Agricultural

AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION BAG213

Wanting to better understand Irrigation and how to best use Irrigation on your farm or property?

Farming often succeeds or fails according to the way water is managed. This course will give you the information that you need to irrigate successfully, including:

• Understanding soil characteristics and problems
• Understanding water and how it behaves in the environment
• Types of irrigation systems
• How to design and manage basic irrigation systems
• Understanding how to make the best use of limited water supplies

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AGRICULTURAL MARKETING BAG304

Do you own a farm business that produces animals or crops? Do you want to improve your ability to market and sell your produce?

This course will develop your ability to apply marketing strategies and concepts to your agricultural business, assisting you to improve your financial viability. Topics covered include:

• Marketing Concepts and Strategies
• Target Marketing
• Handling Produce
• Customer Relations
• Market Research
• Promotions
• Managing Marketing

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AGRONOMY - Agronomic Farming Practices BAG306

Agronomic Cropping Course

Large scale cropping produces a large proportion of the raw product that we use in our day to day living; from cereals that are made into bread, to cotton that produces fibre for clothing.

Agronomic cropping provides animal feeds, cooking oils, and even fuel supplements used in engines. 

This  is a significant, sophisticated and very important sector of farming; and learning more about agronomy is going to open your eyes to opportunities for employment, business and improved efficiencies in this sector of the agricultural industry.

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AGRONOMY II - GRAINS BAG309

Learn to grow cereals, pulses, and grains with this specialty course

Suitable for large and small scale operations.

Covering some of the most significant agricultural crops in the world, this course discusses important cultivars, factors of production (including machinery), processing, and more.

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AGRONOMY III - ROOT CROPS BAG310

Learn how to grow root vegetables

Increase crop diversity or start a new enterprise with root crops. Discover new varieties of root vegetables, learn best growing practices and understand different harvesting techniques.

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AGRONOMY IV - LEGUME CROPS BAG311

Learn about growing broadacre crops for food production!

Diversify your income and enhance critical elements of farming through legumes. 

Are you thinking of growing legumes to improve your farming practice and output?
Are you running a crop rotation system? 
How important is sustainability on your farm? 
Do you want to improve soil health and structure? 
Are you striving to reduce pests and disease or weeds on your land?

If you answered yes to these questions, legume crop growing is key.

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR BAG203

This provides an excellent foundation for working with or training animals in any situation, including farms, zoos, veterinary practices, pet shops or even in the wild. Learn about:

• Animal influences and motivation
• Influences on behaviour such as genetics, perception and the environment
• Social behaviour
• Instincts and learning
• Handling animals
• Managing behavioural problems

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ANIMAL BREEDING BAG301

Basic genetics and animal breeding

Our animal breeding course provides a foundation knowledge in animal breeding. The course will provide you with all of the knowledge required to be able to plan the implementation of an animal breeding program. In this course you will learn about:

• Genetics
• Selection
• Pure breeding
• Cross breeding
• Livestock improvement

 

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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY I - ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (BAG101)

LEARN ANIMAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Develop a sound foundation knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology as a basis to understanding the care and management of animals. This course is the starting point for working with animals in any situation. You will study - cells and tissues, the digestive system, the circulatory system, the urinary system, the nervous system, respiration, the reproductive system, muscles and meat, the skeleton, animal growth, development, and the endocrine system.

"The course teaches you the different systems within animals in terms of structure and function, cell and tissue structure, and also the differences between different categories of animals." Marius Erasmus - ACS Tutor, B. Science (Agriculture,) B. Science (Wildlife), Master of Science (Agriculture)

This course provide you with an understanding of the structure and function of the following:

• Animal cells and tissues
• Digestive system
• Circulatory system
• Urinary system
• Respiratory system
• Reproductive System
• Skeletal Systems

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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY II - ANIMAL HEALTH BAG201

Study Disease Recognition and Animal Health

Learn to identify and describe common diseases and conditions found in livestock, and how to appropriately treat or respond to these. This course provides an excellent foundation for animal health workers to better identify, understand and respond to signs of ill health in animals.

Specific topics include signs and symptoms of diseases, disease classification and causes, fever and immunity, tissue repair, and wounds and cell changes.

 

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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY III - ANIMAL FEED AND NUTRITION BAG202

Feed evaluation and ration formulation

Learn the composition of a range of feeds such as pasture, fodder, crops, grasses, cereals, seed and others.  This course will give you the skills you need to evaluate feeding and select the right feed for digestibility and nutritional content.  This course is very applicable to real life farming situations

Student Comment:

"I think it is absolutely brilliant. I have never come across such a friendly, helpful staff and am so enjoying my course. I will definitely recommend ACS to anybody who wants to study over the net." - T. Sadler

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AQUACULTURE BAG211

Foundation studies in aquaculture

This is the perfect course for those who are wanting a good foundation knowledge in Aquaculture. For those wanting to set up an aquaculture business, this course is also ideal, giving you the ability to independently analyse and make decisions about the management of an aquaculture business. 

You will study:

• Production Systems
• Species for Farming
• Setting up a Fish Farm
• Feeding
• Harvesting

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BEEF CATTLE BAG206

Improve Your Knowledge and Skills

• Learn to manage Beef Cattle
• Start your own Cattle Breeding business?
• Improve your prospects for work in the beef industry

This course will build your confidence and knowledge, teaching you most of what you will need to know about breeding and managing beef cattle.

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CALF REARING BAG207

Wanting to breed calves or to understand how to care for them?

This course will provide you with the knowledge to select calves for specific purposes
(e.g. dairy, beef, breeding) and to rear them. It covers:

• Calving and Culling
• Management of Calves
• Calf Health and Diseases
• Calf Rearing Systems
• Calf Housing
• Calf Weaning

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DAIRY CATTLE BAG205

Learn to farm a dairy cattle more successfully

This is a very practical foundation course; providing unique and extensive support from university qualified and industry experienced experts.
If you want to learn about dairy cattle and their management, this is the course for you.

 

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DIAGNOSING ANIMAL DISEASES BAG219

What is that disease? How do I find out?

Learn the steps involved in examining sick or dead animals, and how to collect symptomatic information or tissue samples that will aid in making a diagnosis. The course will help you to recognise a disease and determine an appropriate course of action to initiate in order to obtain a diagnosis.

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DIPLOMA IN AGRIBUSINESS

Learn to manage an agricultural business

Training suitable for farms, agricultural supply and service businesses.

Farm production alone does not make success any more.

Good business management is a critical skill for a sustainable career in agriculture. 

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DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE

Develop your career and business potential studying agricultural science, management and practice

A broader foundation study program to suit students less certain about the farm sector they aim to work in. 

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DIPLOMA IN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Start your farming career the right way

• Learn about animal management, before you start managing them
• Study online at your own pace. 

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EQUINE BEHAVIOUR BAG216

Develop your understanding of equine behaviour and your ability to apply that to the welfare and training of the horse

Behaviour is any externally observable activity of an animal. In general, it includes:
• Movement of parts of the body
• Stopping expected movement
• Secretions from the body
• Changes in body colour

  

Student Comment: "The course was more in depth than I thought it would be and it was information that I could apply with my own horses. The feedback was very helpful and it was information that could only have been gained from experience with horses. My tutor would always answer any questions that I have and always had something positive and helpful to say!" Paula Grima, Australia - Equine Behaviour course.

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FARM MANAGEMENT BAG104

If you work in agriculture you absolutely need management skills!

The industry is desperate for suitably skilled and confident people who can operate at management level.

If you want to know how to safely manage farm operations and increase revenue what are you waiting for?

The course will teach you how to analyse, diagnose and make decisions related to management of a farm business. The course relates to the management of all resources including, viable production, staffing, physical resources, and natural resources. You will also learn about:

• Strategic planning
• Whole farm planning
• Preparing a business plan
• Business Assessment
  
  This course was developed by a team of experts led by John Mason, author of Profitable Farming, published by Kangaroo Press.  If interested, you can purchase a copy of this book from our bookshop (click here)

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FORAGE MANAGEMENT BAG226

Learn how to manage forage resources

Forage is plant material taken by livestock as they browse or graze. It may be grown as a crop or occur naturally.

Learn how to:

• Select appropriate plants for forage crop production
• Cultivate and maintain forage crops
• Regulate livestock access to forage plants
• Preserve forage as hay and silage

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FORESTRY BAG109

 

Graduates from forestry courses are in demand!

1.       RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SKILLS ARE IN DEMAND

2.       BUSINESS DIVERSIFICATION/INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES ARE NEEDED

 

Learn to grow, harvest and process timber on a farm, woodlot or for a native forest.

Learn the key principles and practical management of trees in agroforestry and urban forestry.

Improve the potential commercial output from tree production.

Know what are suitable timber types, growing conditions, safe and efficient workplace practices and more.

Discover the most suitable species for your environment, report on your local area, and discuss possibilities with experts in the field.

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FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT - LIVESTOCK VAG044

Do you work on, manage or own a farming property and need to develop skills to care for the property and the livestock?

This is a superbly designed course for those willing to deepen their knowledge and skills, and get a taste of advanced level study. This course can help you either get started in the agriculture industry or help you find the confidence in an area that you've already worked in but never gained a formal education ... until now. 

Working with friendly and knowledgeable tutors - our staff are trained on how to guide you through this self-paced course, if you stumble across anything challenging that is. 

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FOUNDATION DIPLOMA IN URBAN FARMING

Start an Urban Farm

• Explore the possibilities.
• Learn what can be Produced, and How.
• Start a high tech or low tech Farm in the City.
• Learn about poultry farming, vegetable production, sustainable agriculture, marketing and more.
• Make this a bespoke qualification to suit your own goals and career aims - choose elective modules that cover your particular areas of interest including hydroponics, vertical gardening, herbs, berries, and goat husbandry.

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GOAT HUSBANDRY BAG223

Learn all about Goats

 

Truths and Myths about Goats

‘Goats smell’. In general, female and neutered male goats do not smell. Entire males, particularly in the breeding season can smell offensive but only to humans. Female goats find the smell very attractive! If a goat smells and it is not breeding time then management issues may be to blame.

‘Goats are dirty’. Goats are actually fastidiously clean! They keep themselves very clean and are not keen on getting wet. Again, if goats are visibly dirty then management issues may be the cause.

‘Goats eat everything’. Goats are very inquisitive creatures and as they don’t have hands, they use their mouths to investigate novel objects. They are actually quite fussy eaters and prefer to browse on trees, shrubs and weeds. They will not eat washing or tin cans and are more than likely investigating a novel object with their mouth rather than attempting to eat it!

‘Goats are destructive’. Goats are naturally a herd animal; they prefer to live with other goats and are generally unhappy if forced to live in solitude. A goat kept on it’s own may well become destructive and try to escape by breaking through fences and gates, but this is only to try and find other members of the herd and it is not just being destructive for the fun of it.

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HORSE BREEDING BAG307

Learn Horse Breeding

Breeding horses for specific uses has formed four general types of modern horses:

• Hotbloods (e.g. Arab and Thoroughbred)
• Warmbloods (e.g. Carriage and Sport horses)
• Coldbloods (e.g. heavy Draught horses)
• Ponies (e.g. Exmoor, Dartmoor, Icelandic )

These categories refer to the temperament and speed of the horse rather than anything to do with the actual temperature of the horse’s blood. Hotblooded horses tend to be more quick-witted and ‘sharp’ and also possess great speed across the ground. Coldblooded horses tend to be a quiet temperament and are often larger animals.

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HORSE CARE I BAG102

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HORSE CARE II BAG204

Stable management, grooming, exercise and conditioning

This course follows on from Horse Care I. It focuses on the care of stabled performance horses and covers topics such as:

• Stabling
• Foot Care
• Bedding
• Tack
• Conditioning

The course complements Horse Care I and Horse Care III. It may be studied as a part of a Certificate, Advanced Certificate or Associate Diploma level of equine studies: or it may be studied as a single short vocational level course.

Australian Correspondence Schools, Home Studies - Agricultural School

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HORSE CARE III BAG302

Building on Horse Care I and II, learn to better manage the health and condition of horses in different situations: including while traveling or competing in events

Who should do this course:

• Anyone who is transporting horses and caring for them while away from home
• Horse owners and breeders
• Equine event organisers

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IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT BAG303

Need to know how to manage or design a large scale Irrigation System?

This course builds on our Irrigation course and teaches you to manage the design and operation of large scale irrigation systems, such as in a nursery, for a large crop, turf, garden or pasture.

• Water management and efficiency
• Irrigation scheduling for large crops
• Drainage system design
• Irrigation controllers or maintenance
• Fertigation
• Design and Evaluation

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MARICULTURE - BAG220

Marine Aquaculture (Mariculture)

Learn about the general selection and management for farming salt water species of plants and animals.

• Deals with the farming of salt water species of fish, shellfish, seaweed and other marine products
• Learn to plan and manage the farming of a wide variety of marine life
• Self paced study, expert tutors, start anytime, 100 hours of learning to give you a sound foundation in marine aquaculture.

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NATURAL THERAPIES FOR ANIMAL HEALTH CARE BAG218

Learn about the range of different natural therapies that can be used to treat animals

Technology has come a long way in the treatment of disease in both domestic and livestock. The conventional approach used by most veterinary practices has had great success in treating ailments such as acute infection and trauma. One problem that has come from this conventional approach to treatment is the narrowing view of how ailments can be treated and the growing reliance on chemical products for treatment. This has lead to the re-emergence of holistic therapies for animals. Practitioners who use this holistic approach to the treatment of illness in animals believe that symptoms represent the action of an individual’s “life force”. To protect an animal’s life force, symptoms are created such as diarrhea, vomiting, coughing and sneezing to throw off the disturbance.

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ORGANIC FARMING - BAG305

The philosophy at the heart of organic farming is to work with the cycles of nature rather then against them

 

Organic farmers see their farms as a 'whole' (but closed) system; they try to minimise outside inputs, even those that are organically approved. Although organic farming will not solve all the economic problems inherent in modern farms, there is a definite trend towards organic produce.

This course provides the student with a solid understanding of the systems and management techniques of organic farming, for both crops and livestock.

Field trips for research purposes are required.

 

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PASTURE MANAGEMENT BAG212

Learn to establish and maintain more productive pastures on farms

 

Pastures are critical to many types of farm. Farmers have been known to turn unprofitable farms into commercial successes by simply improving pasture. Whether dealing with small or large properties, pasture management is an important part of many types of farm enterprises. Learn to evaluate, design and make decisions about the management of pasture for different purposes.

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PET CARE AAG100

Learn Care for Pets?

A sound introduction to caring for a wide variety of different of different pets. Covers dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and amphibians. The course was developed and is tutored by highly qualified and experienced professionals including Veterinary Surgeon,s a former wildlife park manager, and university lecturers.This course is a great introduction to the care of a wide variety of different pets. 

 

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PIGS BAG209

A career in pig production/husbandry?

Pig production can be highly sophisticated or unsophisticated. There are many different ways of producing pigs for market, ranging from more "natural" systems, where animals are farmed in paddocks, to "factory" like systems where animals spend virtually all of their life confined to small pens in large buildings with many husbandry tasks (e.g. feeding and watering) being automated.

This course develops a better understanding of pig biology and production, covering such things as:

• Breeding and Selection
• Feeding
• Diseases
• Managing the Boar
• Managing the Sow and Litter
• Fattening Pigs
• Economics and Records etc.

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POULTRY MANAGEMENT BAG208

Want to work or move up in the poultry industry?

Thinking of running a poultry farm?
Or do you just want to know all there is to know about your backyard hens?

 

This course covers in detail the management of all types of poultry: Chickens, Turkeys, Geese and Ducks including:

• Terminology
• Breeds
• Nutrition
• Diseases In Poultry
• Layers
• Broilers
• Incubation
• Brooding
• Record Keeping
• Economics & Marketing.

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Qualification - ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED MANAGEMENT (HORSES) VSB001

Do you want to work with horses? Do you work at a riding school, racecourse or horse farm?

This course is perfect for those seeking a qualification in the management of horses.

This course will provide you with the knowledge to become a manager, supervisor or employee in the horse industry. You will study:

• Horse Care I, II and III
• Management
• Office Practices
• Business Operations
• Marketing Foundations

This course also requires the completion of a 200hr workplace project on the horse industry, allowing you to gain practical knowledge and an understanding of the  industry.

This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C.

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Qualification - ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE - ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE (VAG005)

Develop an ability to deal with change by alternative approaches to agriculture

Agriculture today is a highly competitive, global market. Many traditional forms of agriculture are sometimes difficult to operate competitively particularly within developed countries, but even in the most competitive economies, some agricultural enterprises still remain not only viable, but highly profitable. Success may be gained by value adding, or perhaps by filling a market niche not able to be readily filled by international or mass market competition. This is a very solid  training program for people wishing to work in alternative areas of agriculture at a technician or management level; in positions such as a farm manager, technical representatives, trainers or consultants.

 

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Qualification - ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE - ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (VAG005)

Animal Husbandry

This course provides professional level training for people wishing to work in agriculture at a technician or management level; in animal industries including:

• Farm Production (Meat, dairy, wool)
• Allied Trades (Farm supplies, veterinary services etc)
• Equine (Racing, Breeding, horse riding)

Employment possibilities include as farm managers, technical representatives, trainers or consultants.

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Qualification - ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA EQUINE STUDIES VAG009

Designed as a starting point for a professional career in the equine industry

Graduates may find employment opportunities in any horse industry establishment including stables, stud farms, riding schools, veterinary practices, equine supply and service organisations/companies, event management or race courses.

Accredited by International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC)

Provides advanced standing (credits) in higher qualifications (including Advanced Diplomas and Degrees) with Warnborough College (UK & Ireland) and Australian Correspondence Schools (ACS)

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Qualification - Associate Diploma in Agricultural Crop Production

Become an Agronomist or Professional Agriculturist

• A course relevant to all types of crop production - grain crops, fibre and oil crops, fodder, horticultural crops and others.
• Learn to produce crops for a variety of applications including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Student support from highly knowledgeable and experienced tutors.

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Qualification - ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURAL MEDIA

Develop a foundation in Agriculture and the Media

Job Opportunities include:

• Agricultural Extension Officer
• Agricultural Journalist or Writer
• Trainer or Educator
• Agricultural Marketing Officer

 

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Qualification - Associate Diploma in Farm Management

Learn to be a Professional Farm Manager

Farming has changed.  Today's farms are businesses, and if you want to be successful at any level in modern agriculture, you need to be a capable manager.

Study the Associate Diploma In Farm Management:

• Gain a solid foundation in the technology, management and science that are vital to running a farm.
• Gain the skills to give you a competitive edge.

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Qualification - ASSOCIATE DIPLOMA IN LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT

Become a Professional Livestock Manager

Whether you are dealing with cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, or some other livestock; this course can provide a valuable foundation for a solid business or career in the livestock industry.

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Qualification - CERTIFICATE IN AGRICULTURE VAG001

Build a foundation for a career in Agriculture

• To work on your own farm
• To work in a supervisory capacity on a farm
• To work for a farm supply or servicing business

To obtain this certificate, you must complete six modules including:  Farm Management, Agriculture Marketing, Animal Health Care and 3 electives of your choice.

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Qualification - CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL HEALTH VAG015

Train for a Career in Animal Health or Welfare

This is a comprehensive and highly practical course; for anyone who wants to better understand the health and well-being of animals. It is designed to provide a foundation for employment in any type of animal care job; whether pets, domesticated farm livestock or wildlife (captive or free).

This course was developed by a team of Veterinarians, Agricultural College Lecturers, and Allied Animal Industry experts in order to facilitate employment within the animal health care and management sectors. The course helps the student to develop skill sets deemed necessary by animal industry and rural employers.

The course can be used to negotiate Recognition of Prior Learning (R.P.L) as part of many different Qualifications Pathways in the Animal Health sector. 

Learn about animal anatomy and physiology, diagnosing animal diseases, natural animal health care, animal health and care, and either animal psychology or animal feed and nutrition.

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Qualification - CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY VAG012

Study Animal Husbandry at home

This course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to work confidently in the agricultural environment in a range of roles related to animal production and husbandry. Learn about animal breeds, behaviour, nutrition, animal health care issues and general management methods.

Recognise and diagnose different pests, diseases and conditions that affect the well being of both pets or other livestock, and implement control strategies for common problems.

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Qualification - Foundation Diploma in Urban Farming

Become an Urban Farmer

• Learn about which animals and plants need less space than others (e.g. poultry, pigs, fish, cut flower orchids, tomatoes).
• Understand the growing methods which can produce more in a smaller space.
• Learn about ways of farming unused spaces in urban areas (e.g. vertical and roof gardening; indoor production).
• Study Urban Farming with ACS, add value to what you grow - greatly increase your profits, without increasing the need for additional space.

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REFRIGERATING FARM PRODUCE BAG225

A Post-Harvest Technology Course for the Agriculture Industry

Learn about post-harvest refrigeration of agricultural produce - meat, fruit, vegetables, flowers and more.

 

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SHEEP BAG210

Learn how to breed and care for Sheep

This course will give you the solid foundation that you need to be able to effectively care for or breed sheep. Information covered in the course includes:

• Selection and Breeding
• Nutrition of Sheep
• Diseases affecting Sheep
• General Management of a Commercial Flock
• Lamb Care
• Marketing of Sheep and Sheep Products

 

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SOIL AND WATER CHEMISTRY BSC307

Discover the complex interactions between earth, water, and the environment

Study soil and water chemistry - apply your knowledge in agriculture, health, and environmental management.

• Learn about how soils develop.
• Understand how soil chemistry and fertility affect crop growth.
• Understand the effect of soil pollutants on health and the environment.
• Start studying at any time - study by distance learning.
• Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

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SOIL MANAGEMENT BAG103

An introduction to soil management for agriculture

Simple soil treatments can turn struggling farms into profitable properties. Soil management is not always the answer, but without the study and knowledge gained through courses such as this, it's difficult to know how much of a factor your soil management actually is.

This is a general soil management course involving: introduction to soils, nutrition, soil physics, chemistry, testing, problems, land degradation, soil management in farms and crops. The eight lessons include a special project on soil management for a site of your choosing.

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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE - BAG215

Is your farm or property Sustainable? Want a career in Sustainable Agriculture?

Sustainability in Agriculture has become increasingly important over recent times, as it has been realised that the profitability and longevity of a productive farm includes not just looking after the financial aspects but considering environmental factors as well.

This course will allow you to better understand the potential ways in which you can make your property more sustainable. Economic, commercial, marketing and production techniques are explored in a multifaceted way to help move a farm towards improved sustainability.

The course also covers information on:

• Soil management
• Water management
• Land care and management, including the management of weeds, fire, trees, pests and disease.
• Management Strategies
• Selection of animals and plants

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WEED CONTROL BHT209

Learn to identify and effectively control weeds

You learn about both chemical and non-chemical control methods (e.g. mulching, burning, slashing), the use of spray equipment, and safety procedures which should be followed. This course is appropriate to anyone who needs a better understanding of weeds, including:

• Land owners
• Farmers
• Land Managers (Park managers, Golf Course superintendents, foremen, etc)
• Environmental Officers
• Farm contractors
• Farm suppliers
• Landscape contractors

 

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