Comments about Diploma of Sustainable Agriculture - On Campus - Bendigo - Victoria
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Objectives
Climate Change, On-going Drought, Irrigation Rationalisation, Kyoto Agreement, Carbon Tax and Carbon Trading are just a few of the challenges needing to be met by farmers today. These challenges in combination with fluctuations in commodity prices, rising fuel costs, increasing consumer demand for a ‘green’ product are increasing the need for farmers to be highly skilled in managing their Agribusinesses. This course will assist both existing and aspiring farmers to adapt sustainable farming principles such as soil management, water use and the development and management of biodiversity on a farm. In addition, participants will explore the potential of introducing new methods and technologies such as GIS, Genetic Breeding, and Renewable Energy Systems in assisting them in remaining competitive and plan ahead to ensure long-term viability of their farms.
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Entry requirements
Whilst there are no formal prequisites for the Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, participants are advised that successful completion will require a range of skills in writing, reading, speaking and the performance of calculations including: * Construct, read and interpret data in a range of business documents, operational plans and agricultural documents, which are likely to include information that is graphically presented. * Communicate clearly with a range of individuals internal and external to the enterprise, including government and community groups and as part of a team using a range of communication strategies:oral and written, informal and formal language where negotiation skills may be required. * Write clear and detailed procedural and operational plans for staff. * Analyse and communicate mathematical information through the use of computer programs, symbols, graphics, diagrams and charts.
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Academic title
Diploma of Sustainable Agriculture
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Course description
Key Study Areas
To be awarded the qualification, Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, participants are required to successfully complete ten units of which four are compulsory.
The four compulsory units include:
* Develop and manage a plan for sustainable supply and use of water on a farm
* Manage soils to enhance sustainability
* Develop and manage a plan to improve biodiversity on a farm
* Develop a whole farm plan
The other six elective units may be chosen from the following broad key study areas, including:
* Sustainable agricultural practices, incorporating theoretical concepts for example introduction of new practices into farm production systems.
* Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements,
* Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and technical skills to a range of situations for example, developing a plan for sustainable production, designing a drainage system or the use of genetic selection to improve livestock.
* Evaluate information using it to forecast for breeding programs, the prevention of land degradation or analysing capital returns in machinery investments,
Where
• Bendigo (Charleston Road Campus)
• Echuca Campus
• Workplace Based
Duration Options
This course is offered in a variety of options including:
* Focus study group based
* Industry based (on-the-job training and assessment)
* Part time
* Self paced
The total duration of the training program will be defined by the negotiated training plan, however if you wish to complete the full qualification you are encouraged to complete this qualification within 24 months.
Selection Process
• Individual Interview
Employment Opportunities
The employment opportunities for graduates in the area of sustainable agriculture are diverse and may include:
* Farm Management
* Farm Business Advisor
* Working with organisations addressing Carbon Tax opportunities
* Working with organisations addressing sustainable soil opportunities
* Working with organisations addressing sustainable irrigation opportunities
* Assisting farm businesses in implementing sustainable farm practices, particuarly in integrating natural resource management strategies
Further Study Options
Students successfully completing the Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture may be interested in studying the Course in Sustainable Water Management with BRIT or articulating to La Trobe University (Bendigo) to complete a Science Degree specialising in Environmental Issues.
Pathways Courses
Certificate IV in Agriculture :: RTE40103
Certificate IV in Business :: BSB40101
Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management :: RTD40102
Assessment
You will be assessed as part of this course.
Typical Course Content (exact details may be obtained from the teaching centre)
BSBMGT503A Prepare Budgets And Financial Plans
BSBMGT507A Manage Environmental Performance
BSBMGT610A Manage environmental management systems
PSPPOLD401A Contribute to the development of policy
PSPPOLD501A Develop Organisation Policy
RTD5402A Develop A Strategy For The Management Of Target Pests
RTE5014A Manage agricultural crop production
RTE5516A Develop a whole farm plan
RTE5524A Develop and implement sustainable land use strategies
RTE5607A Design drainage systems
RTE6503A Design and conduct a field-based research trial
VBP147 Develop and manage a plan for sustainable supply and use of water on a farm
VBP148 Manage soils to enhance sustainability
VBP149 Manage erosion and sediment control
VBP150 Develop and manage a plan to reclaim land affected by salinity
VBP151 Develop and manage a plan for sustainable pasture production
VBP152 Plan, monitor and evaluate strategies to improve livestock through genetics
VBP153 Select & implement a Geographic Information System (GIS) for sustainable agricultural systems
VBP154 Implement the introduction of bio-technology into the production systems
VBP155 Develop & manage a plan for sustainable production reflecting sustainable farming principles
VBP477 Improve agricultural sustainability using renewable energy and recycle system/s
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of your current qualifications and prior learning: BRIT has processes to give you credit for relevant units from your prior study, and to assess your prior learning against units in a course.
