This programme focuses on livestock production, farming systems, and safe work practices, preparing you for on-farm roles and further study at Level 3 and beyond. You’ll gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to work in New Zealand’s pastoral farming industry.
Course Details
This programme is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to support livestock production in a dairy or sheep farming environment. You’ll learn how to assist with a range of farming activities and work confidently under limited supervision in a pastoral farming role.
Compulsory across Dairy and Dry Stock Options
Human Risk Factors on Farms |
Understand Animal Handling and Welfare |
Handling, Moving & Feeding Livestock |
Treat Livestock |
Understand Livestock Breeding |
Understand Soils, Pastures, Feeding & Animal Health |
Using Technology |
Dairy Strand Only
Milking Skills |
Dairy Mating |
Birthing Dairy Livestock |
Rear Young Dairy Livestock |
Dry Stock Strand Only
Wool Shed Skills |
Shearing Skills |
Dry Stock Mating |
Lambing |
Dock Lambs |
By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
Apply your knowledge of key farming inputs to pastoral farming systems
Assist with key livestock production tasks on farm
Use appropriate technology in a pastoral farming environment
Identify and reduce risks to yourself, others, and equipment
Apply sustainable farming practices in pastoral farming systems
After completing this programme, you may progress to the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) or move into employment in pastoral farming roles with limited supervision such as milk harvester, shepherd, dairy farm assistant, or general farm hand.
Duration of study
This programme runs for 27 weeks.
Entry Criteria
Applicants must
Be a NZ Domestic student, aged 16 years or over
Hold an NZQCF Level 2 qualification in Agriculture or equivalent OR
Have completed a minimum of three years of secondary education with 48 or more credits at NCEA Level 1
Applicants who do not meet the academic entry criteria above may still be admitted based upon an interview at the point of enrolment, and are able to demonstrate a minimum two years in the industry.
Applicants must be currently employed or working on a dry stock or dairy farm.
The cost of this programme is $2,165.00. Our courses are approved and accredited by NZQA. Student loans may be obtained via Studylink if you meet their eligibility criteria – reach out to them directly via 0800 88 99 00 or http://www.studylink.govt.nz. You may be eligible to apply for Final Year Fees Free study if you have never studied at tertiary Level 3 or above (either in NZ or equivalent abroad) - please refer to https://www.ird.govt.nz/fees-free for information on the updated scheme from 2026.
Course Start Dates
I got my level 3 Dairy Farming through Land Based Training. It was so cool. I met nice people and the tutor is awesome. I class them all as the naki whanau.
Yeah the best course around to be honest. Learnt so much!
I’m a level 2 Horticulture student and the tutors are so awesome and supportive. The other students are cool, we are a fun bunch. I have learnt so much in a short amount of time.
Awesome course, learning heaps & loving it! Free knowledge, a priceless gift I will always be grateful for.
Farming Systems (Level 3) FAQs
This course will give students their New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) , which is an NZQA recognized qualification, that gives students a good, all round, basic knowledge of farming livestock. You are able to choose between Dairy and Dry Stock electives, so you can learn about what is relevant to you.Having this qualification shows that you understand the basics of farming and farm safety, and have a good base to build your skills on.
This course runs for 27 weeks full-time.
This programme is available in the Manawatu-Whānganui, Waikato, Wellington and Taranaki regions.
This programme involves approximately 31.5 learning hours per week, including on farm work, theory work and readings, working on assessments etc.
A tutor will come out and visit you regularly to support you with your learning, verify and sign off assessment tasks and be there to support you throughout your study.
You may also be required to attend classes on a campus in your region. This will be confirmed with you at the point of enrolment and any dates/times provided in advance.
Intakes are monthly with our first intake starting 9th February 2026.