Certificate in Agriculture

This certificate provides a broad foundation in farm management, covering farm planning, animal health care and the essentials of running a farm. You will then choose three elective modules from a wide range of subjects, including livestock such as dairy, beef and sheep, crop and soil management, aquaculture and equine behaviour. This flexibility allows you to focus on the areas most relevant to your farm or career. Suitable for anyone new to agriculture or looking to formalise existing farming knowledge.

Learn the Fundamentals of Farming This course provides students with the broad knowledge they require to work in middle management of farms and in other parts of the agricultural industry. Study farming by distance learning and study to fit in around your work schedule. The qualification offers you a choice of modules to fit in with you and your interests in agriculture. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT Course Duration: 600 hours. Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full support from our friendly tutors for the duration of your studies. Content: Study three Core Modules and then choose three Elective Modules. The Core Modules cover Farm Management, Agricultural Marketing, Animal Health Care. Then choose three Elective Modules from – Soil Management, Animal Behaviour, Animal Feed And Nutrition, Beef Cattle Management, Calf Rearing, Commercial Vegetable Production, Dairy Cattle Management, Diagnosing Animal Disease, Equine Behaviour, Fish Farming And Aquaculture, Irrigation, Nut Production, Pasture Management, Pig Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Sustainable Agriculture, Mushroom Production, Organic Agriculture And Farming, Organic Plant Culture. The Core Modules for the Certificate In Agriculture are summarised below, followed by a listing of the Elective Modules. Follow the title link for further information on each. THE CORE MODULES Farm Management BAG104 Improve your capacity to more effectively manage a farm or agricultural enterprise which services farms. Learn about effectively using resources through planning and assessment with this 8 lesson module. Agricultural Marketing BAG304 The manager of a rural business faces continually changing conditions rarely experienced in other industries. They have to continually consider, evaluate, assess the numerous changes and types of information that may affect the success of the business. Although crucial to the success of the business, the manager also needs to understand the unique markets within which they operate, and how to capitalise on market forces to maximise their profit. This 8 lesson module looks at establishing marketing objectives and strategies for a farming business, whilst showing students how to identify markets and understand the components of the marketing mix. The module includes lessons on customer care, market research, promotions, and managing marketing. Animal Health Care VAG100 Learn to identify and describe common signs of ill health and diseases in animals, and the appropriate types of treatment for these. This 12 lesson module looks at the broader aspects of animal welfare and control as well as codes of practices and the services provided by veterinarians. The module includes preventative health care, as well as considering routine health treatments (such as de-sexing and castration). It is concluded with a lesson on animal rehabilitation and recovery. THE ELECTIVE MODULES Students are to choose three modules from the following: Soil Management (Agriculture) BAG103 Animal Behaviour BAG203 Animal Feed and Nutrition (Animal Husbandry III) BAG202 Beef Cattle Management BAG206 Calf Rearing BAG207 Commercial Vegetable Production BHT222 Dairy Cattle Management BAG205 Diagnosing Animal Diseases BAG219 Equine Behaviour BAG216 Fish Farming and Aquaculture BAG211 Irrigation (Agricultural) BAG303 Nut Production BHT219 Pasture Management BAG212 Pig Husbandry BAG209 Sheep Husbandry BAG210 Sustainable Agriculture BAG215 Mushroom Production BHT310 Refrigerating Farm Produce BAG225 Organic Agriculture and Farming BAG205 Organic Plant Culture BHT302 HOW THE COURSE WORKS You can start the course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help. Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor. The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading. HOW THE CERTIFICATE IS ASSESSED The Certificate requires around 600 hours of study. This is made up of six 100 hour modules. To pass the course – 1. Pass all assignments on the six 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback. 2. Pass six examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you. WHAT DO ACS OFFER? Quality - Our courses are written and taught by experienced professionals, so you know you can expect a high quality of teaching and support. No time limit - You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace. Flexibility - Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle; study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study. WHY ENROL ON THIS COURSE? Become more involved in a successful business - with you as an important contributor to that success! QUESTIONS? We understand the importance of choosing the right course to study. If you have any questions or need help and guidance in choosing the right course for you, please use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to get in touch with one of our Agriculture specialists. They are always more than happy to help.