Agriculture - Drystock Herd Management
This training will equip the graduate with knowledge, skills and capabilities for a role as a herd – flock manager or farm technician. Graduates of this option may also seek employment opportunities in the broader agri-food sector.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
2 years
Entry Requirements
There is a separate application process for each programme. Applicants to the level 5 Certificate must be 17 years or over on 1st January following entry Level 5, and ideally should have completed the senior cycle of second level education.
Students must successfully complete the Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture, or equivalent course, to meet the entry requirements for the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Herd Management). Applicants with relevant prior learning and/or life experience will also be considered.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
Learners who successfully complete the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture may apply to progress to the Teagasc Higher Education Farm Manager Apprenticeship or seek progression opportunities in higher education through the Higher Education Links Scheme. To get full details of the range of Higher Education institutions and programmes available under the scheme, please contact the admissions office of the individual Higher Education institution or visit www.cao.ie.
Advanced entry into higher education: Holders of a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture can apply for advanced entry into certain degree programmes. Places are limited. Additional information can be accessed via the relevant college website.
Employment: Graduates of the Advanced Certificate can progress into employment in roles such as herd managers.
Further information
Commences late Aug/early Sept
Teagasc student maintenance grant Teagasc provides student maintenance grants to eligible students participating on full-time Level 5 and Level 6 programmes. Assessment for eligibility is based on criteria similar to those for higher education student maintenance grants. Please note that Teagasc student maintenance grant applications are not processed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
Additional information can be accessed at: https://www.teagasc.ie/education/going-to-college/student-maintenance-grants/
June/July
Application Process:
The initial application should be made for the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Programme. Applications are made online through the Teagasc public website: www.teagasc.ie/agriculture-courses/. On successful completion of the Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture, applications can be submitted for the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Management)
(view link above for link to application)
The recommended training for someone seeking a career in the drystock farm sector is to complete the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Programme & Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Management) Programme.
This training will equip the graduate with knowledge, skills and capabilities for a role as a herd – flock manager or farm technician. Graduates of this option may also seek employment opportunities in the broader agri-food sector.
This full time drystock education option is offered at:
Teagasc Ballyhaise College, Co. Cavan
Gurteen Agricultural College, Co. Tipperary
Teagasc Clonakilty College, Co. Cork
Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co. Galway
Teagasc Kildalton College, Co. Kilkenny
Salesian Pallaskenry Agricultural College, Co Limerick
What will I study?
Sample content from the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture programme (* Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college / centre):
QQI Code / Title / Level / Credits
5N1433 Work Practice 5 15
5N20368 Principles of Agriculture 5 15
5N20371 Farm Safety and Farm Assurance 5 15
5N20374 Soils and the Environment 5 10
5N20377 Farm Business and Technology 5 10
5N20380 Safe Use of Pesticide Products 5 5
5N20388 Beef Husbandry * 5 10
5N20385 Sheep Husbandry * 5 10
5N20399 Grass Production * 5 10
Electives* 5 20
Sample content from the Teagasc Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Management) programme:
QQI Code / Title / Level / Credits
6N1947 Work Practice 6 15
6N20462 Farm Management and Business Planning 6 10
6N20463 Sustainable Farming in the Environment 6 10
6N20464 Sustainable Farm Development 6 15
6N0305 Managing Ruminant Nutrition 6 10
6N3525 Applied Livestock Breeding 6 5
6N20465 Beef Husbandry Management 6 15
6N20472 Grassland Management 6 5
Electives* 6 35
5M20454 - Level 5 Agriculture
6M20486 - Level 6 Agriculture
Qualifications: These programmes are validated by QQI and successful completion leads to a
• Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Award (5M20454)
• Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (6M20486).
Gurteen: 067 212 82
Kildalton: 051 644 400
Mountbellew: 0909 679205
Pallaskenry: 061 393 100
Ballyhaise: 049 433 8108
Clonakilty: 023 883 2500
web: https://www.teagasc.ie/education/courses/