Applications Open for Dairy Diploma

Teagasc are now accepting applications for the Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management Programme. Applications must be submitted by April 29th 2016.

The programme was designed for those intending to manage their own farms, intending to work as dairy farm managers or those seeking to enter dairy farming through a collaborative arrangement and eventually own their own herd or farm. Graduates have gone on to work in New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, or in Ireland as dairy farm managers, or as managers on their family farm.

Tony Pettit, Head of Education Teagasc, said: “The Diploma in Dairy Farm Management is a Level 7 professional diploma qualification which is awarded by UCD and it combines key elements of the much respected former Farm Apprenticeship Programme with an approach that reflects the requirements of today’s dairy farming sector and current educational structure”.

Dr. Marion Beecher, programme co-ordinator, Teagasc, said: “There is a strong demand for technically skilled dairy farm managers with experience. This course provides the necessary training to equip people with key skills to become a highly successful dairy farm manager, either on your family farm, or as an employed farm manager. A recent survey of past graduates found that work experience with host farmers, the network of contacts made on the course and a combination of work experience, lectures, discussion groups and network of contacts were the most valuable part of the programme.”

The core element is a two year paid professional work experience with approved dairy farmers. Participants are required to spend 12 months on a Teagasc-approved host farm and then move to a new host. There is also the option to spend 6 months gaining work experience in New Zealand, which is strongly recommended to maximise participants’ exposure to different concepts and approaches.

The contact element of the programme is delivered in blocks at the Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, or Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College. Modules are delivered by an integrated team of highly specialised Teagasc staff including Moorepark Research staff, College lecturers, Dairy and Financial Knowledge Transfer Specialists, with inputs from guest lectures from the dairy industry and commercial dairy farmers. The programme also incorporates monthly discussion groups.

To be eligible for the course, students must have a minimum qualification of a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture prior to the course starting. Applications are also welcome from Level 7, or Level 8 agriculture award holders.

To download an application form and for further details click this link: Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management.