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Mixed Farming Systems Qualification

NQF Level 1 | AgriSETA

Mixed Farming

Systems

Foundation qualification in mixed farming systems, providing access to the primary agricultural sector with competence in both plant and animal production within an integrated farming approach.

120
Credits
12
Months
NQF 1
Level
Mixed Farming Systems

Qualification Overview

This qualification is designed to provide new entrants with access to the Primary Agricultural Sector with specific reference to mixed farming systems. The qualification prepares learners to participate as part of a working team, performing agricultural processes applicable to both plant and animal production in a closely defined context and under close supervision.

Entry Level Requirements

  • •Numeracy, Literacy & Communication (ABET 3 equivalent)

Key Objectives

  • Gaining competency in a combination of plant and animal production sub-fields including small stock, large stock, vegetables, fruit production, and hydroponics
  • Making responsible decisions within a limited range based on sound understanding of agri-business principles and good agricultural practices
  • Carrying out repetitive procedures in a predictable environment while adhering to safety, quality, hygiene, and technical standards
  • Meeting set objectives and targets within the broader farm plan through economic application of resources and technical skills
  • Developing foundational knowledge in mathematical literacy, communication, and data management
  • Learning agricultural fundamentals including food safety, farm layout, water quality management, and pest/disease recognition
  • Acquiring practical skills in both animal production (feeding, harvesting animal products, handling) and plant production (fertilisation, harvesting, planting)

This qualification positions learners to extend their learning into other agricultural sub-fields and progress towards higher levels of management and technical production practices. It also allows recognition of prior learning and assumes basic literacy and numeracy equivalent to ABET 3.

Learning Modules

Module 1: Mathematical Literacy and Data Management

  • •Analyse cultural products and processes as representations of shape, space and time
  • •Collect agricultural data
  • •Collect, analyse, use and communicate numerical data
  • •Critically analyse how mathematics is used in social, political and economic relations
  • •Demonstrate an understanding of and use the numbering system
  • •Describe and represent objects and the environment in terms of shape, space, time and motion
  • •Working with numbers in various contexts

Module 2: Communication and Learning Strategies

  • •Engage in a range of speaking and listening interactions for a variety of purposes
  • •Explore and use a variety of strategies to learn
  • •Read and respond to a range of text types
  • •Use maps to access and communicate information concerning routes, location and direction
  • •Write for a variety of different purposes

Module 3: Agricultural Fundamentals

  • •Apply basic agricultural enterprise selection principles
  • •Apply basic food safety practices
  • •Apply elementary farm layout and infrastructure
  • •Define production and understand the basic activities of production/conversion in the agri-business environment
  • •Handle inputs and stock in agri-business
  • •Maintain basic water quality
  • •Recognise pests, diseases, and weeds on crops
  • •Select, use and care for hand tools and basic equipment and infrastructure
  • •Understand how sustainable farming systems conserve natural resources

Module 4: Animal Production

  • •Apply standard animal feeding procedures
  • •Harvest animal products
  • •Observe and handle animals
  • •Apply basic dairy production practices
  • •Apply basic pig husbandry practices

Module 5: Plant Production

  • •Fertilise soil and attend to basic plant nutrition
  • •Harvest crops
  • •Manipulate plants
  • •Plant the crop under supervision

Module 6: Business Management

  • •Apply basic human resource management principles and practices applicable in an agricultural environment
  • •Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of marketing
  • •Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of sustainable farming systems
  • •Identify the need for capital and understand the need for the recording of the income and different costs in an agri-business

Qualification Details

SETA AgriSETA
NQF Level Level 1
Credits 120 Credits
Duration 12 Months
SAQA ID 48971

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners can pursue the following career paths:

  • Farm Labourer/Operator in mixed farming systems
  • Junior Farm Supervisor
  • Agricultural Worker in various specialisations:
  • Team Leader in agricultural operations

Specialisation Areas:

  • • Small stock production
  • • Large stock production
  • • Vegetable production
  • • Fruit production
  • • Hydroponics
  • • Combined plant and animal production

Career Progression:

  • • Progression to NQF Level 2 qualifications
  • • Advancement towards supervisory positions
  • • Movement between plant and animal sub-fields
  • • Access to local and international markets
  • • Improvement of household food security
  • • Extension into specialised production fields

Related Qualifications

Explore other AgriSETA qualifications

NQF Level 2

Mixed Farming
NQF Level 1

Farming
NQF Level 1

Plant Production

Start Your Mixed Farming Journey

Gain comprehensive skills in both plant and animal production for sustainable, integrated farming operations.

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