UCD Professional Diploma in Dairy FarmManagement(Level 7)

Head Office

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Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management Programme (UCD Level 7 Professional Diploma Award)

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Background Details

The future expansion and intensification of Irish Dairyproduction will increase the demand for commercialdairy farm management skills. In response torecommendations to the Food Harvest 2020 report;Teagasc and University College Dublin (UCD) havedeveloped a new programme for future professionaldairy farm managers. Graduates of the new programmewill receive a UCD Professional Diploma in Dairy FarmManagement (Level 7).

The programme will be promoted as the industryrecognised standard for professional dairy farmmanagers.

The programme will be unique in bringing together anintegrated team of highly specialised Teagasc staffincluding College Lecturers, Moorepark Research staff, Dairy and Financial Knowledge TransferSpecialists with input from guest lecturers including commercial dairy farmers and the dairy industry.

Programme Content

Dairy Technology

Dairy Professional

WorkExperience

Dairy Farm Expansion

and Development

ProfessionalDiploma inDairy Herd

Management(Level 7)

Dairy FarmManagement

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Graduates of the new programme will receive a Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management (Level 7 award from UCD)

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How will I learn?

Professional Work ExperienceThe programme will incorporate two years professional work experience (PWE) on the most progressivedairy farms with the option to travel overseas. The aim is to develop the managerial expertise andcapacity of future farm managers. Graduates will be well equipped to manage their own commercialdairy farms or manage dairy enterprises of others.

Discussion Group ParticipationTrainee farm managers will be required to participate in monthly discussion group meetings. Thediscussion group meetings will be led by a Teagasc facilitator.

Contact ModulesThe programme will incorporate approximately six weeks of contact modules. These modules will bedelivered as one day, two day and five day courses. Delivery methods will include:

• Class lectures;• Workshops;• Practical field sessions;• Field trips;• Designated conferences.

Contact modules will be delivered at participating Teagasc colleges and Teagasc Animal and Grassland,Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark.

Online and IT applicationsParticipants will be expected to use relevant computer applications and software as part of their studiesand PWE activities.

Application and Entry RequirementsApplicants must possess a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture or an equivalent majoragricultural award.

Details of application dates, application forms, application procedures, required documentation and contactpersons can be downloaded from www.teagasc.ie/training/courses/pfmp.asp

Selection ProcessApplicants will be shortlisted and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed prior to selection for entryto the programme.

Application Forms and QueriesApplications will be made to Teagasc not UCD. All application queries will be handled by Teagasc.

Course FeeThe course fee is €800 per annum.

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www.teagasc.ie/training/courses/prof_dip_dairy_farm_mgmt.asp

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Ricky Fitzgerald

Farm ManagerBallyhooly, Co. Cork

“I recently completed the Advanced Certificate in Dairy HerdManagement at Kildalton. During that time I spent six months workingon dairy farms in New Zealand which ‘opened my eyes’ to theopportunities available to me for well qualified dairy farm managers. Since qualifying, I’ve beenworking as farm manager for Kevin Twomey at Ballyhooly, a job I thoroughly enjoy. I’d recommenddairy farming to young people interested in creating a solid career for themselves and completing anadvanced course in dairying is the first step on that path.“

Aidan O’Leary

Farm Manager Carrigaline, Co Cork

“I would endorse the new dairy internship programme as the best way todevelop practical farming and management skills in young farmers andoffers them the opportunity to work with not only the best dairy farmersand dairy specialists in Ireland, but indeed the world!”

Kevin Commins

Tullynally Dairy Farm,Castlepollard, Co Westmeath

“By participating in the Dairy Herd Management Programme I feel thatstudents have a unique opportunity to learn from the best dairy farmersboth in Ireland and New Zealand and I would strongly encourage themto do so”.

Tommy O’Riordan

Farm Manager Ardfield, Clonakilty, Co Cork

“This course provides the framework for the foundation of a greatcareer”.

Contact details:

Teagasc Head OfficeOak Park, Carlow, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0) 59 9170200

Fax: +353 (0) 59 9182097

Email: info@teagasc.ie

www.teagasc.ie

Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork Tel: 025 42222

Fax: 025 42340

Teagasc, Kildalton College,Piltown, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 051 644400

Fax: 051 643797

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“I recently completed the Advanced Certificate in Dairy Herd Management at Kildalton. During that time I spent six months working on dairy farms in New Zealand which ‘opened my eyes’ to the opportunities available to me for well qualified dairy farm managers. Since qualifying, I’ve been working as farm manager for Kevin Twomey at Ballyhooly, a job I thoroughly enjoyed. I have recently taken up a farm management position at Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Research Centre. I’d recommend dairy farming to young people interested in creating a solid career for themselves and completing an advanced course in dairying is the first step on that path.“

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