Advice from Teagasc: Deadline tomorrow for top dairy course
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”.
The programme has been designed for those intending to manage their own farms, to work as dairy farm managers, or 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.
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.
”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 six 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 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.
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 visit the Teagasc website at http://www.teagasc.ie/training/courses/prof_dip_dairy_manage.asp
