Smallholders Certificate » AG007

For those interested in learning how to look after livestock and grow produce on a small scale. Also covers current legislation and welfare issues, plus the opportunity to visit smallholdings run either for self-sufficiency or as a business.

If you are interested in learning how to look after livestock and grow crops on a small scale, then this course is designed for you. The course covers soil and grassland management, the cornerstones of a smallholding. Vegetables and plant production from the field and protected cropping is covered, as well as each of the livestock classes: cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry. Current legislation and welfare issues are looked at. There will be the opportunity to visit a smallholding run for self sufficiency and smallholdings organised as a business.

• Soils and cultivation
• Growing grass and crops
• Making hay and silage
• Growing vegetables
• Producing crops under cover
• Cattle rearing will include breeds, signs of health and safe handling
• Pig husbandry will cover breeds, moving and housing
• Sheep husbandry will look at handling, foot trimming, breeding and health
• Poultry includes feeding, housing and incubators
• Land-based machinery selection and use