Climate change, water and land conservation and a shift in traditional farming methods are among the reasons that agricultural practice demands a contemporary approach. NMIT’s Agriculture courses stress that today’s farming must have a balance of academic, practical and industry elements.
NMIT works with primary industry specialists to explore the latest in farming technology, such as ultrasound scanning of beef cattle, fertiliser field trials and cell grazing.
Career paths are emerging in soil science, sustainability, land management and rural business advice, to compliment traditional cattle and sheep farming.
NMIT has commercial standard properties at Eden Park and Yan Yean, with facilities including a fully functional 600-ha broadacre operation.
NMIT offers many pathways for students to further their studies. Many courses complement each other and allow students to gain deeper knowledge and higher qualifications.
Opportunities for complementary education in different sectors of NMIT’s Higher Education Primary Industries department, where students will complete the same core subjects and have opportunities for electives in different industries.
Student success stories:
- Eliza enjoys studying a wide variety of subjects
- Sheena won the Whittlesea Show Rural Ambassador Award
- Kellet won first place at a competition at The Royal Melbourne Show
- Richard won a $2,000 scholarship
Available Courses (10)
Certificate II in Agriculture
Beef and Sheep
NMIT offers the Certificate II in Agriculture as a general introduction to agriculture techniques, but also allows you to specialise in an area such as sheep and wool production or beef production. NMIT’s excellent facilities include the 600 ha working commercial farm, Northern Lodge, at Yan Yean (25 km north of Melbourne).
Certificate III in Agriculture
The Certificate III in Agriculture is a general introduction to agriculture techniques, including: animal health, husbandry and handling, plus pasture and crop production, agricultural, machinery and equipment operations. You can specialise in sheep and wool, or beef production.
Certificate IV in Agriculture
This course prepares you for a career in agricultural production, from livestock breeding and feeding, to machinery and equipment operation. Develop knowledge of areas such as animal health, livestock competitions and tractors. NMIT’s excellent facilities include the 600 ha working commercial farm Northern Lodge at Yan Yean, which runs registered cattle and is cattle care accredited.
Diploma of Agriculture
This is a general course that will give you a wide range of skills in agricultural production. Gain experience in: financial management, trading strategies, quality management, research trials, marketing, operation of farm equipment, website design, livestock husbandry and livestock and pasture management.
Associate Degree of Agriculture and Land Management
The associate degree comprises the first two years of the three-year Bachelor of Agriculture and Land Management degree. Gain skills and knowledge in: agricultural technologies, soil science, water management, animals and plants, business and sustainability. NMIT’s facilities include a 360 hectare working commercial farm at Yan Yean.
Bachelor of Agriculture and Land Management
The degree course emphasises contemporary developments in farming, balances academic, practical and industry concerns, and presents agriculture as a multi-disciplinary study. Gain skills and knowledge in: agricultural technologies, soil science, water management, animals and plants, business and sustainability. NMIT’s facilities include a 360 hectare working commercial farm at Yan Yean.
Diploma of Agronomy
The Diploma of Agronomy has been designed for consultant agronomists, agricultural, chemical, fertiliser companies or farmers wanting to upgrade their qualifications. Learn to develop climate risk strategies, maintain pasture and crop production, weed and pest control solutions, manage a stored grain program and prepare agricultural and financial reports.
Diploma of Production Horticulture
Majoring in viticulture, the Diploma of Production Horticulture is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to develop and manage a wine grape production enterprise. This course focuses strongly on the practical elements in vineyard management practices.
Certificate IV in Wool Classing
If you have experience in the sheep and wool industry and want to become a professional wool classer, this course is for you. Gain skills and knowledge in: supervising work routines and staff performance; determining wool classing strategies; managing shearing and crutching operations. NMIT’s facilities include a 360 hectare working commercial farm at Yan Yean.
Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation
You can become an owner classer by doing this course. You will receive training in the preparation for and supervision of shearing operations. This includes: documenting a wool clip, and managing and supervising operations. NMIT has a 60 hectare working commercial farm, Northern Lodge, at Yan Yean, 25km north of Melbourne.
Higher Ed. Courses (2)
Associate Degree of Agriculture and Land Management
The associate degree comprises the first two years of the three-year Bachelor of Agriculture and Land Management degree. Gain skills and knowledge in: agricultural technologies, soil science, water management, animals and plants, business and sustainability. NMIT’s facilities include a 360 hectare working commercial farm at Yan Yean.
Bachelor of Agriculture and Land Management
The degree course emphasises contemporary developments in farming, balances academic, practical and industry concerns, and presents agriculture as a multi-disciplinary study. Gain skills and knowledge in: agricultural technologies, soil science, water management, animals and plants, business and sustainability. NMIT’s facilities include a 360 hectare working commercial farm at Yan Yean.
Available Short Courses (5)
Farm Chemical Users Course
This course is run over two sessions an essential requirement to gain an Agricultural Chemical User's Permit (ACUP) in the primary industries. Completion of the nationally recognised units of competency ASC3704A Prepare and Apply Chemicals and ASC3705A Transport, Handle and Store Chemicals will earn you credit towards attaining the Certificate III in Agriculture.
Farm Fencing Course
This course is offered as a series of weekend workshops at NMIT's farm at Yan Yean, as well as a theory session at the Epping Campus. Completion of the nationally recognised units RTE3201A Plan and Construct an Electric Fence and RTC2209A Install, Maintain and Repair Fencing will earn you credit towards attaining the Certificate III in Agriculture RTE30103.
Grazing Management (PROGRAZE) Course
Producers can obtain the necessary grazing management skills for profitable and sustainable grazing through PROGRAZE, a skills course developed by the Meat Research Corporation and State Departments of Agriculture. This course is designed for individuals who want to better manage their pastures and optimise production from their livestock. It provides practical skills and background knowledge about how pastures and livestock interact. Completion of the nationally recognised unit of competency RTE4011A Manage Pastures for Live stock Production will earn you credit towards attaining the Certificate III in Agriculture.
Introduction to Tractors Course
This course is offered as a series of weekend workshops at NMIT's farm at Yan Yean as well as a theory session at the Epping campus. Completion of the nationally recognised units of competency RTC2309A Operate Tractors, RTC2307A Operate Machinery and Equipment and RTE3309A Operate Machinery in Adverse Conditions will earn you credit towards attaining the Certificate III in Agriculture RTE30103.
Whole Farm Planning Course
This course is offered as a series of weekend workshops at NMIT's farm at Yan Yean. Completion of the nationally recognised unit of competency RTE5516A Develop a whole farm plan will earn you credit toward attaining the Certificate III in Agriculture.
