COURSE OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this qualification is to allow new entrants access to the Primary Agricultural Sector with specific reference to Animal Production. The contextualized purpose and usage of the qualification is as follows:

A learner assessed against this qualification will have the necessary competence to participate as part of a working team, performing the agricultural processes as applicable to animal production in a closely defined context and under close supervision.

Competency will be gained in any of the specialized sub-fields of Animal Production as specified under Areas Of Specialization (i.e. Small stock, Large Stock, Dairy Production, Aqua Culture, etc.)

The learner will be able to take responsible decisions within a limited range based on a sound understanding of the basic principles of agri-business and good agricultural practices, in meeting the set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan which includes the economical application of general resources, agricultural production and technical knowledge and skills, all in an Animal Production context.

The Learner will be able to carry out repetitive procedures in a predictable environment and will be able to adhere to the relevant safety, quality, hygiene and technical standards as applicable within the industry.

In addition to the above, the learner will be well positioned to extend learning and practice into other sub-fields such as Plant Production and Mixed Farming, since such efforts will only require additional learning within the elective scope of other qualifications at this level.

The learner will be well positioned to progress towards higher levels of Management and Technical production practices as defined by qualifications at the next level.

Learners will be enabled to actively participate in the Primary Agricultural Sector through the production of quality agricultural products, enhancing the overall agricultural process and gain opportunities to access local, national and international agricultural markets.

Finally, this qualification will allow qualifying learners to become economically active in farming practices that will have a direct impact on Local Economic Development through the production of food, the improvement of household food security and access to mainstream agriculture.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS
A learner will be able to progress horizontally from one category to another, namely small stock, large stock or pig production, etc. (Please refer to the list mentioned under “Areas of Specialization”) He/she will be able to do this without re-doing the whole qualification, but by only completing the necessary elective unit standards.

Furthermore, the learner will be able to progress horizontally to the following qualifications:
National Certificate in Plant Production, NQF 1;
National Certificate in Mixed Farming Systems, NQF 1.

This qualification allows access to the agricultural sector (refer to the SGB’s brief and matrix) and gives access to the relevant agricultural qualification at NQF 2, namely:
National Certificate in Animal Production, NQF 2.

In terms of competencies, the learner will progress from farming operation skills to basic managerial skills to managerial skills. The scope of practice will also increase.

The learner will be able to articulate with other occupations within the agricultural pharmaceutical operations such as laboratory assistant, assistance in the marketing and selling of agricultural pharmaceutical products and fertilizers. The learner will also be able to move to the secondary agricultural field.

TYPE OF PROGRAMME

• Part-time
• Full time

DURATION

18 months

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The learner is required to have a minimum of Grade 10. Must able to speak and write in English.

LEARNER MATERIAL

All learning material included in tuition fees.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

•  Oral reports are made or data is entered on pre-printed forms or screens.
•  Instructions (including challenging, inappropriate or incorrect instructions) are received, evaluated, clarified and acted on.
•  Workplace language, e.g. special purpose gestures and terminology to describe conditions, events, problems and actions is used.
•  Meetings (describe conditions, state own opinions) are participated in.
•  Information is collected from a variety of sources by recognizing/ reading / and/or using sensory cues.
•  Information (collected from instruments, gauges, outputs, incidents, operations) is organized, summarized and responded to.
•  Conditions or states are determined by measuring (i.e. temperature, size, mass, color).

  2.

•  Numbers are used to count and measure.
•  A calculator is used to add, subtract, divide or multiply.
•  Simple fractions and decimals are read and written.
•  Simple rations / percentages are applied as part of an instruction.
•  Proper use is made of number sequence, i.e. batch numbers.
•  Shapes are recognized.
•  Money is calculated in Rand and cents (related to pay, deductions, price, etc.)
•  Business-related application are applied.
•  Underpinning natural science principles are applied.

  3.

•  Different elementary data collection methods are applied whilst agricultural data is collected.
•  Collected agricultural data is recorded correctly and accurately.
•  Data collection equipment is used and maintained.
•  Appropriate health, safety and hygiene standards are maintained throughout the data collection process.

  4.

•  Basic environmental patterns and processes such as soils, climate, water sources, topography, ecosystems pertaining to local conditions only are recognized.
•  An elementary comprehension of farming systems and design such as internal and external inputs; local, regional and export markets; diverse income sources; needs and aspirations of people is demonstrated.
•  Measurable indicators of sustainability such as social, economic and ecological are identified and described.
  Integrated Assessment:

  Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is relevant and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

  Integrated assessment must judge the quality of the observable performance, but also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will be of a more practical nature while others will be of a more theoretical nature. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed but varies according to the type and level of qualification.

  A broad range of task-orientated and theoretical assessment tools may be used, with the distinction between practical knowledge and disciplinary knowledge maintained so that each takes its rightful place.

  Generic nature of the unit standards and the context of assessment:
  Because of the diverse nature of the primary agricultural sector, a generic approach to developing the unit standards has been adopted. This resulted in generic unit standards that should be contextualized within a specific area of operation, a specific agricultural commodity or specific agricultural system. Assessment, therefore, should not be divorced from the context of the application. All assessment tools, such as guides as well as the interpretation of unit standards and specifically range statements, should be contextualized within a specific agricultural commodity and/or system.

CERTIFICATION
On successful completion of course, the learner will receive a certificate.

DISCLAIMER
The information provided may vary or change at the discretion of Eskilz College. Eskilz College will formally notify learners of any changes or variations.