Farming Systems (Sheep or Dairy) Level 3

Develop the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to work confidently in New Zealand’s farming sector with this hands-on Level 3 Farming Systems programme.

Designed for learners wanting to build a career in dairy or sheep and beef farming, this programme provides practical experience in livestock handling, animal welfare, farm operations, sustainable farming practices, and health and safety on farm. You’ll learn how farming systems operate while gaining valuable experience using industry-relevant tools, technology, and processes.

Throughout the programme, you’ll work alongside tutors and classmates in a supportive, practical learning environment. Training combines classroom learning with extensive practical activities, helping you develop the confidence and capability to work under limited supervision in a farming operation.

Choose to focus on either dairy farming or dry stock farming pathways, with specialist learning in areas such as milking, dairy livestock management, lambing, wool shed skills, or shearing.

This programme is ideal for learners progressing from Level 2 Primary Industries study, school leavers interested in agriculture, or those looking to enter the farming industry with practical, job-ready skills.

Graduates may progress into further agricultural study, including the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture Level 4, or move into entry-level farming roles across the primary industries sector.

You will learn:

• Human risk factors and health and safety practices on farm

• Animal handling, welfare, feeding, treatment, and livestock movement

• Livestock breeding principles and production tasks

• Farming systems and environmental sustainability practices

• Soils, pastures, feeding systems, and animal health fundamentals

• How technology is used within modern farm businesses

• Practical farming skills through hands-on activities and campus-based training

• Risk assessment and how to minimise risks to people, livestock, and equipment

Dairy Strand Electives Compulsory Elective 

• Milking skills and dairy shed operations

Plus one of the below electives 

• Dairy mating processes

• Birthing dairy livestock

• Rearing young dairy livestock

Dry Stock Strand Electives
Chose one of the following  

• Wool shed skills

• Shearing skills

Plus one of the below electives

• Dry stock mating

• Lambing processes

• Docking lambs

After successfully completing this programme, you will gain:

New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 3)

This programme runs for 27 weeks full-time and is delivered through a combination of classroom learning and practical training.

Students attend campus one day per week and complete practical activities alongside tutors and classmates during the remaining training days. Learning includes approximately 30 hours per week made up of classroom, practical, and self-directed learning.

Graduates may be prepared for entry-level farming roles including:

• Dairy Farm Assistant

• Milk Harvester

• Shepherd

• General Farm Hand

You may also pathway into further agricultural study at Level 4.

• NZ Domestic student aged 16 years or over AND

• Hold a NZQCF Level 2 qualification in Agriculture or equivalent, OR

• Completed a minimum of three years secondary education with 48 or more credits at NCEA Level 1

Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements may still be considered following an interview and demonstration of relevant industry experience.

Domestic applicants with English as a second language may need to demonstrate sufficient English language capability.

This programme is currently only offered to domestic students.

FEES FREE STUDY 

To find out if you are eligible for Fees Free study please find out more here or visit the Inland Revenue page on Fees Free.

STUDENT LOANS  

If you meet certain conditions you can get a student loan and allowances. Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz.

COURSE COSTS  

Domestic Students

• Campus Course Costs: $2,165.00

• Student Services Levy: N/A