The dairy industry’s own provider of education and training

NCDEA 2013 COURSE GUIDE Dairy Farming

i National Centre for Dairy Education Australia — 2013 course guide Contents

02 NCDEA training centres 03 What is the NCDEA? 04 Why study at the NCDEA 05 Understanding qualifications 07 Dairy farming careers 08 The Australian dairy industry 10 Course information 11 Assistant Farmhand Certificate II in Agriculture 13 Farmhand Certificate III in Agriculture 14 Senior Farmhand Certificate IV in Agriculture 17 Dairy Farm Production Manager Diploma of Agriculture 19 Dairy Farm Business Manager Advanced Diploma of Agriculture

The dairy industry’s own provider of education and training

1 NCDEA Alliance Partners

New South Wales TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, Wagga Wagga TAFE NSW North Coast Institute, Taree Tocal College, NSW DPI, Paterson Queensland Australian Agriculture College Corporation, Dalby Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, Toowoomba South Australia TAFE SA Regional Tasmania The Tasmanian Skills Institute, Burnie Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Leongatha, Terang, Warragul, Tatura and Shepparton Advance TAFE, Western Australia Great Southern Institute of TAFE, Albany

About this guide All courses in this publication are nationally recognised training qualifications. The 2013 NCDEA Dairy Farming Course Guide provides information on the range of NCDEA dairy farming courses with many available across Australia. The information includes a description of the course, duration, entry requirements, how to apply, as well as career opportunities and units of study. The information in this publication is correct at the time of printing, however courses may change or new courses may be offered. Please note that the Agriculture training package is under review and course information may change once implemented. If you require more detailed information about a specific course or need more information: • Call our Customer Service Centre on 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332) • Contact a campus in your state • Visit our website www.ncdea.edu.au Disclaimer: The NCDEA takes pride in the quality and variety of courses that can be offered to people in our region. The courses listed in this guide are offered to you with every intention they will run, unless there are insufficient enrolments, changes to government funding or other matters outside our control. © Copyright 2013 Dairy Australia

2 NationalNational CentreCentre forfor DairyDairy EducationEducation Australia—Australia – 20132013 coursecourse guideguide NCDEA vision: To develop the best dairy people in the world.

What is the NCDEA?

The National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) is an initiative of Dairy Australia and Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) and operates with an alliance of partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) who deliver industry endorsed NCDEA training across many regions of Australia. Education and training delivered by the NCDEA responds to industry and student learning needs to bring dairy education and training under one umbrella. The NCDEA provides strong leadership in industry education and sets new levels of excellence in agricultural education and training to develop the capability of the Australian dairy industry. This is being achieved via the development and standardisation of quality learning systems where competencies, certificates and diplomas are recognised by the industry locally, nationally and internationally. “The dairy industry’s own provider of education and training.”

3 Why study with the NCDEA

The NCDEA provides and training which Working with the dairy regions meets the needs of the Australian dairy industry. Our courses Each NCDEA region has an Industry Steering Committee that are recognised by the dairy industry as driving the future of includes farmer representatives. The committees have the dairy education. We focus on future development, provide new responsibility to ensure courses in its region meet the needs of thinking and are leaders in developing the capability of the dairy farms and provide graduates who can take farms to the Australian dairy workforce. Our career relevant dairy training next level of expertise in a sustainable manner. and education focuses on academic excellence. Nationally The NCDEA, in consultation with the dairy industry, aims to: accredited courses are available in: • Provide training at the appropriate level, time and location. • Agriculture • Provide programs tailored for individuals. • Food Technology (Dairy)* • Provide training solutions to address industry “skills gaps” • Dairy Processing*. and development needs. The NCDEA also delivers short courses and customised • Build human capacity across the supply chain. programs for both dairy farming and dairy manufacturing sectors. • Improve application of industry resources from Our aims Dairy Australia and State Departments of Primary Industries. • Deliver high quality programs to benefit dairy people at every stage of their career progression. • Ensure training continues to evolve alongside industry needs. • Attract talented young people to a dairy industry career. Experienced trainers • Develop and deliver knowledge, skills and technical The NCDEA and its partners employ experienced, dedicated competence to enable dairy businesses to compete globally. and respected teachers and trainers, managers and support • Improve the business performance of dairy farmers and staff. Our trainers come from dairy farms and the education contribute to the industry’s wealth and sustainability. and business sectors. Meeting our aims Apart from academic qualifications, the NCDEA dairy farming • Adopt a policy of life-long learning to ensure consistent, teachers have a range of dairy connections and experience. high quality programs are available for new entrants and Sessional trainers and guest speakers enhance the program existing industry participants. so learners receive up-to-date information. Industry experts, such as people from the State Departments of Primary • Align courses to changing industry needs by collaborating Industries, ensure relevance and access to latest research with the dairy industry, the service sector, the Agri-Food particularly at the higher qualification levels. Industry Skills Council, governments and other educators. Scholarships & bursaries • Develop clear career paths for people entering or already Scholarships and bursaries are available to NCDEA students at working in the dairy industry. different times of the year. Some offer opportunities to study • Benchmark our programs and outcomes against the best internationally or may provide funding to cover the cost of offerings available in the worldwide dairy industry and adapt study and accommodation. to Australian conditions. For more information visit www.ncdea.edu.au • Adopt a national focus to program delivery using partners who meet the NCDEA’s rigorous standards and quality requirements. Partnerships & affiliations The NCDEA has the dairy industry ✔of approval. The NCDEA operates a national network through partnerships with industry-endorsed training providers in all dairy regions of Australia. NCDEA students gain qualifications which are recognised across Australia. Employers have programs designed to meet their needs, delivered to an agreed national standard, regardless of where in Australia the training is undertaken. Trainers share resources and knowledge ensuring consistency across Australia.

* These are only available through the Victorian GOTAFE partners.

4 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2012 course guide Understanding qualifications

The NCDEA is an alliance of Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) that offer a range of nationally accredited qualifications and skill sets. Skill sets are single units, or combinations of units, which link to a licence or regulatory requirement, or a defined industry need (National Quality Council NQC). Industry, State Training Authorities and other educational institutions anywhere in Australia recognise the RTO’s courses through Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). All formally recognised, national education qualifications are linked across the three education sectors within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The table below shows how current qualifications relate and where they can be earned. It shows linkages and pathways between schools, vocational training providers and higher education providers and what each sector can offer you. Dairy farming skills and knowledge Programs can be tailored by combining units from different levels. VET in Schools • Choose an individual unit or select a number of units Vocational Education Training (VET) programs provide to cover your areas of interest. nationally accredited and industry recognised qualifications • Choose a number of related units to achieve skills in to secondary school students. VET programs provide a specific area. training, skills, knowledge and work experience with participation organised through your secondary school. • Choose a full qualification and complete the required Talk to your school VET coordinator about a dairy farming number of units from that level of study. VET program or for more information call 1300 0 NCDEA The NCDEA can assist you in choosing the right program for (1300 0 62332). your needs. Please call 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332). Traineeships School Based Apprenticeships Dairy farming trainees learn industry skills by combining A School Based Apprenticeship (SBA) provides secondary on-the-job paid work with training, some of which may take school students with the opportunity to work with an employer place on the farm. To do a traineeship you need to have a job and complete a nationally recognised qualification while still at with an employer who is willing to employ you as an trainee, school. If you want to undertake a SBA you need to find provide on-farm training and sign a contract of training. someone to employ you and have the support of your school When you finish the training you will have a nationally and your parents or guardian as you will need to sign a training recognised qualification. As a trainee you will receive wages contract. For more information talk to your school SBA and other benefits to which you are entitled. For more coordinator or careers adviser. information visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

School sector Vocational education & training sector Higher education

Doctoral Degree Masters Degree Vocational Graduate Diploma Graduate Diploma Vocational Graduate Certificate Graduate Certificate Bachelor Degree Advanced Diploma Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma Diploma Diploma Senior Secondary Certificate of Education Certificate IV Certificate III Certificate II Certificate I 3 Source: http://www.aqf.edu.au/aqfqual.htm (Mar. 2009) 5 Understanding qualifications (cont.)

Certificate courses Certificate courses at the NCDEA commence at Certificate II and progress through to Certificate IV. These courses can lead into further study or to positions as skilled farm workers or senior farmhands. Diplomas/Advanced Diplomas NCDEA Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas provide training at a level which prepares you for a career in management. They generally run from one to three years. Diplomas may be completed part time so you can continue to work and enhance your career prospects. Skills Recognition Many farmers have learned about farming on their farm or through informal reading and research, not through formal courses or programs. Seeing how your skills and knowledge fit the qualifications offered by the NCDEA and having their staff asses them for you is a great way for you to learn about your potential strengths and weaknesses and where it might be useful to learn more. Dairy career pathways NCDEA qualifications offer training from the entry level skills of a farmhand right through to dairy business management. At all stages you are involved in dedicated vocational training, with classroom participation for developing knowledge, and on-farm learning activities to gain practical experience.

6 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide 6 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 Course Guide Dairy farming careers

How do I choose the right course? The level of study you choose will indicate the type of position you can expect to find. Positions range from farmhand through to farm management as well as opportunities in related service industries. The NCDEA is working closely with the dairy industry to standardise the study and related career outcomes across Australia. Your level of experience will determine the course you enrol in. How far you progress depends on what you want to achieve with your career. As a general guide the following information may help: • Certificate II in Agriculture (AHC20110) leads to Assistant Farmhand • Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) (AHC30210) leads to Farmhand • Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40110) leads to Senior Farmhand • Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50110) leads to Production Manager • Advanced Diploma of Agriculture (AHC60110) leads to Business Manager If you need assistance to work out which course is best for you contact the NCDEA on 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332).

AQF level Employment role Norminal duration+

Advanced Diploma Dairy farm business or Approximately 1 year full time or equivalent part time management role Diploma Dairy farm production Approximately 1 year full time or equivalent part time manager (post Certificate IV) Certificate IV Senior farmhand Approximately 1 year full time or 2 years part time (Traineeship) for traineeship Certificate III Farmhand/Dairy Approximately 2 years part time (Traineeship) tradesperson Certificate II Assistant farmhand Approximately 1–2 years part time (SBA, VET in Schools etc) (working under supervision) Short Courses The NCDEA also offers a large range of short courses throughout the year. The courses are useful if you have deferred from university and want to keep studying or if you are working and want to increase your skill levels. Courses have various starting dates. Check our website www.ncdea.edu.au

+ Nominal durations may vary depending on the delivery strategy and the amount of Skills*Nominal Recognition durations may varygranted depending to the on the student. delivery strategy and the amount of Skills Recognition granted to the student. For details on Skills recognition please refer Forto page details 6. on Skills Recognition please refer to page 6. 7 The Australian dairy industry

The dairy industry is one of Australia’s major rural industries. Based on a farmgate value of production of $3.9 billion in 2010/11, it ranks third behind the beef and wheat industries. Approximately 40,000 people are directly employed on dairy farms and manufacturing plants. Related transport and distribution activities, and research and development projects, represent further employment associated with the industry. Dairy is also one of Australia’s leading rural industries in terms of adding value through downstream processing. Much of this processing occurs close to farming areas, thereby generating economic activity and employment in country regions. ABARE estimates the regional economic multiplier effect to be roughly 2.5 from the dairy industry (www.dairyaustralia.com.au June 2011). The Australian dairy industry is divided into two sectors, dairy farming and dairy processing. This course guide covers the dairy farming sector. For information on dairy processing visit www.ncdea.edu.au or call 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332). Dairy farming regions Dairying is a well-established industry across temperate and some subtropical areas of Australia. While the bulk of milk production occurs in the south-east corner of the country, all states have dairy industries that supply fresh drinking milk to nearby cities and towns. A range of high-quality consumer products, including fresh milks, custards, yogurts and a wide variety of cheese types, are produced in most Australian states. The manufacturing of longer shelf life products, such as cheese and specialised milk powders, is steadily becoming more concentrated in the south-east region of Australia (www.dairyaustralia.com. au). A changing environment Due to environmental issues and demand for increased productivity and efficiency, farmers have made many changes to their farm management practices including soil testing, fodder conservation, supplementary feeding, improved animal genetics, the use of new milking technology and the widespread use of computers to record and monitor herd performance. These changes have created the need for a more highly trained, qualified and skilled dairy farming workforce.

Dairy farming areas by Regional Development Program

Dairy NSW Dairy SA Dairy TAS Gipps Dairy Murray Dairy Subtropical Dairy West Vic Dairy Western Dairy

8 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide Course information

Assistant Farmhand 11 Certificate II in Agriculture Farmhand 13 Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) Senior Farmhand 14 Certificate IV in Agriculture Dairy Farm Production Manager 17 Diploma of Agriculture Dairy Business Manager 19 Advanced Diploma of Agriculture

9 National Centre10 National for Australia Dairy Education – 2012 course guide

Terang Campus,Victoria CourseCertificate IIinAgriculture, Kayla Bradley information National CentreNational for Australia Dairy Education –2013course guide Profile is thinking offarmmanagementinthefuture. Agriculture in2013whensheundertakesYear 12and career.” KaylaplanstocommencetheCertificateIIIin “It’s really whatsparkedmyinterest indairyingasa to showcowswhichshedoesfortheexperience. Camp inJanuary2012.ShehastravelledalloverAustralia and participatedintheNationalAllDairyBreeds Youth DairyWeekjunior leaderchampionatInternational in2011 Kayla hasahugeinterest inshowingcowsandwona great—I evenhelpdadwithnewideasforthefarm.” whythingsarealone. “Learning donethewaytheyare is knowledge thatKaylasaysshewouldn’tonthefarm learn a fortnightintheclassroom thecourseprovides plenty of practicalskillsandoneday day afortnightonfarmlearning “I likeschoolbutImuchprefer beingonthefarm.”With one adding anextradimensiontoKayla’s schoolcurriculum. week overtwoyearsandiscompletedwhilestillatschool Certificate IIinAgriculture. Thecourseisrunonedaya thing toenrol intheschoolbasedapprenticeship course, since 2000haslivedinAustralia.ForKaylaitwasanatural studenthasgrownZealand born uponadairyfarmand Western Districtandlivesbreathes dairy!TheNew Kayla Bradleyisayear10studentfrom Simpsoninthe Assistant Farmhand Certificate II in Agriculture (AHC20110)

The Certificate II in Agriculture course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required of skilled personnel on dairy farms to perform their roles safely and under direct supervision for a wide range of tasks. The program is suited to the needs of people wishing to enter the dairy industry. Successful completion of this course provides career opportunities in all aspects of rural agricultural work and also in other agricultural service industries. Mode of Study The program is usually conducted through general enrolment at the NCDEA, or via a traineeship that includes employment and study. The student will either participate in work placement on a farm or will work as a trainee employed on a farm. Entry Requirements To gain admission to the course applicants must have an interest in agriculture and be able to participate in work placement/ employment on a farm. All participants must be able to attend off-the-job training if scheduled. Course Content A total of 17 units of competency must be completed as per qualification packaging rules. NCDEA requirements: 1. Complete 13 units from Group 1 and 4 units from group 2 OR 2. Complete the 13 units from Group 1 OR a minimum of 4 units aligned to Certificate II in Agriculture outcomes, that meet the qualification packaging rules.

Group 1 Mandatory units*

AHCOHS201A Participate in OHS processes AHCWRK209A Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices AHCWRK204A Work effectively in the Industry AHCWRK205A Participate in workplace communications AHCMOM202A Operate tractors AHLTFA201A Provide basic emergency life support AHCCHM201A Apply chemicals under supervision AHCLSK205A Handle livestock using basic techniques AHCDRY201A Milk livestock AHCLSK202A Care for health and welfare of livestock AHCMOM212A OR Operate quad bikes OR AHCMOM201A OR Operate two wheel motorbikes OR AHCMOM211A Operate side-by-side utility vehicles

Group 2 Electives**

AHCINF202A Install, maintain and repair fencing AHCLSK209A Monitor livestock water supply AHCLSK211A Provide feed for livestock AHCWRK201A Observe and report on weather AHCMOM207A Conduct front-end loader operation AHCSOL201A Determine basic properties of soils/growing media

* These units must be completed to meet the qualification requirements for Certificate II ** Recommended Group 2 units.

11 Marcus Flook Certificate III in Agriculture, Terang Campus, Victoria

Student profile

Marcus left school at 16 to complete an apprenticeship in auto spare parts. He later decided he’d had enough of being stuck in an office behind a computer and after helping out mates on dairy farms he thought dairying could provide the challenge and change of environment he was seeking. Marcus undertook the Into Dairy program and very quickly gained placement with Charlie Fortesque on Wayne Johnson’s farm at Terang working on a 488 hectare / 650 cow farm. It was during this time that Marcus enrolled in Certificate III with the NCDEA. Marcus said like any new job there were some adjustments to make but the early morning starts were not a concern and the broad variety of tasks makes the job interesting. “I can be doing anything from fencing and calving to silage in one day. I am learning a range of practical skills on farm and the class work at the NCDEA provides the context and knowledge behind why things are done the way they are,” said Marcus. “I am really enjoying the study and the understanding you gain from attending classes and being able to apply this to my work. Once I have completed the traineeship I will enrol into further study with the NCDEA. My aim is to become a farm manager and I know that I will have to keep learning and putting into practice what I learn to get there. The opportunities are out there, you just need to gain the qualification and skills.” “Choosing dairying was a great move. With my previous job there was a lot of stress but you didn’t ever see the end result of your work. With farming you can see the result of your work every day in everything you do, it is very satisfying.” “Even though Marcus is not off a farm he is easy to teach and is a fantastic worker,” said Charlie. “He has a great future in dairy.”

12 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide Farmhand Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) (AHC30210)

The Certificate III in Agriculture aims to develop skills and knowledge for a student to become a skilled agriculture worker who can perform a wide range of agricultural operations independently or as part of a team. The program is suited to the needs of dairy trainees and existing workers who wish to have their competencies recognised. Successful completion of this course provides career opportunities for people operating under limited supervision on farms and also in other agricultural services industries. Mode of Study This program is usually studied for up to three years depending upon the needs of the trainee or employer, but generally takes between one and two years to complete. During this period the trainee will work and undertake further training on the farm, supplemented by off-the-job training. Part time trainees also undertake this qualification. Entry Requirements This qualification provides entry level skills for being employed on a dairy farm as a farm hand. Course Content A total of 17 units of competency must be completed as per qualification packaging rules. NCDEA requirements: 1. For learners who have completed the NCDEA Certificate II in Agriculture, complete Group 1 units, selecting only 1 unit from the water or irrigation units, and we recommend an additional 4 units from Group 1 or 2 OR 2. Complete the 3 co-requisites, listed and 13 units from Group 1, selecting only 1 unit from the water or irrigation units, and an additional 1 unit, from Group 1 or 2.

Co-requisite units

AHCMOM202A Operate tractors AHCDRY201A Milk livestock AHCMOM212A OR Operate quad bikes OR AHCMOM201A OR Operate two wheel motorbikes OR AHCMOM211A Operate side-by-side utility vehicles

Group 1 Mandatory units*

AHCOHS301A Contribute in OHS processes AHCWRK303A Respond to emergencies AHCCHM303A Prepare and apply chemicals AHCOHM304A Transport, handle and store chemicals AHCLSK329A Implement procedures for calving AHCBAC302A Establish pastures and crops for livestock production AHCLSK318A Rear newborn and young livestock AHCINF302A Plan and construct an electric fence AHCLSK309A Implement animal health control programs AHCIRG304A OR Operate gravity fed irrigation systems OR AHCIRG305A OR Operate pressurised irrigation systems OR AHCLSK305A Maintain livestock water supplies AHCDRY301A Coordinate milking operations AHCLSK311A Implement feeding plans for livestock AHCDRY302A Operate a dairy recycling system

Group 2 Electives**

AHCPCM301A Implement a plant nutrition program AHCLSK312A OR Coordinate artificial insemination and fertility management of livestock OR AHCLSK315A OR Prepare for and implement Natural Mating of livestock OR AHCAIS303A Artificially inseminate livestock*** AHCBAC301A Conserve forage

* These units must be completed to meet the qualification requirements for Certificate III. ** Recommended. 13 *** In Victoria this unit is run as a short course, only. Senior Farmhand Certificate IV in Agriculture (AHC40110)

The Certificate IV in Agriculture course provides students with the skills and knowledge for agriculture activities carried out in a variety of farm production systems, including those at supervisory level. This course provides career opportunities in the area of production management at senior farmhand level. Mode of Study This course is usually studied as a full time course over a 12 month period or equivalent part time over two years. As a trainee this course generally takes two years. Entry Requirements Successful completion of the NCDEA Certificate II & III co-requisites or demonstrated equivalent competencies through skills recognition. Course Content A total of 12 units of competency must be completed as per qualification packaging rules that align to Certificate IV outcomes. NCDEA requirements: Successfully complete the 10 units from units below, and we recommend 2 additional units that align to Certificate IV outcomes.

Co-requisite units

AHCMOM202A Operate tractors AHCDRY201A Milk livestock AHCMOM212A OR Operate quad bikes OR AHCMOM201A OR Operate two wheel motorbikes OR AHCMOM211A Operate side-by-side utility vehicles AHCWRK303A Respond to emergencies AHCOHM303A Prepare and apply chemicals AHCOHM304A Transport, handle and store chemicals AHCLSK329A Implement procedures for calving AHCLSK318A Rear newborn and young livestock AHCINF302A Plan and construct an electric fence AHCLSK309A Implement animal health control programs AHCDRY301A Coordinate milking operations AHCLSK305A Maintain livestock water supplies AHCBAC302A Establish pastures and crops for livestock production

Core units*

AHCWRK403A Supervise work routines and staff performance AHCBAC401A Manage pastures for livestock production AHCWRK401A Implement and monitor quality assurance procedures AHCLSK402A Develop livestock feeding plans AHCDRY401A Manage milking shed routines AHCLSK409A Supervise animal health programs BSBSMB406A Manage small business finances AHCPCM402A Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program AHCPMG408A Assess and monitor weed pest and disease control programs AHCOHS401A Maintain Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) processes

* These units must be completed to meet the qualification requirements for Certificate IV.

14 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide Aaron Slocombe Certificate IV in Agriculture, Leongatha Campus, Victoria

Student profile

Aaron Slocombe moved with his family from England at the age of 14 and knew nothing about dairying when he got a job on a farm in . Having worked previously as a poultry meat contractor he was familiar with working with livestock and picked up the dairy job quickly. After some time as a farmhand Aaron realised he needed training to learn more for a new position with more responsibility. While attending Farmworld, Aaron talked to an NCDEA industry trainer who explained that a Certificate IV in Agriculture would provide the knowledge and skills for his herd manager role. “The Certificate IV provides hands-on learning but also the theory behind the practice,” said Aaron. “Everything I am learning with the NCDEA I am putting into practice on the farm.” Aaron supervises four workers with 650 cows on a 550 acre farm. With 520 cows milked per day and three calvings per year Aaron says his work is definitely a lifestyle job. He sees his future in share farming or leasing or maybe even owning a farm one day. “Once I have completed this course I will be aiming to do the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Agriculture,” said Aaron. “There is always more to learn.”

15 Abel Garcia Diploma of Agriculture, Warragul Campus, Victoria

Student profile

Abel Garcia grew up in Melbourne and had a career as a motorbike mechanic when he moved with his partner to Echuca in northern Victoria where she had a position on a dairy farm. Looking for a place to rent they found a house on farm in exchange for weekend milking. Abel started helping out on the weekends and within a month was working full time in dairy. “I liked the outside work and was my own boss and I didn’t have to deal with people!” said Abel. After four years in Echuca Abel and his partner moved to King Island for 3.5 years where they bought 100 cows and then moved to Finley in NSW. The drought and water restrictions saw them move to Yarram where Abel is now a herd manager on a 900 acre farm with 500 cows. “I had the opportunity to enrol in the Diploma course with the flexible hours of the job. I want to get into full time management and I knew I was missing something,” said Abel. “I am now learning a different way to tackle problems and picking up computer skills which I didn’t have at all.” “When I finish the course I would like to be less hands-on and more management focused and be able to manage staff and run a farm. The Advanced Diploma will get me there—I am now a convert to learning!”

16 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide Dairy Farm Production Manager Diploma of Agriculture (AHC50110)

The Diploma of Agriculture Co-requisite units has been designed to provide the knowledge AHCMOM202A Operate tractors and skills required to undertake the farm AHCDRY201A Milk livestock production management AHCMOM212A OR Operate quad bikes OR role on a dairy farm. AHCMOM201A OR Operate two wheel motorbikes OR The program offers career AHCMOM211A Operate side-by-side utility vehicles opportunities in farm AHCBAC302A Establish pastures and crops for livestock production management, share farming and associated AHCWRK303A Respond to emergencies service industries. AHCOHM303A Prepare and apply chemicals Mode of Study AHCOHM304A Transport, handle and store chemicals The course is delivered in many modes including as a AHCLSK329A Implement procedures for calving short course and part time or AHCLSK318A Rear newborn and young livestock may be available full time over one year. AHCINF302A Plan and construct an electric fence AHCLSK309A Implement animal health control programs Entry Requirements Successful completion of the AHCDRY301A Coordinate milking operations NCDEA Certificate IV, AHCLSK305A Maintain livestock winter supplies including the co-requisites from Certificate II and III in AHCWRK405A Supervise work routines and staff performance Agriculture or demonstrated AHCBAC401A Manage pastures for livestock production equivalent competencies through skills recognition. AHCLSK402A Develop livestock feeding plans Course Content AHCDRY401A Manage milking shed routines A total of 10 units of AHCLSK409A Supervise animal health programs competency must be completed as per AHCWRK401A Implement and monitor quality assurance procedures qualification packaging rules BSBSMB406A Manage small business finances that align to Diploma outcomes. AHCPCM402A Develop a soil health and plant nutrition program NCDEA requirements: AHCOHS401A Maintain Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) processes Successfully complete the 7 units from Group 1 and at Group 1* least 1 from Group 2 and we recommend 2 additional AHCLSK503A Develop and implement a breeding strategy units that align to Diploma outcomes. AHCAGB504A Plan production for the whole land/farm based business AHCLSK504A Develop livestock health and welfare strategies AHCBAC503A Manage integrated crop and pasture production AHCBUS501A Manage staff AHCAGB505A Develop a whole farm plan AHCAGB506A Develop and review a business plan

Group 2***

AHCAGB502A Plan and manage infrastructure requirements** AHCWAT502A Manage water systems AHCLSK501A Manage livestock production (TOUR) * These units must be completed to meet the qualification requirements for the Diploma. ** Recommended. *** Choose one unit to meet qualification rules.

17 Travis Risstrom Advanced Diploma of Agriculture, Warragul Campus, Victoria

Student profile

Travis Risstrom is a manager on a farm at Yanakie in Gippsland and moved into dairying after growing up on a sheep and wheat farm in northern Victoria. “I moved straight into a farmhand dairy position at Kyabram after leaving school at 16,” said Travis. After several years around the Goulburn Valley and NSW on dairy farms Travis had completed Certificates III and IV and a Diploma of Agriculture at GOTAFE. After an injury forced Travis to consider the physical aspects of his job he decided preparing himself for a farm management position would be a good move. In Gippsland Travis enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Agriculture at the NCDEA Warragul Campus and launched himself into a different set of learning. “The Advanced Diploma is more about business management than practical skills. It will put me in good stead to buy and manage my own farm,” said Travis. “The course breaks things down and then you put them back together which gives you a really good understanding of how it all works.” “I believe it is really important to train staff early on and that training is important at all levels,” Travis said. “You need to keep up to date with what happening in the industry.” The Advanced Diploma is run one day per week with students from across the state participating in training online. “Being able to do a lot of the work at home is an advantage as well. The transition into study was made easy by the trainers at the NCDEA,” said Travis.

18 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide Dairy Farm Business Manager Advanced Diploma of Agriculture (AHC60110)

The Advanced Diploma course has been designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to be a dairy farm business manager. The program offers career opportunities in farm management, farming and associated service industries. Mode of Study The course is delivered in a flexible delivery model which may include block release, face to face or blended learning utilising e-learning tools. Entry Requirements Successful completion of the NCDEA Certificate IV and Diploma of Agriculture, including the co-requisites from Certificate II and III in Agriculture or demonstrated equivalent competencies through skills recognition. Course Content A total of 8 units of competency must be completed as per qualification packaging rules that align to Advanced Diploma outcomes. NCDEA requirements: Successfully complete the 6 units from Group 1 and recommend 2 additional units that align to Advanced Diploma outcomes with one unit out of Group 2

Co-requisite units

Students must have completed all the NCDEA units from the NCDEA Diploma of Agriculture.

Group 1 Units*

AHCAGB602A Manage estate planning AHCAGB603A Manage the production system AHCWRK602A Lead and manage community or industry organisations AHCBUS605A Manage human resources AHCAGB604A Analyse business performance AHCBUS604A Design and manage the enterprise quality management system

Group 2

AHCBUS603A Develop and review a strategic plan (Tour)

* These units must be completed to meet the qualification requirements for the Advanced Diploma.

19 2013 National Dairy Youth Camp

Don’t want to spend the summer holidays stuck inside? The 2013 National All Breeds Dairy Youth Camp could be for you!

The 2013 National All Breeds Dairy Youth Camp will give you the opportunity to handle dairy heifers, learn judging techniques, showing and clipping skills and discover new breeding technology. Camp participants are eligible for awards such as the $2,000 Genetics Australia Scholarship for Outstanding Camp Participant. When 2–6 January, 2013 Where Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Cost Approximately $295 per person Age 16–20 years

The conclusion of the camp is celebrated with an Exhibition Day where participants have the opportunity to showcase their achievements.

Interested? Then call the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) for an application on 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 0 62332) or visit www.ncdea.edu.au

20 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide This course guide is published in good faith with due care and attention, but no responsibility can be accepted for typographical errors, omissions or situation changes that may have taken place after publication. The courses listed are offered with the intention that they will run, but it may be necessary to cancel or postpone courses due to unforeseen circumstances or if there are insufficient enrolments.

21 www.ncdea.edu.au 1300 0 NCDEA 1300 0 62332

22 National Centre for Dairy Education Australia – 2013 course guide