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      Home Courses Agriculture & Animal Husbandry

Agriculture & Animal Husbandry Courses

Agriculture CoursesThinking about a career in agriculture? Consider this: nearly every industry is connected to the field of agriculture. Agriculture is everywhere!Today, farming is high tech, big business, and most careers in agriculture are actually either business or science related.

A career in the science side of agriculture may be for you if you enjoy doing experiments and analyzing the results. Agricultural scientists study farm crops and animals, in an effort to improve both production methods and food quality. In their research, agricultural scientists draw from a wide variety of scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

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Plant scientists work in the fields of agronomy (the scientific management of soil and the production of crops), environmental science, plant breeding, and entomology (the study of insects). Some plant scientists conduct research that is used by the food, feed, and fiber industries to increase productivity and yield, while simultaneously maintaining the environment and conserving our natural resources, while others use biotechnology to study ways of improving the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seeds used to grow them.

Because the agricultural industry is large and diverse, it allows for constant movement and self-advancement. The more practical or theoretical knowledge and experience you possess, the better your chances of getting the job you want and advancing your career within the industry.

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Short Course

Agricultural Marketing

  Being a successful rural businessman or woman is a difficult managerial role. Very few non-rural businesses are presented with the continuing changes and variations that confront a rural business. The impact of climate means the rural manager has to continually consider, evaluate, assess (and reassess) often on a daily or even hourly basis, the numerous changes and types of information that may affect the rural business success. A successful rural manager also needs to understand his unique markets, and how to capitalise on market forces to maximise business profit. This course develops your ability to analyse and manage marketing problems in an agricultural enterprise. Topics covered include: market research, management of your marketing, promotions, handling produce, packaging, distribution, customer relations and more.

Animal Anatomy And Physiology (Animal Husbandry I )

  Develop a sound foundation knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology as a basis to understanding the care and management of animals. This course is the starting point for working with animals in any situation. Study - cells & tissues; the digestive system; the circulatory system; the urinary system; the nervous system; respiration; the reproductive system; muscles & meat; the skeleton; animal growth, development, and the endocrine system; and the comparison of different animals.

Animal Behaviour

  This course provides an excellent foundation for working with animals in any situation: farms, zoos, veterinary practices, pet shops or even in the wild. This course can provide a very sound foundation for understanding animals and what causes them to act the way they do. With this understanding you have a very sound foundation for dealing with animals in any situation. An understanding of animal behaviour is important in any situation where a person works with animals, from farmers to animal keepers at zoos, and from horse trainers to kennel owners.

Animal Breeding For Beginners

  Family planning pays dividends Plan and implement animal breeding programs using genetic theory, practical applications to daily husbandry practice, and management of animal breeding programs. This course includes a sound introduction to genetics. Relevant to any type of animal. Personal guidance from highly qualified and experienced animal scientists and practitioners. Topics covered include: introduction to genetics; selection; pure breeding; introduction to cross breeding; cross breeding and livestock improvement. Animal breeding can be anything from a serious hobby or part time business (eg. breeding and selling pets), through to a very serious and possibly highly sophisticated profession.  This course provides an excellent starting point whatever level you plan to operate at.

Animal Feed & Nutrition (Animal Husbandry III)

  EVALUATE AND SELECT FEEDS Learn the composition of a range of feeds, including pasture, fodder crops, grasses, cereals, seed, and other edible plants. This course also explains the role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in animal diets. It equips you with the skills required to evaluate feeding and select appropriate feeds - for digestibility and nutritional content - applicable to real life farming situations. What do Animals Eat? Learn to manage food and nutrition for pets, farm animals or wildlife in zoos. Learn the composition of a range of feeds, including pasture, fodder crops, grasses, cereals, seed, and other edible plants. This course also explains the role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in animal diets. It equips you with the skills required to evaluate feeding and select appropriate feeds - for digestibility and nutritional content - applicable to real life farming situations.

Animal Health (Animal Husbandry II)

  A solid introduction to animal health, where you learn to assess animal health, explain a variety of conditions and identify appropriate treatments or responses to a range of more common complaints or illnesses.  It is helpful to complete Animal Husbandry I before attempting this course.

Animal Health Care For Beginners

  Learn to care for the health of any type of animal and understand the scope of services offered by animal care services, including in veterinary practices. his course is appropriate for anyone interested in working with animals including on a farm, a wildlife park or a veterinary practice. It is a sound foundation course and  has been designed to help you understand animal health care and basic veterinarian practices. Scope of Animal Health Work People have domesticated animals for various reasons, in particular, as pets (to keep them company), and as farm animals (to either work or to provide a product such as meat, wool or dairy produce). Whatever the reason animals are being kept, it is now well accepted that the owners of any animal have a responsibility toward the animal they keep. That responsibility is both a matter of ethics, and increasingly is also a matter of law.

Aqua-Culture

  Improve production or start a new aquaculture venture. This course can help you no matter what direction you want to take. This course aims to develop your ability to independently analyse and make decisions about the development and management of freshwater aquaculture enterprises. Aquaculture is the farming of water creatures for human consumption. This subject is concerned with the culture and care of fresh water aquatic animals and focuses on Trout, Barramundi, Bass, Marron, Red Claw and the Yabbie. You will also learn about production systems, other species, feeding, harvesting and health of fish as well as set up of an aquaculture venture.

Beef Cattle Management

  Beef up on industry knowledge and experience This course is designed to help producers analyse and make decisions about the management requirements of beef cattle. After completing the course you should be able to describe and explain the principles and practices of beef cattle husbandry and management. Topics covered include beef breeds, production systems, breeding programs, diseases, nutrition, herd management, economics and marketing. To be able to analyse and make decisions about the management requirements of beef cattle. You should be able to describe and explain the principles and practices of beef cattle husbandry and management.

Calf Rearing

  Successful completion of this course/module will develop your ability to independently analyse and make decisions about the management requirements of calf rearing.

Dairy Cattle Management

  ENHANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE This is a very solid foundation course developed in collaboration with industry and by our team of experts including agriculturalists, animal scientists and veterinary surgeons. Dairy Cattle is the course for you if you want to learn about: Dairy breeds Managing anything from one cow to a large herd Dairy products (milk, cheese, cream butter etc) Managing the health of your dairy herd

Engineering Applications (Engineering II)

  IMPROVE YOUR ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE This course complements Engineering I, developing skills to apply appropriate and innovative engineering solutions, to improve efficiency and productivity in agriculture and horticulture. It covers: surveying, earthworks, water management, environmental control (eg. heating, cooling, ventilation, etc.), fencing, chemical applications, mechanising manual tasks, improving engineering efficiency/operations and developing engineering solutions to different workplace tasks/problems.

Equine Behaviour

  What is the Purpose of Animal Behaviour? It is assumed that all animal behaviour is an adaptation designed to support survival, either directly or indirectly. However, this is not always the case. Animals can behave self-destructively, out of habit, or out of boredom, just as humans can. To better understand the behaviour, we should also consider what motivates it. The study of equine behaviour provides a foundation for more sensitive and informed care and training of horses, and can help you understand your horse's behaviour, and work more effectively with its inherent nature.  

Farm Management

  Improve your capacity to more effectively manage a farm or agricultural enterprise which services farms. Farming is just as much about management as it is about animal or crop production. Unfortunately in today's world, the ability to produce a good animal or crop is no guarantee for success! Through this course, learn to analyse, diagnose and make decisions related to management of a farm business. The course relates to managing all resources, including; production, staff, physical resources, and natural resources. You learn strategic planning, whole farm planning, and how to prepare a business plan. This course was developed by a team of experts from Australia and the UK, under the leadership of John Mason, author of three Farm Management books (published by imprints of Simon & Schuster and CSIRO

Horse Care Advanced (III)

  Manage the health and condition of horses in different situations. Learn to identify signs of poor condition and ill health, and address the problems appropriately. Understand the things that can stress a horse and increase susceptibility to problems. Learn how to manage situations to minimise risk factors. The course has been designed to complement Horse Care I and Horse Care II – but can be studied as a “stand alone” subject.

Horse Care Basics (I)

  Learn about horse psychology and handling, evaluate conformation, understand the importance of dietary requirements to the horse, learn about the horses digestive system and the principles of feeding and watering your horse, use correct grooming procedures, develop appropriate management procedures and broaden existing knowledge of commercial opportunities in the horse world. Manage horses kept on pasture and learn relevant pasture management techniques to maintain productivity and prevent "horse sick" pastures.

Horse Care Intermediate (II)

  FEEDING, HOOF CARE, CONDITIONING AND STABLING This course follows on from Horse Care I. While this course is relevant to horses at grass, it does focus heavily upon care of the stabled horse. The course covers feeding, stabling, food care, bedding, tack and conditioning of the horse. This is a stand alone course and may be taken without Horse Care I

Irrigation - Agriculture

  Don't limit your productivity, improve your knowledge and understanding of irrigation with this course. Water is essential to both plant and animal growth and is often the major limitation to productivity. Irrigation is now playing a more important role in agriculture than ever before. However, depending on the climate, the value of the plants or animals, the value of the land and it's suitability for irrigation, the cost, reliability and quality of the water supply, irrigation may or may not be possible or feasible. Irrigation may enable plants (i.e. crops, pasture) to be grown in a dry climate where it would not otherwise be possible, or it may supplement the existing rainfall and improve growth rates by extending the growth period of the plant, or by ensuring there is adequate moisture during critical periods when the plant is growing most rapidly. The value of irrigation can vary greatly from year to year depending on the distribution of rainfall during the growth season. This is a sound foundation course introducing you to the basics of irrigation design and management.

Irrigation Management

  There should be plenty of water for everyone..., however three controlling factors: very unequal distribution, rapidly rising demand and increasing pollution around urban and industrial areas means that some areas of the planet are already using water at a greater rate than it is being replenished. This includes parts of Western Australia, and parts of NSW and Victoria. Water management will become increasingly important to try and cater for the increasing demand for usable water. The aim of irrigation management is to reuse water as much as possible, to collect and store as much water as possible, and to ensure that what water you do use is used in an efficient manner. This course builds on Irrigation BAG213. It teaches you to manage the design and operation of large scale irrigation systems. Suggested Prior Learning: Irrigation (Agriculture) BAG213 or equivalent (BHT210 or BHT304)

Machinery & Equipment (Engineering I)

  An introductory subject which aims to develop your ability to manage the selection, operation and maintenance of tools and machinery, with particular reference to professional gardening, agriculture and horticulture. Learn the use and operation of tools, equipment and machines to keep them running smoothly by yourself.

Managing Poultry

  This course is designed to enable you to analyse and make decisions about the management requirements of poultry. Covers all aspects of poultry care and management, relevant to keeping poultry either as an amateur or for commercial purposes. This course is useful to large and small scale poultry keepers. Poultry are a vital part of Permaculture systems worldwide. They are also farmed commercially. The course content and principles of poultry husbandry contained in this course are relevant to either situation. Learn about: terminology, breeds, health care; nutrition, diseases in poultry, housing and shelter, layers, broilers, incubation, brooding, record keeping, economics & marketing.

Natural Health Care for Animals

  Learn to Care for Animals Naturally Explore Natural Therapies and how they can be used with animals Learn how to optimise health naturally and minimise the chance of infection This course is perfect for people who want to work in the field of animal health care, but who wish to work more holistically in treating ailments and maintaining animal health. In this course you will learn about the nature & scope of natural therapies that can be used to treat animals and ensure their wellbeing. This course was developed by a team of highly qualified and experienced animal experts in liaison with professionally qualified experts in animal welfare and in natural therapies. This is a unique course, developed and tutored by unique experts.

Organic Farming

  Learn to manage both plant and animal production in a more natural and environmentally sensitive way and develop a sound foundation for understanding how to set up an organic farm, or convert an existing farm to organic practices. The course covers organic management issues such as certification, marketing, and environmental concerns, organic soil management and crop nutrition, weed management, pest and disease management, livestock management, pasture and crops.

Pasture Management

  Improve your pasture and make your farm more productive Pastures are critical to many types of farms. Farmers have been known to turn unprofitable farms into commercial successes by simply improving pasture. Whether dealing with small or large properties, pasture management is an important part of many types of farm enterprises. This course is designed to be useful to those already managing existing pastures and those who wish to establish successful new pastures. Every livestock farmer is first and foremost a pasture farmer. He may make use of the natural grasses or he may improve his pastures by planting special grasses or legumes. A good farmer recognises the different grasses and legumes, and understands how to get the best out of them. He will be able to distinguish between desirable and undesirable plants and he will know the grazing habits of his stock.

Pig Management

  Improve your knowledge and skills, learn about Pig health management Management of sow and litter Feeding of pigs Breeding and selection of pigs Learn pig management: for commercial production, self sufficiency, or a hobby. This course is relevant to whatever production system you use. A sound foundation course, it develops a broad understanding of pig biology and production; covering such things as breeding and selection, feeding, diseases, boar management, managing the sow and litter, fattening pigs, record keeping and more

Protected Plant Production

  Learn how to manage your production with less pest and disease problems. Develop your broad understanding of practices and processes involved in successful plant cropping  in greenhouses or other protective structures. Develop a clear understanding of environmental control and plant growth within a protective environment, together with a practical knowledge of plant husbandry techniques.

Sheep Management

  Improve production by increasing your knowledge and skills.  This course examines: Selection and breeding of sheep Improving Nutrition Sheep health Management of the commercial flock Wool Lamb and much more. Wool is an export product so good prices can be obtained when conditions in the market are favourable. There are fewer marketing problems associated with wool of good-high quality. Pure mutton breeds require less management than pure wool breeds. The lamb market is strong in many countries. A dual purpose breed can provide the farmer with two products (meat and wool), and spreads the farmer's source of income should there be an overproduction one of the two products. Sheep can also be farmed for dairy (eg. sheep cheese can be as popular as cows cheese in some parts of the world.   Learn more by enrolling now.

Soil Management (Agriculture)

  The quality of your soil is paramount to plant and therefore stock productivity.  Learn how to improve your soils and benefit from them.  This course examines: The properties of soil Testing How to manage and improve soil Soil problems Sustainability of soils and much  more. Soil is the foundation for profitable farming. There are many things that can be wrong with soil (eg. poor nutrition, chemical imbalance, structural problems such as drainage, lack of microbial life etc). Often minor and relatively inexpensive treatments can make a huge difference to productivity, but the problems need to be identified first, and that requires a solid understanding of soil theory and management practice.

Sustainable Agriculture

  Sustainability in Agriculture has become increasingly important over recent times. It is no longer sufficient to just be productive and the cost of production is no longer just thought of in terms of money.  The environmental resources of a farm as well as the financial must not deteriorate if a farm is to continue to exist into the future.This course was developed by our principal, John Mason author of the best selling book "Sustainable Agriculture 2nd ed." published by Landlinks Press (CSIRO) in response to the growing demand for quality education in sustainability.Lessons focus on soils, water, land care, weed control, tree management, pest and diseases, fire, financial sustainability, broad management strategies and enterprise selection and management (plants and animals).


Certificate

Certificate In Agriculture

  Designed for the new farmer or those aiming towards employment in this field. This course will give you the knowledge and skills required to run or work confidently on a specialised or mixed farm. Core units equip you with all the basics needed for general animal health, farm management and all important marketing skills. Choose three elective units from a list that includes soil and pasture management and also gives you the opportunity to specialise in specific farm animals i.e. calf rearing, poultry, beef or dairy cattle etc. An excellent starting point to learn the fundamentals of farming.

Certificate In Alternative Farming

  The successful farmers whether in a developed or developing country often share one thing in common: that being their adaptability. It is important to be able to change to remain sustainable, as the world changes. This may involve finding new things to farm; or it may involve farming in new ways. This course aims to develop your capacity to deal with change; find new markets, solve problems (whether management or technical); and overall, keep farms sustainable.

Certificate in Animal Health

  Train for a Career in Animal Health or WelfareThis is a comprehensive and highly practical course; for anyone who wants to better understand the health and wellbeing of animals. It is designed to provide a foundation for employment in any type of animal care job; whether pets, domesticated farm livestock or wildlife (captive or free). Learn about animal anatomy and physiology, diagnosing animal diseases, natural animal health care, animal health and care and either animal psychology or animal feed and nutrition.

Certificate in Animal Husbandry

  The Certificate in Animal Husbandry is an entry level course suitable for students who wish to gain knowledge related to companion animals and livestock. The qualification consists of 600 hours of study divided into core and elective modules of study. “Choice of electives allows students to structure their learning around subjects that are relevant to their situation or interests.” M. Cullen - Dip. Landcare & Natural Resources, Assoc. Dip. SMI, B. Teaching

Certificate in Companion Animal Studies

  Work in the Pet Industry Learn the animal husbandry, business and management skills, needed to start a career working with pets or providing support services within the pet industry.

Certificate in Equine Husbandry

  Develop your horse husbandry and management skills by undertaking this foundation course in equine husbandry. Horse ownership is flourishing in many countries. While owning a horse is a dream for many people, it is a dream that comes with responsibilities. It requires that you have knowledge and understanding of the different aspects of caring for these intelligent animals. This course provides important information on horse ownership and care.


Advanced Certificate

Advanced Certificate In Applied Management (Horses)

  Combine your love of horses with sound management skills This course is designed to equip managers, supervisors, or people who want to work up to these positions within the industry (eg. at a riding school, race track, stud, farm etc) with the necessary management skills required to undertake such a role. Three horse care units coupled with a workplace or research project (or in some cases, work experience) ensures that this comprehensive qualification is to a standard required in the horse industry.


Associate Diploma

Associate Diploma In Equine Studies

  This comprehensive, quality course will teach you all you need to know about running an equine facility or service. You will learn how to care for horses, manage equine events, and run a successful equine farm. The only thing this course won’t teach you is how to ride a horse!


Diploma

Diploma in Agriculture

  The diploma level course is designed for students who wish to extend their existing studies or knowledge of agriculture. Student are required to complete 20 units or modules of study normally including a Research Project I and II plus 100 hours of industry meetings. The Research Projects allow students to focus their studies on a particular area of interest that is relevant to their particular situation. Projects provide an way for students to practice applied skills and show-case their knowledge through a completed prestentation.

Diploma in Animal Management

  Learn to Manage Animals of all types in Captivity.


Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma In Agriculture - Alternative Agriculture

  Innovative and environmentally aware leaders are needed to meet the challenge of changing the global marketplace! Farmers are the frontline in dealing positively and proactively in managing environmental needs. When we think of complex ecosystems, natural habitats and endangered species, people need to realise these natural assets are literally in farmers’ backyards. Environmental concerns and the looming food crisis are confronting all agricultural enterprises. There is an immediate need for agricultural leaders who can respond in an intelligent and environmentally aware manner. This is a very solid training program for people wishing to work in alternative areas of agriculture at a technician or management level; in positions such as a farm manager, technical representatives, trainers or consultants.

Advanced Diploma In Agriculture - Animal Husbandry

  This course provides training for people wishing to work in agriculture at a technician or management level; in positions such as a farm manager, technical representatives, trainers or consultants. Learn about general animal care, health and welfare; and farm animal production, as a foundation for a professional career. The Advanced Diploma in Agriculture - Animal Husbandry is a complete qualification for people wishing to work in agriculture at a technician or management level; in positions such as a farm manager, technical representatives, trainers or consultants.

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