UNIT 1: MANAGED AND NATURAL SYSTEMS
Learners undertake experimental design and research that incorporates:
- elements and principles of experimental design
- recent research findings that contribute to animal or plant production systems
- a science investigation that incorporates data analysis.
Written Report: 750 words.
UNIT 2: PLANT AND/OR ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Learners complete two out of the three work requirements. One work requirement per sub-unit as detailed in the course content.
Practical Experience
Learners apply their practical skills to a plant or animal production system. They use safe and cooperative work practices as they perform practical tasks. Learners investigate factors that support optimal farming practices. Learners undertake some of the procedures individually and other aspects involve collaboration.
Learners submit an individual report about the plant/animal production system they have engaged with which includes information and data gathered and alternative methods of production. They document and appraise the procedures undertaken to achieve optimal production.
Individual Report: 750 words.
Field Trip
Learners undertake a field trip to an agribusiness to explore:
- the farm as a unit of production
- animal or plant production systems – inputs and output
- management of crops or livestock for sustainable production.
Learners develop a relevant question for investigation related to maximising animal or plant production. They select and use a range of sources (primary and/or secondary) to collect information and explain the different views held on the issue/topic. Learners appraise sources of information by reflecting on their bias, credibility, accuracy and suitability. Learners work individually.
Field trip report: 750 words.
Industry Engagement
Learners identify an industry expert to interview. They prepare a set of interview questions that focus on an aspect of plant or animal production. They use the findings from the interview and other research to prepare a presentation which demonstrates knowledge, understanding and application of processes in the relevant industry using appropriate terminology and conventions.
Industry Engagement report: 750 words.
UNIT 3: AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISE
Learners will provide evidence of learning through a Small Farm Enterprise i.e.
- plan, implement, assess and manage* a small enterprise involving the care of animals/plants
- develop a business plan and gather other financial information essential to develop and maintain an enterprise.
* manage in this context means learners may make decisions related to the processes and inputs within the enterprise to improve outcomes.
Learners work individually or in a group to plan and conduct a small business project involving the monitoring and care of living plants or animals, using available resources. Learners develop a detailed business and operational plan for the small business project. As part of the planning and implementation of the business, learners consider the viability of a business opportunity and the requirements for the production of plants and/or animals. Learners consider the financial aspects and use tools, equipment and production skills. They record production data and assess the progress of the business.
In this area of study, learners’ small business projects may be solely agricultural or horticultural or may be a mixture of both. Suitable small business projects may include, but are not limited to:
- alternative agriculture or horticulture systems (e.g. organics, permaculture, biodynamics)
- aquaculture
- broad acre dry land cropping
- broad acre grazing of animals
- community supported agriculture or horticulture
- conversion from traditional to organic farming
- field growing of vegetables, herbs or flowers
- fruit or nut production
- glasshouse production of flowers or vegetables
- grape production
- irrigated cropping
- milk production
- nursery production of ornamental plants
- producing crops using hydroponics
- production of biofuels
- revegetation
- seeding/tube stock production
- small-scale diverse agriculture or horticulture
- mushroom growing
- sprout production
- plant tissue culture.
The enterprise requires learners to provide a written report which includes:
- a business plan including:
- production, organisational, marketing and basic financial strategies, a risk analysis outline and some risk minimisation strategies
- production work and record of production (text and images) and
- an interim report on the progress of the small business.
- research and analysis of potential markets and value adding opportunities for the proposed small business
- a calendar of routine and regular activities
- appropriate equipment, materials and production processes and costs, including start-up costs for equipment
- relevant information, including production, financial and marketing data
- a record and justification of decision making and modifications to the small business project plan
- report on the progress of the small business including production outputs, cash flow, and meeting timeline targets and quality standards.
Agricultural Enterprise Report: 1500 words.