In today’s world, the ability to produce a viable animal or crop production business is no guarantee for success. A critical part of the process involves proper management. This course will improve your capacity to manage a farm or agricultural enterprise more effectively and is ideal for farmer-owners, farm managers, retail farm suppliers or those interested in an agricultural career.
The Certificate of Farm Management is an online program that will give insights into how to make the optimal choices when it comes to planning and investing resources into a farming enterprise.
In this professional development course, you will learn about the strategic planning involved, and how to undertake a business assessment, viability analysis and agricultural business plan.
You will also study a range of production systems and the HR strategies and resources involved, including managing staff, machinery, water, soil and the relevant regulations and legislation applicable.
On completion of this course, you will be able to analyse, diagnose and make sound decisions relating to the management of a farm business – possibly even your own!
Course Structure
Unit - Farm Management
Unit 1 – Strategic planning
- Planning procedures
- Policy formulation approach
- Strategic management approach
- Initial strategy approach
- Farm business structures
- Management plans
- Financial terminology and the money market
- Finding finance; rural finance sources
- Financial terminology and record keeping
- Contract law
- Elements of a simple contract
- Offers, acceptance, consideration
- Strategic plans
- Trusts
Unit 2 – Business plans
- Farm planning
- Quality management systems
- Whole farm planning
- Preparing a business plan
- Integrated production plans
Unit 3 – Business assessment
- Business goals
- Factors involved in business assessment
- Considering factors affecting your business
- Drawing conclusions
Unit 4 – Viability analysis
- Assessing profit
- Risk analysis and managing risk
- Standards; cost efficiency
- Cost of production
- Quality and quantity standards
- Financial records
- The bookkeeping process
- End of period accounting
- Cash flow
- Example of budget
- Sensitivity analysis
Unit 5 – Management strategies
- Organising the workplace
- Scheduling; production systems
- System variables
- Animal production systems
- Lot feeding
- Cropping systems
- Polyculture
- Office systems
- Computers
- Business diversification
- Value adding
Unit 6 – Human resources
- Supervision
- Organisational structures
- Leadership
- Workplace changes
- Interviewing, recruitment and staff induction
- Giving instructions
- Managing human resources
- Work scheduling
- Occupational Health and safety
- Duty of care
- Protective equipment
- Dealing with chemicals
- Handling tools and equipment
- Safety auditing
Unit 7 – Physical resources
- Managing equipment
- Machinery and building
- Managing physical resources
- Engineering efficiency
- Animal structures
Unit 8 – Natural resources
- Regulations and legislation
- Land care programs
- Rehabilitation
- Trees; erosion control
- Soil degradation
- Salinity
- Soil acidification
- Compaction
- Chemical residues
- Water management
- Water quality
- Irrigation and watering systems
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Farm Owners
- Farm Managers
- Farm Retail Suppliers
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