Be Prepared for the Future
Farming today has evolved considerably from where it was even just 20 years ago. To stay afloat agricultural businesses must evolve and change with the times.
Whereas a particular crop or animal product might have been all that was needed to run a farm, nowadays many farm owners recognise the importance of diversifying in order to guarantee income when times are not so good, or to tap into new and emerging markets.
This course of study is designed to help people manage their finances better and to think outside the box in terms of what other business options are available.
This is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success.
Modules
Note that each module in the Advanced Certificate in Agribusiness is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
Modern Agriculture offers Opportunities like never before.
Many people think of farming as family businesses which operate outside of big
cities, where success or failure is largely dependent upon the weather, where you are working outside on broad acres, doing lots of
very physical work.
Farming is changing though. It has been going through transition over
recent decades, influenced by changing dynamics in technological
possibilities, global trade and climate change.
Some "old" farming families and communities have become very innovative,
adapting to change and taking advantage of emerging new opportunities;
but others have struggled to adapt. You may hear of old farmers being
forced off the land; but for every story like that there are also
stories of new outstanding successes.
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Technology has enabled more intensive ways of farming. It has
become viable to create small, highly productive farms close to cities
or in urban areas (urban farming); if you choose an appropriate method
of farming (e.g., aquaponics, tissue culture, etc).
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Science has enabled more effective water and soil management,
boosting productivity, enabling more production from less land area, and
the utilisation of land resources that may previously have had limited
value for farming
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A more affluent world has created vastly increased demand for a
more diverse range of farm products. Everyone in the city is looking for
something a little different in their foods, clothing, medicines,
cosmetics and every other type of consumer product; and the raw
materials for most of those products (apart from mining production), are
derived from farms. Many farms have found new agribusiness
opportunities by finding and cultivating a market demand for a niche
product which they are the only significant supplier of.
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Often the key to success is in creating a difference between you and your competition. You may achieve this by managing the genetics (eg. breeding plant or animal types that have a uniqueness, and no one else has); selecting a unique "niche" product (e.g., growing and popularising a crop or animal breed that is otherwise rare), or value adding (eg. processing what you grow and building a unique brand and processed product which only you can supply).
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Agribusiness is not just the growing though. Many people build great careers or businesses in agribusiness as processors, distributors, marketers or consultants. Others find a career in the agricultural media, in education or research. This is an industry that is rapidly reorganising itself; and as it does, unseen opportunities continue to emerge.
Who is this Course For?
- Farmers, farm managers, farm workers
- Farm suppliers - anyone providing services, equipment or materials to farms
- Businesses that deal with agricultural products - traders, manufacturers, investors
- Agriculture teachers, students, consultants, writers or anyone else who needs to develop a better knowledge and understanding of the business of agriculture.
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