6N3005 Assessment Brief
Purpose
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to adopt and apply benchmarking techniques to a range of farm performance indicators.
Learning Outcomes
Learners will be able to:
1. Describe the principles of farm performance measurement and benchmarking techniques
2. Assess the role and application of comparative performance measurement and benchmarking in current farming practice
3. Analyse a set of comparative farm performance data in regard to the key variations arising and their implications for a given farm situation
4. Evaluate the role of farm discussion groups in assisting comparative farm performance measurement
5. Evaluate the role and application of information technology systems and databases in farm performance measurement for a given situation
6. Identify the latest research findings, extension / industry programmes and technology developments supporting farm performance measurement and benchmarking for a given agricultural sector
7. Conduct a farm benchmarking exercise for five of the following areas:
- Herd and Animal Performance Targets
- Grassland Management Practice
- Winter Feed and Housing Facilities
- Animal Breeding and Selection Indices
- Flock Performance Targets
- Crop Varietal Selection and Yield
- Crop Weed and Disease Control Plan
- Nutrient Planning
- Farm Assurance Scheme
- Regulatory Compliance Measures.
Project – 100%
A project is a response to a brief devised by the assessor. A project is usually carried out over an extended period of time. Projects may involve research, require investigation of a topic, issue or problem or may involve process such as a design task, a performance or practical activity or production of an artefact or event.
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | Learners may be assessed on the basis of their prior knowledge and experience. Providers must be specifically quality assured to assess learners by this means. To do so they must complete B10, see Provider’s Quality Assurance Guidelines and be included on the Register of RPL approved providers. See RPL Guidelines at www.fetac.ie for further information and registration details. |
| Grading | Pass 50% – 64%
Merit 65% – 79% Distinction 80% – 100% |
| Specific Validation Requirements |
There are no specific validation requirements |
| Supporting
Documentation |
None |
| Access | To access programmes leading to this award the learner should have reached the standards of knowledge, skill and competence associated with the preceding level of the National Framework of Qualifications. This may have been achieved through a formal qualification or through relevant life and work experience. |
| Transfer
|
Successful completion of this component award enables the learner to transfer to programmes leading to other certificates where this component is a mandatory or an elective requirement. |