AGRICULTURE

ACADEMY OF LAND AND ENVIRONMENT

AGRICULTURE

STATE-OF-THE-ART Our modern farm and advanced agri-technology centre offers everything you need

Could you help shape the future of farming and food production?

Do you want to take up the challenge and develop an exciting career? Could you develop your knowledge and skills to shape the future of sustainable food production, precision farming, land and environmental conservation and wildlife protection? Become an agriculture student within our Academy of Land and Environment and we will support your progression into this dynamic industry. Farming is one of the UK’s most influential industries. It responds to the increasing demand for available, accessible and affordable food, embraces innovation and, by using three quarters of our land area, shapes our natural environment.

There’s never been a better time to enter the agricultural industry. There’s a huge demand for well qualified, technically aware and forward thinking young professionals who can manage efficient and productive businesses, are aware of expanding UK and global markets and can work confidently with emerging technologies to reduce energy use and combat climate change. At a glance

Foundation Level 1 in Agriculture Level 2 Technical Certificate in Agriculture Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment Level 3 Agriculture (Certificate and Diploma options) Technical Baccalaureate in Agriculture Level 2 Stockperson (Beef, Pigs, Sheep, Dairy) Apprenticeship Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship

WHY STUDY AGRICULTURE AT REASEHEATH?

Our courses are industry focused so you’ll enjoy unique insights and experiences by joining study tours. Visit farms and allied businesses and take part in discussion groups to learn from industry experts and help forge the future of agriculture. Become career ready by completing relevant work experience of at least 100 hours. Our Level 3 Extended Diploma students complete a full year work placement to gain essential experience through all seasons.

Study and apply the principles of lean management so you’ll be able to deliver measurable change to improve business performance, efficiency and profitability. Learn about technological advances in precision farming and sustainable livestock production. Engage with field scale and controlled environment crop husbandry and environmental protection which will prepare you for this high-tech industry.

Gain extra qualifications in key employability subjects such as health and safety, AI, foot trimming, safe use of veterinary medicine, pesticide application and (RTITB) telescopic handler operation giving you greater employment opportunities. Develop practical skills and experience working with our dairy cows and youngstock, support lambing our sheep flock and work hands on with tractor operations to gain skills industry needs all while improving your confidence.

Where could your career take you?

In the case of agriculture, it could be literally anywhere in the world! Many of our students have found their qualifications are a passport to exciting and enjoyable careers in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Others have gained degrees and now manage leading agricultural businesses. Many of our diploma and tech bacc students choose to continue their studies at University Centre Reaseheath studying a foundation degree in either agriculture or dairy herd management. This industry offers an incredibly wide choice of careers, such as: • Scientist • Agronomist • Land use policy advisor to the government • Senior farm manager • Export sales and supply chain manager • Estate manager • Catchment advisor • Project manager (agricultural equipment) • Specialist consultant • Lecturer • Sales and marketing manager • Dairy herd manager • Abattoir manager • Produce quality manager • Genetics specialist • Animal health or feed specialist • Dairy software trainer • Breeding / growing trials technician • Farm sales representative • Tractor driver / sprayer / machinery operator • Dairy herdsperson • Livestock person

University study

Following your Level 3 course you may wish to progress into higher education. University Centre Reaseheath offers Agriculture or Agriculture with Dairy Herd Management programmes with modules such as Environment, Sustainability, Managing the Milk Supply, Farm Diversification, Business and HR and Finance and Planning. Sam’s story

Sam Bailey

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture 2016

Job title: Farmer “When I look back over the past few years I can’t believe what I’ve achieved.

“In 2018, aged 21, I became the youngest ever tenant of a council farm in Staffordshire. Now I run a dairy, beef and sheep enterprise over a total of 280 acres, tenanted and rented, and in 2019 I won the Farmers Weekly ‘Young Farmer of the Year’ award.

“I also appeared on French television as the youngest self-made farmer in England and on ‘Springtime on the Farm’ with Adam Henson and Helen Skelton.

“My Reaseheath qualification was necessary for my tenancy and encouraged me to network. The business module has been particularly useful, along with dairy herd and crop management. The whole package is helping me grow my business.”

CAREER READY

Did you know, farm managers typically earn around £23,000 to £35,000 a year? Proven experience can help this rise to over £50,000 a year. Whatever your career aspirations are, we want to help you get there.

Harry’s story

Harry Lyons

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture 2021 School: Beech Hall School, Macclesfield Next step: Continue learning, possibly degree Ambition: Champion sheep breeder “I’m interested in genetics and I’m constantly improving my Cloudside Suffolks pedigree sheep flock. “I’m aiming to produce pedigree sheep for sale and breed recipient ewes for embryo transfer, because there’s a good market for both. But the long term goal is to breed the perfect Suffolk and break the breed record of 90,000 guineas!

“During my first year at college I became the National Sheep Association’s regional ‘Runner up Young Shepherd of the Year’ and ‘Best Under 21’. The competition was demanding but I was supported well by my lecturers.

“I spent my year’s work placement at a pedigree sheep and beef farm. It’s useful spending time in industry because you pick up skills you’ll need for the future alongside those you’ve learned at college.”

INDUSTRY FOCUSED

As our courses are industry focused, 99% of our diploma students go into industry or progress onto higher education. Our reputation and strong industry links results in employers offering a substantial number of career opportunities for our students. Your Reaseheath Experience

Your college experience certainly isn’t limited to the campus. Recently, 23 Level 3 students enjoyed potentially life changing experiences during their annual international study tour - a 1,400 mile trip around Iowa, USA. They were introduced to the best American farming practices during visits to large scale arable farms, cattle ranches and research centres, plus the Dallas County Rodeo!

Nearer to home we have also competed in the NSA Next Generation shepherding competition. We regularly enjoy success at the Royal Cheshire Show, for example in the past our students have won a fistful of rosettes showing beef cattle from the Sandbach Charolais herd.

Our agriculture students have also helped to bring in our silage crop using £1.85 million worth of highly sophisticated machinery on loan from leading manufacturers and suppliers. The student team were hands-on in harvesting a very heavy first cut in excess of 1500 tonnes from 170 acres over three days, taking part in the whole process from field to clamp.

All agriculture students enjoy regular visits to farms, suppliers and other relevant businesses and gain a real overview of the industry. Students also get involved in social events, charity fundraising and lots of sports and recreational activities.

Where you’ll be studying

As a student of the Academy of Land and Environment you will have access to additional state-of-the-art resources to broaden your agriculture and environmental education. Your study will be based around our 252-hectare campus farm. Dedicated classrooms and computer suites are used to support your theory work along with an extensive library, laboratories and quiet study areas. We also have new indoor and outdoor sports facilities for those who enjoy sports.

DID YOU KNOW? By 2030 we will need to increase our global food production by 50% to feed a population of over 8 billion. Currently 2 billion people (28%) across the globe suffer from malnutrition or hunger

We have been offering agriculture courses here at Reaseheath for over 90 years, hence our countrywide reputation! Thanks to our dedicated and industry relevant staff we’ve built up an expansive network of partners, mentors and contacts to ensure our students are trained and prepared successfully to serve this great industry.

Our Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma is a unique three-year sandwich course, with your middle year spent on work placement. This year in industry provides you invaluable experience – great for your CV!

Agriculture apprenticeships

If you’d prefer the apprenticeship route, we offer stockperson and crop technician apprenticeships. You will learn all the technical skills needed for employment within the industry whilst continuing to build on your existing knowledge and experience. As well as working on-farm you’ll come into college to study one day a week.

Industry view

John Giles

Chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Food, Drink and Agricultural Group and Divisional Director, Promar International “Promar International, our parent company Genus ABS, and the Chartered Institute of Marketing are keen to enthuse talented young people entering the agricultural and food industries. The next generation faces challenges and opportunities and there is high demand for their skills and passion, particularly in the areas of science and technology.

“Reaseheath is recognised for the high standard and value of its technical learning and I am always impressed by its students. They are bright, well informed and care about their industry’s future.” Our courses

Whichever course you choose to study, you’ll be supported by experienced and knowledgeable staff who really put themselves out to make sure you make the most of your education here at Reaseheath.

Foundation Level 1 in Agriculture Want to find out about agriculture, horticulture and the environment? This is the course for you!

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Agriculture An excellent one year course to develop agricultural skills whether you have a farming experience or not

Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment This is a great way to prepare for progression onto a Level 3 course within the academy. You will learn about a variety of topics including animal husbandry, crops, livestock, improvement of habitats and much more.

Level 3 Agriculture (Certificate and Diploma options) A three year programme that is equivalent to 3 A Levels with the UCAS points needed for university

Technical Baccalaureate in Agriculture The equivalent of 4.5 A Levels, this course includes a Level 3 maths qualification plus an industry project

Level 2 Stockperson (Beef, Pigs, Sheep, Dairy) Apprenticeship Earn while you learn by working on-farm as a stockperson raising animals

Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship Learn how to use the latest technology to increase crop yield with this apprenticeship

Discover our courses: reaseheath.ac.uk/agriculture