Diploma in Agriculture Animal Production

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to produce operators with technical and advisory skills with specific reference to Animal Production the contextualised purpose and usage of the qualification will enable the successful candidate to:

• Monitor, implement, co-ordinate, plan, control and provide leadership regarding the agricultural processes applicable to animal production in a variety of Animal Production processes whiles taking responsibility for the nature, quality and quantity of outputs.
• Take complete responsibility for her/his own actions and within an Animal Production context.
• Demonstrate skills in any of the specialised areas of Animal Production such as Small stock, Large Stock, Dairy Production and Aqua Culture, with a strong focus on management.
• Take responsible decisions within a wide range of familiar and un-familiar contexts based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agri-business and good agricultural practices, to meet the set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan which includes the economical application of general resources, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills, all in an Animal Production context.
• Select from a wide range of standard and non-standard procedures in Animal Production to ensure the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards applicable within the industry.

Rationale

The qualification aims to provide knowledge and skills for sustainable agribusiness development in order to alleviate poverty, promote economic growth and sustainable resource utilisation through demand led training, research and outreach. The envisaged qualification is meant to produce operators in Animal Production who will become entrepreneurs and employ other people, thereby alleviating poverty, promoting economic growth and demonstrating the knowledge and skills acquired, to be able to sustainably utilise resources.

The learner will engage in farm management and operational activities relevant to Animal Production. This qualification will also form the basis for learners to extend their learning into more specialised areas of animal production and management and provides the basis of the establishment of sustainable farming operations through the inclusion of a wide spectrum of competencies required by farmers in South Africa. Whilst technical production orientated competencies are ensured, other aspects such as agri-business and good agricultural practices are included in the range of competencies required by farmers in order to enable them to strive towards agricultural management standards and practices at higher levels.

It is assumed that the learners are

• Competent in Communication at NQF Level 4.
• Competent in Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
• Equipped with general theoretical and practical knowledge in agriculture.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a Diploma in Agriculture Animal Production qualification. Proven expertise and competency will be considered. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved.

Access o the Qualification

Prospective learners must have at least

• National Senior Certificate with Agriculture, and/or Agricultural Management Practices, and/or Agricultural Technology allowing access to Diploma studies.
• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, (Primary Agriculture) allowing access to Diploma studies.
• A relevant Further Education and Training Certificate, at NQF Level 4.

The qualification consists of NQF Level 5 modules with 50 Credits, NQF Level 6 modules with 240 Credits, NQF Level 7 modules with 82 and one elective (optional) module with 12 Credits at NQF Level 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5 (50 Credits)

• Agricultural Calculations I, 8 Credits.
• Basic Plant and animal science, 10 Credits.
• Computer Application I, 8 Credits.
• Communication, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Calculations II, 8 Credits.
• Computer Application II, 8 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6 (240 Credits)

• Agricultural Mechanisation and Structures I, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Economics I, 10 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Mechanisation and Structures II, 12 Credits.
• Soil Science I, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension I, 10 Credits.
• Animal Breeding, 12 Credits.
• Irrigation and Water Management, 12 Credits.
• Financial Management, 8 Credits.
• Animal Nutrition, 12 Credits.
• Aquaculture I, 12 Credits.
• Veld Management, 12 Credits.
• Extension II, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Economics II, 10 Credits.
• Ethics, 8 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 8 Credits.
• Experiential Learning, 60 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7 (82 Credits)

• Land use planning, 12 Credits.
• Natural Resource Management, 12 Credits.
• Animal Health, 12 Credits.
• Beef Production, 12 Credits.
• Extension III, 10 Credits.
• Poultry Production, 12 Credits.
• Small Stock production, 12 Credits.

Elective (a learner is expected to select one elective)

• Agro-Food Processing, 12 Credits.
• Dairy Production, 12 Credits.
• Aquaculture II, 12 Credits.
• Bee Keeping, 12 Credits.
• Cultivated Pasture, 12 Credits.
• Pig Production, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Anatomy and Physiology of different animals.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of management of rural structures and their challenges.
3. Identify different resources and skills to sustain animal production practices.
4. Demonstrate the skills of effective communication and transference of knowledge.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the skills and knowledge required in farming.
6. Apply entrepreneurial skills in relation to managing finance, marketing, sales and customer relations.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The qualification offers the opportunity to develop all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Structures, the functions and the relevant physiology of different animals are explained.
• Essential life supporting systems are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Various strategies available to plan more effectively are explained.
• Veld management strategies are developed.
• Fire belts are created to eliminate the risk of fire.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Characteristics and adaptability are used during selection for breeding purposes in beef, dairy, small stork, poultry and pig production.
• New technologies of selective breeding, including artificial insemination, are administered.
• Diseases and parasites are controlled by administering pest prevention methods.
• Feeding routines are monitored and controlled.
• Methods of fodder conservation, hay and silage making are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Key elements of communication in agriculture are applied.
• General principles for effective communication for rural development are identified and used.
• Good communication strategies in agricultural extension are developed.
• Methods of communicating agricultural information and advice are applied.
• Factors affecting the effectiveness of communication methods are identified and dealt with.
• Effective methods to communicate key values to stakeholders and customers are developed and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Land-use plan is introduced and implemented at the farm.
• Farming machinery is operated and maintained.
• Operation, care and maintenance of power sources is carefully planned and managed.
• Correct and appropriate storage methods for farming equipment are applied.
• Efficient irrigation methods in relation to soil texture are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• A business plan is developed.
• Marketing strategies are developed taking the target group into consideration.
• Communication and implementation of a strategic marketing plan is discussed.
• Financial records are kept for analysis of farm accounting information.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment includes the following

• Assignments to be completed.
• At least two tests per module in a semester.
• Finally, written examinations at the end of each semester for each module taken.