Drystock Herd Management
This training will equip the graduate with knowledge, skills and capabilities for a role as a herd - flock manager or farm technician. Graduates of this option may also seek employment opportunities in the broader agri-food sector.
Programmes:
The recommended training for someone seeking a career in the drystock farm sector is to complete the
- Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Programme plus the
- Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Herd Management) Programme
Duration: The Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture is one year, and the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Management) 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 separate application process for each programme. Applicants must be 17 years old or over on 1st January following entry to Level 5. Students must successfully complete the Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture, or equivalent course, to meet the entry requirements for the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Herd Management). Applicants with relevant prior learning and/or life experience will also be considered.
Application Process: The initial application should be made online for the Teagasc Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture Programme. On successful completion of the Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture, online applications can be submitted for the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Management).
Delivery Locations
This full time drystock 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
Progression
Learners who successfully complete the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Herd Management) may progress to the Farm Manager Apprenticeship providing they meet the employment criteria.
Learners who successfully complete the Advanced Certificate in Agriculture may seek progression opportunities in higher education through the Higher Education Links Scheme, or through advanced entry where it is applicable. 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 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 |
| 5N20385 | Sheep Husbandry * | 5 | 10 |
| 5N20399 | Grass Production * | 5 | 10 |
| Electives* | 5 | 20 |
Sample content from the Teagasc Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Drystock Management) programme:
| QQI Code | Title | Level | Credits |
| 6N1947 | Work Practice | 6 | 15 |
| 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 |
| 6N20465 | Beef Husbandry Management | 6 | 15 |
| 6N20472 | Grassland Management | 6 | 5 |
| Electives* | 6 | 35 |