Higher Occupational Certificate: Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer

Purpose

The Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer occupational qualification offers learners a diversified skill set combining crop cultivation and livestock husbandry, providing practical experience and enhancing employability in various agricultural careers. Learners are equipped with entrepreneurial skills to start and manage their own farming enterprises, contributing to food security while promoting sustainability through sustainable farming practices. Additionally, learners benefit from networking opportunities and personal fulfilment in making a tangible difference in agriculture.

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer.

Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer plan, prepare soil, plant, irrigate, fertilise, manage crop pests and diseases, harvest, and breed, wean, feed, manage livestock pests and diseases, water, and manage veld, harvest and sell both crops and animals. The qualification also aims to instil commitment to sustainable farming practices among learners. This includes promoting methods that minimize environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote biodiversity within farming systems.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Cultivate crops and rear livestock.
• Develop strategies to use natural resources and inputs to optimize productivity and minimize environmental impact.
• Implement strategies to control pests and diseases in both crops and livestock.
• Coordinate the timely harvest of crops and the processing of agricultural products, ensuring quality and market readiness.
• Provide proper care, nutrition, and health management for the livestock.
• Establish and maintain relationships with markets for both crops and livestock products.
• Implement climate-resilient farming practices to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Typical qualifying learner will show the following key attributes

• Technically inclined.
• Problem-Solving.
• Adaptability.
• Business Acumen.
• Environmental Awareness.
• Ethical.
• Teamwork and Leadership.
• Critical Thinking.

Rationale

Mixed farming systems promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and integrated pest management, which contribute to soil health and reduce environmental impact. Livestock play a role in nutrient cycling that improves soil fertility, thus creating a more sustainable and resilient farming system. The integration of crops and livestock can enhance the resilience of farming systems to climate change. Diversification provides a buffer against climate-related risks by spreading the impact across different farm enterprises. Training in mixed farming include practices that help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.

Consumer preferences and market demands for diverse agricultural produce and products, from both crops and livestock, drive the need for skilled practitioners in mixed farming. Keeping up with current agricultural trends and market demands can be addressed through a qualification that encompasses the principles and practices of mixed farming. A qualification in mixed crop and livestock farming contribute to advancing research and innovation in agricultural practices, promoting the development of new technologies and methodologies for improved productivity.

There are similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) such as Diploma in Agriculture at NQF Level 6.

Mixed crop and livestock farming is a significant contributor to the South African economy. It provides a diversified income stream for farmers, reducing dependency on a single agricultural enterprise. The combination of crops and livestock allows for synergies in resource utilisation, maximising overall farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the natural resources supporting agricultural production. South Africa faces food security challenge, as such this qualification is aimed at promoting sustainable and integrated farming practices. Diversification of agricultural production through mixed farming systems enhance the availability and variety of food products.

Typical learners are those who are already in the Mixed Crop and Livestock farming and new entrants.

Collaboration with relevant stakeholders

• Livestock Farmer.
• Mixed Crop Farmer.
• Agricultural Extension Officers.

List typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate (if relevant)

• Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Managers.
• Mixed Crop and Livestock Consultants.
• Agribusiness Field Officers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission.
• RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification, such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.
• For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification, through any means of formal, informal or nonformal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.
• Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.
• Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• NQF Level 4 qualification with Agriculture Science/Applied Agriculture/Agricultural Technology or related.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill, and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 613101-000-00-KM-01, Crops and Livestock Management, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-02, Management of Agricultural Resources, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-03, Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Agriculture, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-04, Maturity, Harvesting and Value Addition of Crops and Livestock, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-05, Crop Care, Nutrition and Health Management, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-06, Livestock Rearing, Nutrition, and Health Management, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-07, Production Costs, Market and Value Chain Management in Crops and Livestock, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-08, Climate-Resilient Farming and Livestock Management, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-KM-09, Legislative Framework, Ethics and Business Principles, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 65

Practical Skills Modules

• 613101-000-00-PM-01, Manage crops and livestock production practices, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-PM-02, Practise sustainable land and resources in management, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-PM-03, Apply Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Agriculture, NQF Level 5, 7 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-PM-04, Apply Post-Harvest Management and Livestock Weaning, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-PM-05, Provide Livestock Nutrition and Shelter, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-PM-06, Prepare Soil, Plant/Sow, Fertilize, Irrigate, Control Crop Pests and Diseases of Crops, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-PM-07, Conduct Market Intelligence and Agribusiness Development, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-PM-08, Practise Climate-Resilient Farming, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 67

Work Experience Modules

• 613101-000-00-WM-01, Processes of Integrated Crop Livestock Farming, Systems Management, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-WM-02, Utilisation of Natural Resources in Crop and Livestock Farming, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-WM-03, Management of Integrated Pest and Disease Practices and Sustainable Strategies for Crops and Livestock Health, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-WM-04, Determination of Quality and Market Readiness of Crops and Livestock, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-WM-05, Management of Livestock Husbandry and Health for optimal Production and Wellbeing, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-WM-06, Soil preparation practices, planting/sowing, plant nutrition, irrigation, pest and disease control of crops, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-WM-07, Exploring Markets and Establishing Local Relationships, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 613101-000-00-WM-08, Management of Climate- Responsive Practices for Crops and Livestock, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 65

1. Produce crops and livestock.
2. Apply principles of sustainable resource management for natural resources and input utilisation.
3. Control pests and diseases in crops and livestock.
4. Execute harvesting for proper post-harvest handling and processing of agricultural products.
5. Implement care, nutrition, and healthcare practices for various livestock.
6. Establish relationships with buyers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
7. Apply resilient farming practices to adapt to climate change.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Produce crops and livestock.

• Analyse natural resources for crops and livestock production suitability.
• Select crops and livestock based on soil type, climate, veld, market demand, and other farm resources.
• Select, procure, prepare, use and maintain production inputs, tools, equipment, implements, and machinery for crops and livestock.
• Develop production plan/schedule for selected crops and livestock according to climatic conditions and seasonal variations.
• Describe and apply sustainable production practices for crops and livestock.
• Compile and store farm natural resources, assets, climatic, financial, compliance (regulatory), and production records discuss.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Apply principles of sustainable resource management for natural resources and inputs utilisation.

• Discuss and apply biological and physical natural resource (soil, veld, and water) conservation measures.
• Discus and apply farming practices that promote soil, air, veld, and water quality.
• Select, install, operate, and maintain irrigation equipment and systems to minimize water wastage and optimize water use efficiency.
• Monitor soil moisture levels and crop water requirements to adjust irrigation schedules accordingly and prevent over-irrigation or water stress.
• Discuss and apply farming techniques that improve crop yield, reduce input costs, and minimize environmental pollution and degradation.
• Describe and apply nutrition management principles, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and pesticide application techniques to optimize efficiency.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Control of pests and diseases in crops and livestock.

• Describe and identify key characteristics of weeds, insect pests, and diseases.
• Describe visual symptoms, behaviour patterns, and diagnostic tools of common weeds, insect pests, and diseases for crops and livestock.
• Discuss, plan and implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices are.
• Conduct and Record routine health checks for livestock by observing signs of illness, assessing body condition, and performing basic veterinary procedures such as temperature measurement and faecal examination.
• Describe and apply proper handling techniques for livestock during health checks and veterinary procedures.
• Apply safe and responsible administration/use of agrochemicals through the selection of appropriate chemicals, application methods, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Select and administer agrochemicals properly by ensuring appropriate dosage, administration route, and monitoring adverse reactions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Execute harvesting for proper post-harvest handling and processing of agricultural products.

• Determine optimal maturity and harvesting dates for different crops and livestock, considering client quality preferences.
• Discuss, develop, and implement harvesting plans.
• Discuss, select and implement appropriate harvesting techniques.
• Transport harvested crops and livestock to storage facilities using appropriate transportation methods.
• Grade produce (crops and livestock) according to market standards.
• Implement post-harvest practices to maintain the quality, safety, and shelf life of stored produce.
• Compile market standards and regulatory requirements for product grading and labelling while maintaining accurate records of product quality and quantity for inventory management and traceability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

ELO 5: Implement care, nutrition, and healthcare practices for various livestock.

• Identify and implement best practices for disease prevention, biosecurity, and parasite control.
• Assess feed quality and composition to ensure optimal livestock health and productivity.
• Diagnose and identify signs of illness, injury, or distress in different livestock species.
• Apply vaccination schedules and deworming programs in accordance with veterinary recommendations.
• Maintain records and reports required for compliance with industry and regulatory bodies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

ELO 6: Establish relationships with buyers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

• Select, collect, and interpret market data for marketing strategies and decision-making.
• Negotiate market prices and terms with buyers, processors, suppliers, and distributors.
• Create appealing product displays and marketing materials to showcase products and attract customer attention.
• Organise distribution routes and logistics for delivering products to market locations on schedule.
• Identify and categorise key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain according to their roles and interests in market participation.
• Initiate and maintain business relations with stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

ELO 7: Apply resilient farming practices to adapt to climate change.

• Manage soil moisture levels through irrigation scheduling, soil conditioning, and water-efficient farming practices to optimize water use efficiency and minimize drought stress on crops.
• Develop and evaluate crop rotation plans for diversity, crop compatibility, and soil health improvement, and planting sequence adjustment as required to optimize resource use and production risks reduction.
• Incorporate cover crops into cropping systems to prevent runoff or soil erosion, conserve moisture, and mitigate the impact of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, drought, or heatwaves on crop production.
• Control and evaluate soil erosion by reducing run-off, preserving soil structure, and maintaining soil fertility under changing weather conditions.
• Monitor climate protection structures for effective mitigation of weather-related risks such as temperature extremes or severe weather events.
• Apply sustainable veld grazing practices to prevent overgrazing and canopy cover loss.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated Formative Assessments conducted internally

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Integrated Summative Assessments conducted Internally

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

A national assessment The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certifying a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating the attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.