Dairy Herd Management
This training will equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and capabilities for the role of dairy herd manager on their home farm or as an employed farm technician/manager. or herd manager.
Programmes:
The recommended training for someone seeking a career in the dairy farm sector is to complete the:
- Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Programme
- Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management) Programme
Duration: The Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture is one year, and the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture is one year.
Qualifications: These programmes are validated by QQI and successful completion leads to a:
- Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Award (5M20454) and
- a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (6M20486).
Entry Requirements: There is a seperate application process for each programme. Applicants must be 17 years old or over on 1st January following entry to the Level 5. Students must sucessfully complete the Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture, or equivalent course, to meet the entry requirement for the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management). Applicants with relevant prior learning and/or life experience will also be considered.
Application Process: The initial application should be made for the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Programme. Apply Online On successful completion of the Level 5, applications can be submitted online for the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture.
Delivery locations
This dairy education option is offered at:
Teagasc Ballyhaise College, Co. Cavan
Teagasc Clonakilty College, Co. Cork
Gurteen Agricultural College, Co. Tipperary
Teagasc Kildalton College, Co. Kilkenny
Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co. Galway
Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick
Transfer and progression
Learners who successfully complete the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management) may progress to the Farm Manager Apprenticeship providing they meet the employment criteria.
Higher Education Links Scheme: Learners may seek opportunities in higher education through the Higher Education Links Scheme. Please contact the relevant higher education institute for further information.
Advanced entry into higher education: Holders of a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture can apply for advanced entry into certain degree programmes. PLaces are limited. Additional Information can be accessed via the relevant college website.
Employment: Many graduates progress into employment in roles such as dairy herd technician or herd managers.
What will I study?
Sample content from the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture programme (* Choice of module will be at the discretion of the college / centre)
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| 5N1433 | Work Practice | 5 | 15 |
| 5N20368 | Principles of Agriculture | 5 | 15 |
| 5N20371 | Farm Safety and Farm Assurance | 5 | 15 |
| 5N20374 | Soils and the Environment | 5 | 10 |
| 5N20377 | Farm Business and Technology | 5 | 10 |
| 5N20380 | Safe Use of Pesticide Products | 5 | 5 |
| 5N20388 | Beef Husbandry * | 5 | 10 |
| 5N20396 | Dairy Husbandry * | 5 | 10 |
| 5N20399 | Grass Production * | 5 | 10 |
| Electives* | 5 | 20 |
Sample content from the Teagasc Level 6 ACA programme (Dairy Herd Management)
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| 6N20462 | Farm Management and Business Planning | 6 | 10 |
| 6N20463 | Sustainable Farming in the Environment | 6 | 10 |
| 6N20464 | Sustainable Farm Development | 6 | 15 |
| 6N0305 | Managing Ruminant Nutrition | 6 | 10 |
| 6N3525 | Applied Livestock Breeding | 6 | 5 |
| 6N20471 | Dairy Husbandry Management | 6 | 15 |
| 6N20472 | Grassland Management | 6 | 5 |
| 6N20476 | Milking Process Technique | 6 | 5 |
| 6N20485 | Grazing Platform Designs | 6 | 5 |
| 6N1947 | Work Practice | 6 | 15 |
| Electives* | 6 | 25 |