Agriculture

Unit 4

 

Aim and purpose

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This unit aims to introduce learners to the skills and knowledge needed for farm animal production and how these can be applied in practice. It is designed for learners in centre-based settings looking to progress into the sector or onto further/higher education.

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This unit examines common livestock production systems and gives learners an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with specified farm livestock.

 

Unit introduction

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This unit investigates the husbandry skills and livestock production techniques involved in modern farming systems. The unit is relevant to anyone seeking to work with farm animals and introduces learners to the products, production methods and health and welfare requirements of farm animals. Learners will concentrate on the species traditionally farmed in the UK.

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Learners will consider how animal health and welfare needs can be met most effectively whilst still meeting production requirements. Primary production methods will be covered and learners will have the opportunity to perform routine stock and health tasks during the production cycle.

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Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:

1 Know the common production systems used in livestock farming

2 Know the principles of livestock enterprise management

3 Be able to carry out routine husbandry and animal health duties on common farm livestock.

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Unit 6

 

Aim and purpose

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This unit aims to introduce learners to skills and knowledge of animal and plant husbandry and how these can be applied in practice. It is designed for learners in centre-based settings looking to progress into the sector or onto further/higher education. The learner will understand the husbandry requirements of plants and animals used in land-based production. They will learn about the welfare of farm livestock and monitoring of livestock food, water and general health. Learners will develop their ability to work to the strict pre-planned deadlines required by all sectors of the industry

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Unit introduction

An understanding of the husbandry requirements of plant and animals is central to all land-based production.

This unit introduces the key aspects of husbandry, and will enable learners to develop their practical skills.

Learners will investigate how good husbandry affects the health and welfare of farm animals. They will also learn how to assess animal health, and identify the factors that contribute to it. They will develop the practical skills needed to provide food and water to farm animals, as well as an understanding of the importance of feed plans and the factors affecting them.

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Learners will explore crop husbandry. They will cover the annual crop production cycle and the factors affecting growth and yield and look at crop health, including the need for nutrients, and the impact of weeds, pests and disease.

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Learning outcomes

 

On completion of this unit a learner should:

 

1 Understand the requirements needed to maintain the health and welfare of farm animals

2 Be able to provide food and water to production farm animals

3 Understand the annual production cycles of locally important crops

4 Know the requirements for maintaining the healthy growth of locally important crops.

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Unit 11

 

Aim and purpose

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This unit aims to introduce learners to the skills and knowledge needed for grass and forage crop production and how these can be applied in practice. It is designed for learners in centre-based settings looking to progress into the sector or onto further/higher education.

The learner will develop practical skills as well as knowledge and understanding of how grass and forage crops are grown on arable farms in the UK. They will have practical involvement in key stages of production and monitor the management of utilising grass and forage crops.

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Unit introduction

The agricultural industry needs a well-trained, skilled workforce, conversant with the modern technology that is found increasingly on many farms in the UK.

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This unit focuses, in particular, on learners participating in managing grass and forage crop operations, the aim being for them to experience modern farm arable practice. Learners will monitor grass and forage crops at all stages of production, both in class-taught time and on their own. They will experience crop walks, use modern machinery in the field, be involved in harvesting operations and understand how grass and forage

crops are grown and utilised by livestock.

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Throughout the unit learners will need to work effectively as part of a team.

There is a strong emphasis on the health and safety of learners throughout the unit.

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Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit learners should:

1 Know the common grass and forage crops and the factors that affect their growth

2 Know how to establish and maintain the production of grass and forage crops

3 Know how to operate livestock grazing systems

4 Be able to utilise grass and forage crops.