Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer

The Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer occupational qualification offers learners a diversified skill set combining crop cultivation and livestock husbandry, providing practical experience and enhancing employability in various agricultural careers. Learners are equipped with entrepreneurial skills to start and manage their own farming enterprises, contributing to food security while promoting sustainability through sustainable farming practices. Additionally, learners benefit from networking opportunities and personal fulfilment in making a tangible difference in agriculture. The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer. Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer plan, prepare soil, plant, irrigate, fertilise, manage crop pests and diseases, harvest, and breed, wean, feed, manage livestock pests and diseases, water, and manage veld, harvest and sell both crops and animals. The qualification also aims to instil commitment to sustainable farming practices among learners. This includes promoting methods that minimize environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote biodiversity within farming systems. A qualified learner will be able to: • Cultivate crops and rear livestock. • Develop strategies to use natural resources and inputs to optimize productivity and minimize environmental impact. • Implement strategies to control pests and diseases in both crops and livestock. • Coordinate the timely harvest of crops and the processing of agricultural products, ensuring quality and market readiness. • Provide proper care, nutrition, and health management for the livestock. • Establish and maintain relationships with markets for both crops and livestock products. • Implement climate-resilient farming practices to adapt to changing weather conditions. Typical qualifying learner will show the following key attributes: • Technically inclined. • Problem-Solving. • Adaptability. • Business Acumen. • Environmental Awareness. • Ethical. • Teamwork and Leadership. • Critical Thinking.

Mixed farming systems promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, intercropping, and integrated pest management, which contribute to soil health and reduce environmental impact. Livestock play a role in nutrient cycling that improves soil fertility, thus creating a more sustainable and resilient farming system. The integration of crops and livestock can enhance the resilience of farming systems to climate change. Diversification provides a buffer against climate-related risks by spreading the impact across different farm enterprises. Training in mixed farming include practices that help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions. Consumer preferences and market demands for diverse agricultural produce and products, from both crops and livestock, drive the need for skilled practitioners in mixed farming. Keeping up with current agricultural trends and market demands can be addressed through a qualification that encompasses the principles and practices of mixed farming. A qualification in mixed crop and livestock farming contribute to advancing research and innovation in agricultural practices, promoting the development of new technologies and methodologies for improved productivity. There are similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) such as Diploma in Agriculture at NQF Level 6. Mixed crop and livestock farming is a significant contributor to the South African economy. It provides a diversified income stream for farmers, reducing dependency on a single agricultural enterprise. The combination of crops and livestock allows for synergies in resource utilisation, maximising overall farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the natural resources supporting agricultural production. South Africa faces food security challenge, as such this qualification is aimed at promoting sustainable and integrated farming practices. Diversification of agricultural production through mixed farming systems enhance the availability and variety of food products. Typical learners are those who are already in the Mixed Crop and Livestock farming and new entrants. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders: • Livestock Farmer. • Mixed Crop Farmer. • Agricultural Extension Officers. List typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate (if relevant): • Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Managers. • Mixed Crop and Livestock Consultants. • Agribusiness Field Officers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. • RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification, such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors. • For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification, through any means of formal, informal or nonformal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. • Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. • Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification with Agriculture Science/Applied Agriculture/Agricultural Technology or related.

• Produce crops and livestock.
• Apply principles of sustainable resource management for natural resources and input utilisation.
• Control pests and diseases in crops and livestock.
• Execute harvesting for proper post-harvest handling and processing of agricultural products.
• Implement care, nutrition, and healthcare practices for various livestock.
• Establish relationships with buyers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
• Apply resilient farming practices to adapt to climate change.