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:
- Callan Hare
- Reanna Clayton
- 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 (9)
Certificate II in Agriculture
Beef and Sheep Production
Live an active life working on the land. Designed for farm hand apprentices looking to gain hands on training, NMIT’s Certificate II in Agriculture provides a general introduction to agriculture skills and techniques.
Certificate III in Agriculture
Beef and sheep production
Set for a career on the land - designed for farm hand apprentices looking to build on current farming knowledge or progress prior qualifications, NMIT’s Certificate III in Agriculture is the entry level qualification to start your career in beef and sheep production.
Certificate IV in Agriculture
Beef and sheep production
Take the next step in your career on the land. Build your leadership skills and take on supervisory roles as you develop your practical skills and knowledge to run a working farm.
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
Be at the forefront of farming knowledge. With NMIT’s Diploma of Agronomy, you’ll gain specialised, professional level skills and knowledge that can be applied on farms to guide decisions about crops, pasture, and chemical and fertiliser application.
Diploma of Production Horticulture
Focusing on viticulture (wine grape growing), the Diploma of Production Horticulture will provide current, practical knowledge and skills in vineyard development and management.
Certificate IV in Wool Classing
Make the most of your eye for quality, wool industry experience and your sheep. With NMIT’s Certificate IV in Wool Classing you’ll learn technical, supervisory and management skills to become a professional wool classer and shed manager.
Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation
Make the most from your sheep’s back - develop your knowledge and skills in wool classing with NMIT’s Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation. You’ll receive expert training in the preparation and supervision of shearing operations.
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 (7)
Introduction to Beef and Sheep Breeding
This course is offered as a series of weekend workshops at NMIT's farm at Yan Yean. Completion of the nationally recognised units of competency will earn you credit towards attaining the Certificate III in Agriculture.
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 units of competency AHCCHM303A Prepare and apply chemicals and AHCCHM304A Transport, handle and store chemicals will earn you credit towards attaining a nationally recognised qualification in Agriculture (Certificate I-IV and Diploma).
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 unit AHCINF202A Install, maintain and repair fencing will earn you credit towards attaining a nationally recognised qualification in Agriculture (Certificate I-IV and Diploma).
Grazing Management (PROGRAZE) Course
This course is designed for individuals who want to better manage their pastures and optimise livestock production. It provides practical skills and background knowledge about how pastures and livestock interact. This course is conducted as a series of weekend workshops at NMIT's farm in Yan Yean. Completion of the unit of competency AHCBAC401A Manage pastures for livestock production will earn you credit towards attaining a nationally recognised qualification in Agriculture (Certificate I-IV and Diploma).
Basic Livestock Essentials
NMIT offers you the opportunity to undertake a short course in animal management. The course is offered as a series of weekend workshops at NMIT's farm at Yan Yean as well as some theory sessions at Epping Campus. Completion of the nationally recognised units of competency 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 unit of competency AHCMOM202A Operate Tractors will earn you credit towards attaining a nationally recognised qualification in Agriculture (Certificate I-IV and Diploma).
Whole Farm Planning Course
This course is offered as a series of weekend workshops at NMIT's farm at Yan Yean. Completion of the unit of competency AHCAGB505A Develop a whole farm plan will earn you credit towards attaining a nationally recognised qualification in Agriculture (Certificate I-IV and Diploma).
