Henry had little to work with except some acreage of farmland and the mandate to establish a training program that would be useful to young farmers.
In 1885, the University of Wisconsin Regents accepted the report of a two-man committee consisting of William T. Vilas, a "lawyer of high degree", and H.D.
Their recommendation was "that a shorter course for the winter months confined to the terms of two years, would be more popular and appropriate."
The Program was designed to make these courses useful to those whose means and time were limited, and who wanted the knowledge to successfully conduct a farm business.
The courses were made up so all the work was completed in one winter's term, but anyone so desiring, might devote his whole time to any one of four specialties offered.
While no entrance examinations were required, those students who came poorly prepared could not expect to receive the full benefits of the course.
The expenses for the winter term of the Short Course were about $65 "for the economical student," including board, incidental fees and books.