Agricultural Production Systems 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

This subject is taught over the first six weeks of semester with an exam in the end-of-semester examination period.

170 hours

Reading of rural press (eg newspapers and journals) will provide valuable background knowledge of Australian agricultural production systems.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject is the first of a suite of three first year subjects that are core to the Bachelor of Agriculture. (Agricultural Production Systems 1-3). These subjects introduce students to the major Australian agricultural production systems (plant and animal) and to the social and business principles that underpin them. Using examples that provide a concrete overview of the workings of each production system, students will develop an understanding of the range of drivers of that system- economics and market drivers; sustainability, including resource, financial and environmental sustainability; the structure of agricultural communities and the farming context, environmental and welfare issues, and the policy and political issues that underpin decision making in agricultural production industries.

In this first subject, students will explore the role of Australia in world food production, global food priorities, the factors that have historically driven farm enterprise development in different regions of Australia, and current and future trends in agricultural industries.

Students who have satisfactorily completed this subject will:

• Have a developing understanding of the structure and operation of agricultural production industries of Australia, as well as an understanding of Australia’s role in global food and fibre production
• Have an understanding of the principal factors that determine location, environmental impact, sustainability, profitability and international trade competitiveness
• Be able to describe industry benchmarks for productivity in the major extensive production animal systems
• Be able to describe industry benchmarks for productivity in the major cropping systems
• Be able to explain the ‘paddock to plate’ approach to production systems

• A two-hour written examination paper due at the end-of-semester examination period worth 60%
• A written assignment based on farm visit (field trip) of not more than 1000 words due in week six worth 15%
• A one-hour mid-semester test due in week four worth 25%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

A student who satisfactorily completes this subject should be able to:

• Explain their understanding of agricultural production systems lucidly, both in writing and orally
• Review and evaluate readings relating to global food issues and agricultural production
• Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, and study groups
• Work as part of a team to complete a group assignment
• Think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning
• Manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular tutorial classes, tests and the examination