Farmer Training & Certification (FTC) Online
- All Day
Farmer Training & Certification (FTC) Online Course
For Agronomic Crop and Animal Operations
Spring 2024: April 1st-May 3rd “Write Your Own Nutrient Management Plan”
Description: An opportunity for producers with cropland and pastures in Maryland who use commercial fertilizer and/or manure to learn how to write nutrient management plans (NMPs) for their operation that meet Maryland Department of Agriculture’s regulations.
Please Advise: The course requires a minimum time commitment of 15-20 hours over 5 weeks. Larger, more complicated farm operations and those with high phosphorus soil test levels may require additional training and a larger time commitment. Farmers should have soil and manure analyses prior to the second week of training.
Before registering, ensure you have the required materials and skills:
- Required Materials/Technology:
- Reliable internet connection
- Email address
- Computer with Windows 7 or later (NuMan Pro software is not compatible with Mac)
- Printer
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- PDF reader software
- Required Skills
- Competency in high school math
- Intermediate computer skills including:
- Familiarity with web browsing
- Experience with MS Office programs (Word, Excel),PDF readers (Adobe Acrobat or similar)
- Ability to download/open/save/retrieve computer files
- Ability to learn a new software program(NuMan Pro)
You will receive:
- Access to the Online Course – Administered via the University of Maryland’s Enterprise Learning Management Systems (ELMS-Canvas).
- A comprehensive training binder (electronic version- Google Drive Folder) –Consists of all materials referenced throughout the course, compiled in one place.
- NuMan Pro software
- Certification – Producers who pass the exam and complete development of their NMP will be certified by MDA to write their own NMPs.
- Voucher training credits – This class will fulfill the nutrient applicator voucher training requirements.
Cost and Registration Information:
- Space is limited therefore, register early. Registration will close on 3/27/24 or when capacity is reached.
- Cost for the course is a $20 exam fee (to be paid directly to MDA following registration, no later than3/27/24) and $25 for NuMan Pro Software
- If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this training please contact Kayla Griffith(kmgriffi@umd.edu) prior to 4/25/24.
- To register for the Spring 2024 FTC Online offering April 2024-May 2024 (see course outline below), go to https://go.umd.edu/april24OnlineFTC
Week | Date | Online Modules | Online Office Hours Offered |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 4/1/24 | 1 and 2 | Thursday, 4/4/24, 2-3 pm |
2 | 4/8/24 | 3 and 4 | Thursday, 4/11/24, 2-3 pm |
3 | 4/15/24 | 5 and 6 | Thursday, 4/18/24, 2-3 pm |
4 | 4/22/24 | 7 and 8 | Thursday, 4/25/24, 2-3 pm |
5 | 4/29/24 | Certification Exam NMP Submission |
Online Certification Exam: Tuesday 4/30/24, 6 pm-8 pm NMP Submitted to MDA: 5/3/24, 5pm |