Module Title:Integrated Farm Management
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be delivered using a learner-centred approach with a strong emphasis on the integrated farm management and systems approaches to agriculture. A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used such as lectures, guest lecturers, group workshop, case-studies, group discussions and group activities, site visits and classroom assessment techniques. Where possible students will have the opportunity to visit sites operating differing systems or changing from one system to the next e.g. from conventional to organic. A responsibility for learning will be fostered in the learners. To develop confidence, class participation will be encouraged and collaborative work will be instrumental in nurturing team building amongst the group.
Module Aim: This module will explore the need a systems type approach in agriculture allowing students to critically evaluate how management practices within the system can be optimised to deliver an acceptable return on investment from the market place. As well as within system evaluation, students will learn how to compare and contrast different systems of production the impact of system change on the economics and environmental impact of the business.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Investigate the cross-over between traditional farming methods and modern techniques nationally and internationally. Paying particular attention to applicability to Irish agriculture
LO2 Appraise the role and effectiveness of precision technology to advance farm management
LO3 Critically evaluate the principles of conservation agriculture
LO4 Critically assess farm systems both within system and across systems and management practices that maximise return on investment.
LO5 Be capable of applying an integrated farm management approach to farm businesses.
LO6 Be able to apply high ethical standards in farm practice including public perception to modern farm practice. Students should be able to communicate the benefits of these practices to the public
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Minimum Tillage Agriculture
Critically evaluate the environmental and economic and resource impact of minimum tillage agriculture.
Conservation Agriculture
• Investigate and apply the principles of conservation agriculture • Examine and communicate the principles of conversion from conventional agriculture
Precision Farming
• Evaluate the effectiveness of evolving technologies in precision farming and their application including prescriptive planting • Examine and communicate the principles of conversion from conventional agriculture to conservation agriculture and organic farming.
Organic Farming
• Examine the practices of organic farming as an alternative to conventional farming. • Examine and communicate the principles of conversion from conventional agriculture to conservation agriculture and organic farming.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other In-Class Assessment: Learners will be given an in-class assessment based on Learning outcomes 4 and 5 4,5 25.00 n/a
Performance Evaluation Research Report and Presentation: Learners will be required to find appropriate source material in order to compose a research report. Learners are required to present the findings of their research report in a presentation to the rest of their class. 2,6 25.00 n/a
Performance Evaluation Research Report and Presentation: Learners will be required to find appropriate source material in order to compose a research report. Learners are required to present the findings of their research report in a presentation to the rest of their class. 1,6 25.00 n/a
Performance Evaluation Research Report and Presentation: Learners will be required to find appropriate source material in order to compose a research report. Learners are required to present the findings of their research report in a presentation to the rest of their class. 3,6 25.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 30 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Practicals 30 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Independent Learning 30 Weeks per Stage 3.67
Total Hours 200.00