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Growing Open Agriculture

Kim Johnson and Anshul Phaugat

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In development

Growing Open Agriculture, an open and adaptable teaching and learning resources grounded in Australian agriculture. It will bring together peer-reviewed modules, practical activities, case studies, presentations and infographics that educators can use within existing subjects. Learners will connect agricultural science with real farming and food-system challenges, interpret evidence and explore contemporary issues.

Educators can select individual elements, adapt them to local contexts and contribute their own expertise. Shaped through a cross-institutional community of practice, the collection will address priorities identified by educators and be regularly updated as agricultural knowledge and practice change. We welcome colleagues interested in contributing content, reviewing resources or helping shape the collection.

Primary learners: Students in the early stages of undergraduate agriculture and related programs at Australian universities, learning to connect agricultural science with farming, food systems and professional practice.

Other potential learners: Later-year undergraduates, Masters students and emerging or existing practitioners may use selected elements where the level and topic suit their needs.

Introduce a topic: Use a short module or infographic early in a subject to establish key concepts and connect them with Australian agricultural practice.

Prepare for class: Assign a case study or short activity before a lecture, tutorial or practical so students arrive ready to discuss and apply the ideas.

Support active learning: Use farming and food-system scenarios in small-group discussions, problem-based learning or role play to compare management options.

Develop practical skills: Use activities alongside field or laboratory teaching to help students interpret observations, data and scientific evidence.

Support assessment and local adaptation: Adapt selected activities or case studies to local industries and learning outcomes, with attribution and in accordance with the stated open license.

Draft Table of Contents:

  1. Using and adapting this resource
    Navigation, learning activities, facilitator notes, attribution and open licensing.
  2. Australian agricultural and food systems
    Farming systems, agribusiness, agricultural economics and links across the food system.
  3. Plants, animals and production environments
    Plant and crop science, genetics, animal health and production, soils, and land and water management.
  4. Climate adaptation and sustainable farming
    Climate change, ecology, natural capital and environmental stewardship.
  5. Digital agriculture and emerging technologies
    Applications of AI, machine learning and agricultural data.
  6. Indigenous agriculture and perspectives
    Content to be developed with Indigenous contributors and appropriate guidance on knowledge sharing.
  7. Applying knowledge through Australian case studies
    Practical activities, evidence interpretation and management decisions across agricultural contexts.

Details

Publication date: TBA
Publisher: La Trobe eBureau
ISBN: 978-1-7641666-6-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26826/1034