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ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION VAG036

Duration (approx) 1500 hours
Qualification Associate Diploma

Gain a detailed foundation of knowledge in all aspects of crop production

  • Learn about crop production applicable to wide range of different products and applications.
  • Understand soils - learn about the properties of soils and how to test them.
  • Understand more about managing soils for particular cropping purposes.
  • Study the biochemistry of plants - understand biological processes and the chemical reactions and interchanges that take place in plants.
  • Learn irrigation system principles and design an irrigation system for agricultural applications.
  • Learn about crop husbandry practices and different arable cereal crops, arable broadleaf crops, and harvesting crops.
  • Learn about controlling weeds through natural and chemical methods.
  • Learn about commercial seed propagation and determine strategies for developing a wide variety of different types of planting using direct seeding.
  • Learn about marketing your enterprise - farm produce needs to be marketed at the right time and for the right price. 
  • The course also includes practical projects to test and further develop your learning in agricultural crop production.
  • A choice of Elective Modules enables you to tailor your studies and qualification to suit your aims.

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION VAG036
 AGRICULTURAL MARKETING BAG304
 AGRONOMY BAG306
 BIOCHEMISTRY I (PLANTS) BSC102
 FARM MANAGEMENT BAG104
 IRRIGATION (AGRICULTURAL) BAG213
 IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (AGRICULTURAL) BAG303
 SEED PROPAGATION BHT237
 SOIL MANAGEMENT - CROPS BHT103
 WEED CONTROL BHT209
 WORKSHOP I BGN103
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 4 of the following 9 modules.
 BERRY PRODUCTION BHT309
 COMMERCIAL VEGETABLE PRODUCTION BHT222
 CUT FLOWER BULBS BHT317
 CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION BHT221
 HERB CULTURE BHT114
 NUT PRODUCTION BHT219
 PASTURE MANAGEMENT BAG212
 REFRIGERATING FARM PRODUCE BAG225
 RESEARCH PROJECT I BGN102

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Professional training in crop production and farm management

A foundation for planning your future in the crop production industry.

Crop production is a changing industry. The world's population increase shows no sign of slowing so new crops which provide improved yields from higher intensity plantings are in ever greater demand. Changes in climates and environment, in addition to developments in different crop types, have brought about changes to what crops can now be grown in what areas.

The Associate Diploma in Agricultural Crop Production has been carefully developed to provide a detailed basis of learning of all aspects of crop production, including the management of a farms resources. Students will cover a wide range of subject areas including propagation, biochemistry, soil science and irrigation.

  • Learn about the management of farm resources.
  • Develop your knowledge of essential areas of farm planning - from business plans, to strategies and whole farm planning.
  • Learn about analysing and managing risk.
  • Develop your understanding of managing physical and natural resources.
  • Consider the production of crops which were previously not grown in the UK.
  • Learn about irrigation systems and equipment.
  • Learn about the science of soil and how this affects the development of your crops.
  • Develop your knowledge of effective approaches to weed control.
  • Learn the concepts, objectives and strategies of agricultural marketing.
  • A flexible approach to study - we know that it can be difficult to find time to study. Our flexible approach allows students to start when they want and then study at a pace that suits them. During their studies they receive guidance and support from our highly knowledgeable tutors. 
Success Comes From Making Better Choices

There are many difficulties to overcome in modern day farming; you have greater difficulties because:

  • You are operating in a global market place.
  • You have more choices about what you farm.
  • You have greater opportunities to apply technology.

It also offers greater opportunities for all the same reasons, and also because: 

  • Global warming means different types of crops can be grown.
  • Increasing population density means greater demand for crops.
  • More people want organic crops and new varieties.

The Best Crop To Grow

Whether you are farming on a small or large scale, the best crop to grow does change from time to time.

In today's world, every consumer is always looking for "the next big thing" whether fashion, technology, food or something else. Demand will wax and wane for long established crops and opportunities will be revealed  for crops that were unknown previously. With global warming the types of crops which can be successfully grown in the UK is changing. Already crop growers are experimenting with commercial production of pecans, almonds, olives, nectarines, peaches, apricots, kiwi fruits, wine grapes and guavas.

This course is relevant to all types of crops from mainstream broad acre grain and fibre production, to niche crops such as obscure herbs and fruits. Our staff have studied and grown both, and can show you the common concepts as well as the details that separate production of different types of crops.

Learn to produce grains and vegetables, nuts and oils for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and discover opportunities you might not have considered. Lay the foundation for an exciting future today.

Develop your knowledge to become an expert in crop production

If you want to become an expert in crop production, this course is an excellent option.

  • Gain a detailed knowledge of agricultural production.
  • Improve your own crops or improve your job prospects within the agriculture industry.
  • Job opportunities in the agricultural industry are varied, so having a specialist qualification like agricultural crop production will show your knowledge in this area.
  • Learn with industry experts and improve your knowledge, skills, job and career prospects.

To find out more, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with our specialist Agriculture and Crop tutors today.
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Dr. Gareth PearceGraduated from the University of Nottingham in 1982 with a B.Sc.(Hons) in Animal Science. Between 82 and 85 worked as Research Assistant and Demonstator in Animal Science at the University of Leeds. Over more than 30 years he has furthered his studies, obtaining eight significant university qualifications including degrees in Veterinary Science, Wildlife Conservation and Animal Behaviour. Gareth has significant teaching experience around the world as a faculty member at eight different universities including Associate Professor at Murdoch University and Director of Studies in Veterinary Science at Cambridge University. He has over 100 prestigious research papers published, and enjoys an outstanding international reputation in the fields of animal and veterinary science.
Maggi BrownMaggi is regarded as an expert in organic growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more than three decades. Some of Maggi's qualifications include RHS Cert. Hort. Cert. Ed. Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA) .
Diana Cole (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Permaculturist, Landscaper, Environmentalist. Holds a Diploma in Horticulture, degree in geography, permaculture certificate and various other qualifications. Between 1985 and 94, Diana was a task leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Since 2001 she has been chairperson of the Friends of Mellor Park (with Stockport MDC). From 2005 she has worked exclusively in horticulture as proprietor of her own garden design and consultancy business in and around Derbyshire; and at the same time as part time manager of a small garden centre. Diana has been an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable tutor with ACS since 2008.
Marius Erasmus Subsequent to completing a BSc (Agric) degree in animal science, Marius completed an honours degree in wildlife management, and a masters degree in production animal physiology. Following the Masters degree, he has worked for 9 years in the UK, and South Africa in wildlife management, dairy, beef and poultry farming.


Check out our eBooks

Land Management.
Cucumbers Pumpkins Marrows and other CucurbitsThe Cucumbers Pumpkins Marrows and other Cucurbits ebook will provide you with a guide in everything that you will need to know about these very useful plants. Learn more about the different and sometimes unusual varieties that are available of these plants. This is the complete guide to this plant family as each section will provide you with the ideal growing conditions, culture, planting, pest and disease problems, harvest, varieties and some great ways to eat the fruit.
Farm ManagementThe Farm Management ebook is a valuable piece of equipment for any farming student or current farmer. Improve your farm management skills or learn new skills and techniques. The topics covered within this Farm Management ebook include 1/ Scope and nature of the farm industry, 2/ The farm site, 3/ Production systems, 4/ Managing livestock, 5/ Managing pasture, 6/ Managing crops, 7/ Managing equipment and materials, 8/ Computer applications, 9/ Farm structures and buildings, 10/ Financial management, 11/ Marketing, 12/ Farm planning, 13/ Staff management, 14/ Water management and 15/ Diversification.
Profitable FarmingDiscover new ways to make money from your farm and broaden your perspective on the farming industry. A few things in life are certain; change is inevitable and people need to eat. Learn to embrace change as an opportunity and improve your ability to forge a sustainable career in farming.