SpecCon Holdings

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

Months

NQF 1

Level

Qualification Overview

The purpose of this qualification is to allow new entrants access to the primary agricultural sector with specific reference to mixed farming systems. 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 plant and animal production as required for a mixed farming system in a closely defined context and under close supervision.

Competency will be gained in a combination of the sub-fields of plant and animal production as specified under areas of specialisation (i.e. small stock, large stock, as well as vegetables, fruit production, hydroponics, etc.)

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