Lesson 1Tractors: matching engine power, PTO, transmission type, hydraulic capacity, and tire options to tasksGuides tractor selection by matching engine power, PTO, hydraulics, and transmission to implements and tasks. Considers ballast, tire or track options, fuel efficiency, and future expansion of farm operations.
Engine horsepower, torque, and load profilesPTO power, speeds, and implement matchingTransmission types and field operating rangesHydraulic flow, remotes, and hitch capacityBallast, tires, tracks, and soil compactionLesson 2Combine and grain handling equipment: threshing capacity, header width, grain tank size, unloading rateFocuses on combines and grain handling equipment, covering threshing and cleaning capacity, headers, grain tanks, and unloading. Addresses matching machine size to harvest windows, residue goals, and transport limits.
Header width, crop types, and field lossesThreshing, separation, and cleaning settingsGrain tank size, sensors, and fill managementUnloading auger length, rate, and logisticsResidue spreaders, choppers, and field prepLesson 3Water systems for cattle: well/pump sizing, storage tanks, trough systems, frost protection considerationsAddresses design of cattle water systems, from well and pump sizing to storage and trough layout. Considers peak demand, pressure, frost protection, and energy use to ensure reliable, clean water in varied climates.
Estimating herd water demand and peak flowWell yield, pump curves, and pipe sizingStorage tanks, elevation, and pressure controlTrough design, placement, and flow hardwareFrost protection, insulation, and heat optionsLesson 4Implements for soil work: plows, cultivators, disk/vertical tillage tools — working width, draft requirements, power drawExamines soil-working implements such as plows, cultivators, and tillage tools. Focuses on working width, draft, and power draw relative to soil type, residue, and erosion goals, supporting efficient, soil-conserving operations.
Moldboard, chisel, and strip‑till comparisonsField cultivators, harrows, and seedbed prepDisk and vertical tillage tool selectionWorking width, draft force, and tractor matchResidue management and erosion impactsLesson 5Livestock systems machinery: feed mixers, bale processors, waterers, cattle handling equipment specificationsCovers machinery for feeding and handling livestock, including mixers, bale processors, waterers, and handling systems. Emphasises capacity, power requirements, animal flow, safety, and integration with barn layouts.
Feed mixer types, capacity, and power needsBale processors, grinders, and dust controlAutomatic and heated livestock waterersChutes, alleys, and headgate specificationsCorral layout, safety, and animal behaviorLesson 6Seeding and planting equipment: row-crop planters, monitors, seed meters, working widths and field speed trade-offsCovers selection and setup of row-crop planters, including frame style, seed meters, monitors, and downforce. Emphasises matching working width and travel speed to seed placement accuracy, residue, and tractor capacity.
Row‑crop planter types and frame configurationsSeed meter mechanisms and singulation qualityMonitor systems, sensors, and data loggingWorking width, field speed, and capacity trade‑offsDownforce, closing systems, and residue handlingLesson 7Manure management equipment: slurry tanks, pumps, draglines, low-disturbance injection implements and storage linersExplores manure handling systems from barn to field, including slurry tanks, pumps, draglines, and injectors. Focuses on sizing for herd output, minimising soil disturbance, and protecting liners, groundwater, and air quality.
Estimating manure volume and system capacitySlurry tanks, agitation, and transfer pumpsDragline layout, hose sizing, and pump powerLow‑disturbance injection tools and placementStorage structures, liners, and leak monitoringLesson 8On-farm grain storage and handling: bin sizing, aeration, conveyors, dryers and specificationsDescribes design of on-farm grain storage and handling systems, including bin sizing, foundations, aeration, conveyors, and dryers. Emphasises moisture control, safety, expansion planning, and electrical requirements.
Crop yields, test weight, and bin sizingBin foundations, floors, and structural loadsAeration fans, ducts, and control strategiesConveyors, augers, and leg capacity sizingDryer types, fuel use, and control systemsLesson 9Sprayers and spray technology: boom width, tank capacity, pump specs, GPS/auto-section control requirementsDetails field sprayer components and sizing, including boom width, tank volume, pumps, and nozzles. Explains GPS guidance, auto-section control, and rate controllers to improve coverage, reduce overlap, and meet label requirements.
Boom width, fold style, and field maneuverabilityTank capacity, agitation, and rinse systemsPump types, pressure ranges, and flow sizingNozzle selection for coverage and drift controlGPS guidance, rate control, and auto‑section
