Hi all!
For years, I've had an interest in soil science. I've read all Dr. Redhawk's soil threads. I've listened to Dr. Ingham's lectures on Youtube. I've read a bunch of different papers over the years. All very good information... sometimes it conflicts, but all very interesting.
For the last year or so, I've been considering taking the Soil Foodweb School
course with an eye to opening a second business doing soil consulting. The value I see is having a certification (yes, that means something to clients) and to be attached to a somewhat reputably 'brand'. Plus getting some hand-on training in microscopy and recognition, along with resources to aid in that.
However, the course is $5k USD for the Foundation's courses, and you are approaching $10k USD by the time you have everything done for the Consultant Training Program. That's a lot to shell out! And because it's not from a government-accredited institution, I can't even claim it on my income taxes on it as job training / professional education. If I am convinced I want to start a business following, I could open the business and charge the course as a capital expense. However, the tax
class only allows me to deduct 5% per year, so it would take 20 years to write it all off...
Here's my concerns:
1. It seems like every few years, the course gets rebranded and the price goes up. Yes, free market etc.... but this raises some red flags. They've developed a good marketing machine, but I can find relatively little information from folks who have taken it regarding the content and value. Especially in the last few years - most feedback is at least 3-4 years old and from before the more recent and more expensive iteration.
2. I feel like I have a fairly strong knowledge on soil science basics from years of research and reading on my own. What's the incremental value I'm getting for all that money? To commit to this level financially requires me to *know* what I will be able to do at the end. If I spend the money, but receive only moderate incremental value... that would hurt.
3. Ultimately, there's no way to dip your toe in the
water and see what you are going to get. At this price point, it's a big risk with an unclear reward.
So... I'm looking for feedback and personal
experience with the course. How did it go? What did you get from it?
