or organic farming through online agriculture classes.

I recommend: Cultivating Success offers a certificate in conjunction with the University of Idaho. Washington State University's certificate for organic farming can aid in becoming government certified for an organic farm.

Consider the hybrid option for agriculture distance education

Because of the need for on-campus lab experience, most agriculture bachelor's degrees offer a hybrid option. Some of the courses are held on campus while others are online. Many colleges and universities will work with you to come up with a schedule that will allow you to spend the maximum time on your farm.

I recommend: Ohio State University offers a large variety of online general education courses to augment their on-campus agriculture classes. Oregon State's distance learning agriculture program teams with community colleges to aid students to complete degrees.

Look into a master's degree in agriculture distance education to further your career

If you have a bachelor's degree, consider getting a master's degree through agricultural distance education. Many programs are available nationally that you can obtain your entire degree online while still working and living on your farm.

I recommend: Texas A&M offers a non-thesis program. University of Nebraska has a variety of concentrations for their online agriculture degrees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Search online databases for specific information on distance learning in agriculture.
• •  If your college of choice doesn't offer online farming classes, ask about customizing a program.

There are many cost saving reasons to choose agriculture distance learning courses over getting a degree in a classroom setting. Many distance degrees can be maneuvered at your own desired pace and you can take a course as finances become available.

Though the cost benefits are numerous, there are some additional costs to keep in mind when choosing distance learning for your agriculture degree. Some things to consider are:

1. The university from which you take online agriculture classes might require a fee to apply or register.

2. Though obtained from home, agriculture distance learning is still sourced from a education institution that may require you to turn in a previous education transcript, which usually pulls a minimal fee of about $15.

3. Some setup is needed just to be able to take the distance learning agriculture courses. A computer and access to the Internet and a printer, as well as various other school supplies will need to be acquired.

4. Books and other class resources will need to be purchased for your online agriculture courses. The supplies needed will vary by class and will be presented to you either prior to or when you start the course.

Action Steps
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Decide if the cost of distance learning in agriculture is your best option

Convenience aside, sometimes cost is a determining factor in the decision to take online classes. Consider all the costs involved before making a decision. There are tools available to help compare the costs between attending classes online versus on campus.

I recommend: At Success Degrees you can explore cost options between on-campus and agriculture online courses to decide which is best for you. Visit About.com: Distance Learning and use their cost comparison chart as a tool to assist in determining actual costs involved.

Research prices from institutions that offer agricultural distance education

The cost of tuition varies between universities. Some universities charge the same per credit hour no matter if you take the class online or on-campus. Other schools will offer their online courses for a cheaper rate per credit hour because the cost to them is cheaper.

I recommend: Some schools charge as little as $200 per credit hour. Other schools share the entire degree's costs to you up front, which can reach above $40,000 but most distance agriculture bachelor's degrees fall between $20,000 and $30,000. Iowa State University discusses the cost of their online agricultural degrees on their website. The Department of Agricultural Education, Communications & Leadership at Oklahoma State University shares their requirements and program costs.

Seek out financial aid for agriculture distance education

Distance learning is still a form of higher education and just like attending on-campus, financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants is available. An aggressive search for financial aid, even if few are awarded to you, is a big asset to reducing the total schooling cost. Search for financial assistance by degree type. Most awards do not exclude online students as recipients.

I recommend: Search through the listings at American Distance Education Consortium for financial aid to apply to. Some universities like Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offer scholarships for current and prospective students.

Whether you want to become a rancher, have a small family farm or run a large scale farming business, you'll find agriculture to be a competitive field. To do your best, you will want a degree in agriculture, which not only gives you the necessary knowledge and science behind farming and ranching, but should also provide you with the strong business knowledge necessary for today's farmers.

As distance education becomes more affordable, adaptable, and common, you might consider choosing a distance program over a traditional college. A properly accredited distance education program for agriculture counts just as much as a traditional classroom program, so if you're motivated and have limited time, distance education might make sense. Not all distance programs offer equal opportunities, so you may want help to determine which program is best for you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Computer-based training

Computer-based training, or CBT, refers to instruction received under the guidance and feedback of a computer, instead of a human instructor. You usually receive computer-based training via the Internet or a CD-ROM.

I recommend: National Resources Conservation Services offers a course overview of an agriculture computer-based training course.

Consortium

In distance education, a consortium is two or more distance education schools that create or teach distance education courses together.

I recommend: American Distance Education Consortium explains their Agricultural Degrees and Programs.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing is when distance learning takes place via satellite. Video conferencing allows students and teachers to see and hear each other, interacting much as they would in a traditional classroom, even though they may be in different cities, states or countries.

I recommend: North Dakota State University explains the prevalence of video conferencing in their Agriculture program.

E-learning

E-learning, or electronic learning, refers to distance learning via the Internet.

I recommend: E-Agriculture discusses exactly what e-learning is.

Accredited

A ruling body must approve an accredited agricultural distance learning program, and the program must meet certain standards established by that body.

I recommend: AcademicInfo discusses whether agriculture distance learning programs are reputable and have accreditation.

Advanced study

Advanced study, sometimes called advanced standing, advanced placement or accelerated study, refers to the ability to bypass beginner classes and go directly into more advanced levels of study. Usually this is possible if placement tests, previous study or past performance indicates the student will thrive in advanced classes.

I recommend: Delaware State University outlines its natural resources courses, including those classified as advanced study.