who are we and what we do
MFK-Gardens Urban Farmer Learning Centre is a dedicated section of the Horticulture Seedlings Production Centre.
Are you launching your farm enterprise? Are you looking to acquire / refine your hands-on farming experience / practical skills that you can apply right away, but do not have much time? Explore our top eleven agriculture courses designed to help you get started!
The centre launched its first offering in Regenerative Agriculture (RA), attracting farmers eager to learn how we transformed our spaces into lush, green environments. Since our inception in 2022, we have continued to grow.
In 2024, we're excited to announce that we now have a total of six expert trainers, each an industry leader in their field. We offer short-term workshops and refresher programs. We offer general interest workshops and, contract training. These are not programmes intended for school-going students.
These are intended to:
- Provide a good introduction to the subject with quick field practical steps the farmer can use to start the process.
- Create interest for and a good foundation / stepping stones to higher levels of the programme with longer duration offered at BUAN or similar institutions.
We also offer the opportunity to join our community of passionate urban commercial farmers, generate new ideas, critically examine contemporary issues, build community connections, develop innovative practices and build professional and personal strengths.
The saying "knowledge is key" has never been more relevant to farming. With rapidly evolving trends and technologies in the agricultural industry, it's essential for both new and experienced farmers to stay up to date. Investing in agricultural education is crucial.
If you're looking to boost your farming knowledge, here are our top recommended agriculture courses to consider:
1. Foundation programmes:
- Agribusiness (foundation programme)
- Regenerative Agriculture (RA) (foundation programme)
- Integrated Farm Management
- Farmers' Cluster Leadership Workshop
- Garlic Farming and Processing Workshop
- Ginger-Turmeric Farming and Processing Workshop
- Mushroom Farming and Processing Workshop
- Potato Farming and Processing Workshop
- Cattle Commercial Production Workshop
- Chicken feed production and Chick Hatchery Production Workshop
- Tswana Goats Commercial Production Workshop
WHY WE DO THIS:
We provide a space for farmers, industry practitioners and trainers alike who are keen to build the practice of Regenerative Agriculture (RA) into their practices. This is to grow agricultural products while regenerating the soil fertility and reducing the impact agriculture has on extreme weather variability. Both to share with and learn from each other.
The farmers learning centre therefore offers learning opportunities to assist you in growing your personal and professional competence and more importantly your confidence. You will discover a rich diversity of both theory and practical learning opportunities.
Foundation Workshops:
If you’re completely new to farming and the agricultural industry, then consider enrolling in an introductory course. These agriculture workshops are designed to teach you the basics of farming but also with the post-session guidance build your confidence in the field.
Introduction to Agribusiness:
Our Introduction to Agribusiness short course is a two-day programme designed to enhance your understanding of agribusiness. It caters to a diverse range of individuals, including aspiring and experienced farmers seeking to update their expertise. This course presents an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to agriculture.
Throughout the programme, you'll explore the agricultural business environment, covering topics such as operational requirements, workplace relationships, team leadership, safety regulations, financial concepts, and effective marketing strategies. You'll also gain familiarity with good agricultural practice standards and their application.
By the end of the course, you would have taken the first step towards possessing the skills to establish effective workplace relationships, lead teams including your family, ensure safety on the farm, understand financial concepts for a profitable farming business, and implement successful marketing strategies.
Introduction to Rgenerative Agriculture (RA):
RA holds immense potential to transform our approach to farming. However, limited access to technical know-how (e.g. zero-till drills, ground cover, companion planting, and relay cropping - planting a new crop before the previous crop is fully harvested) and a general risk-averse approach that would otherwise further complicate the adoption of RA practices in a holistic way.
In accordance with RA eight principles, farmers would be encouraged to conduct soil analysis, apply organic fertilisers like farmyard and crop residue and cultivate crops specifically for green manure to enrich the soil and boost organic matter contents.
With the country facing severe water scarcity, effective water stewardship is imperative. Water in the soil is key to a thriving mircobial activity within the soil that regenerates the quality of the soil. This includes improving water-use efficiency and minimising farm-level water conveyance losses.
Introduction to Horticulture Plant Production:
The Introduction to Plant Production short workshops invites you to a series of growing agriculture crops with minimal or no chemical input. Whether you're a budding farmer, recent graduate, or seasoned agriculturalist aiming to broaden your knowledge, this course is tailor-made for you.
Throughout this programme, you will delve into the realms of plant biology, ecological principles, soil science, and pest management. By the class's conclusion, you will fully grasp the basic principles and methodologies involved in plant production. You will acquire the skills to identify and comprehend concepts pertaining to ecology, plant biology, insects, microorganisms, and pest management.
We invite you to join in on this immersive educational journey and unlock the expertise necessary to excel in the ever-evolving realm of plant production.
intended audience
TARGET AUDIENCE:
- Commercial Farmers
- Farm managers
- Home Gardeners
- Corporate Team-building Classes
when the sessions are held
where
2024 centre calendar
The MFK-Gardens Farmers Learning Centre has relocated to Mmopane with effect from May 2021, now featuring both indoor and outdoor learning facilities nestled in our seedling production centre and lush green gardens. Our training programs are led by accredited experts as well as seasoned practitioners, ensuring a rich blend of knowledge and inspiration to guide you on your journey to growth.
We are pleased to announce our updated calendar for 2024, and registration is now open.
For more information, visit our website. To book or reserve corporate team-building classes, call or WhatsApp us at 73961421.
JUNE 2024
We are pleased to announce our updated calendar for 2024, and registration is now open.
For more information, visit our website. To book or reserve corporate team-building classes, call or WhatsApp us at 73961421.
JUNE 2024