New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Farming) (Level 4)

Graduates will be able to:

• coordinate agribusiness activities using appropriate technology and a range of effective communication and interpersonal skills
• benchmark a farm’s physical performance against data from industry high performers to identify strategies for improving farm physical and financial performance
• produce routine management reports to inform decision making for a farm production system
• take responsibility for routine maintenance of vehicles, plant, machinery, and equipment
• implement and monitor a farm environmental plan

Graduates of the Dairy Farming strand will also be able to implement and monitor:

• milk harvesting and milk quality plans
• a dairy livestock health plan
• a dairy livestock breeding plan
• a dairy livestock feeding plan

Entry Requirements

This programme is open entry - however, domestic students must provide evidence that they are currently employed on a farm for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Learners will benefit by earning a qualification that helps them move up in the industry and improve their skills and job performance.

This qualification is targeted at people who are experienced workers in the agriculture industry and are looking to move into, or are at, a management level position in an agricultural production enterprise.

International Applicants: Must provide evidence of prior farming experience. If you're unsure whether your background meets the entry criteria or would like further clarification, please email international@witt.ac.nz and we can assist you.

English language requirements

Candidates whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0, or equivalent.

Work placement components

It is expected that students will work on farms in the local area and spend most of their time gaining hands-on experience in the agricultural industry.

Working on a farm is a key part of this programme, as it ensures that all learning and assessments take place in a real work environment where theory directly connects to practical farm work.

Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa

Qualification
A certificate at NZQF Level 4 or higher

Knowledge requirements (focus area)
Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming strands of the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4)

Related jobs
Dairy cattle farmer

Additional Expenses

A laptop or tablet is required - approx $750

Other additional expenses include:

• Gumboots - approx $100
• Wet Weather gear - approx $300
• Overalls - approx $100

We recommend waiting to purchase gumboots, wet weather gear and overalls until you have been assigned to a farm, as some farmers may provide them.