B.Agric. in Agricultural Management

Study aims
The objective of the degree is the training of students who will be able to apply agricultural knowledge practically on farm level as well as in agricultural related organisations. The B.Agric. qualification will allow persons to apply their knowledge in the fields of resource utilisation, agricultural production, processing, management and communication.
Admission requirements
Grade 12 Mathematics at standard grade level or Mathematics N4 is required for admission to the B.Agric. degree.
Specialisation
Irrigation Management
Animal Production Management
Mixed-farming Management
Crop Production Management
Horticultural Management
Agricultural Management
Wildlife Management
The book STRATEGIC APPROACH TO FARMING SUCCESS is prescribed for third-year Agricultural Management students.
After completion of the B.Agric. degree graduates should
have a profound scientific knowledge of animal production, enabling them to apply correct herd management;
have a profound scientific knowledge of crop production;
be able to manage and plan natural resources (soil, water and pasture) economically on a farm;
know how to analyse and plan the entire farming process (land, labour, capital and management);
be able to manage business functions such as purchasing, production, marketing, administration, human resources, capital and finance within an ever-changing external environment;
be able to analyse the entire farming process in terms of physical, biological and financial limitations;
be able to compile and interpret farming records and firnancial statements;
be able to interpret and apply product forecasts;
be able to detemrine and manage various risks (e.g. technical, economical, social, political, marketing, production and financial);
be able to conduct viability studies;
be able to use a computer for personal purposes;
be able to think and plan strategically;
be able to communicate clearly and comprehensively in both the spoken and written word;
be able to interpret and discuss scientific articles; and
be able to successfully apply entrepreneurship and creativity principles in practice.
A national that cares for its agriculture,
provides for its future


LBB362 
SEMINAR IN AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT
LBB 362 is the course that prepares students to apply the knowledge which has been gained in the past two years of study. Integrated production systems comprise a wide field and include a diversity of fields of specialisation.  
For the purpose of this course, relevant fields of specialisation are offered in the form of two modules, and it will not be possible to touch on all the themes in detail within the time available.  The course is aimed rather at addressing relevant matters and integrating them, thus making better decisions possible.
With the advent and development of computer technology, comprehensive and intricate calculations can now be performed fast and accurately.  Precisely for this reason, students will be better able to integrate information for the purposes of better decision-making and management.  In order to place the contents of this part of the course in the correct perspective, it is necessary to fully grasp and understand the integration process.  With a view to this, a short synopsis is given regarding the methodology, which should be followed in the integration process for this course.
“A farmer who cannot integrate his/her farming system and manage it as a whole, will not be able to make a success of his future.”
up  
LBB344 
STRATEGIC AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT
Strategic thinking is in the present turbulent agricultural environment of crucial importance. In this module the student will gain knowledge about implementing the steps in strategic management as well as the tasks of the strategic manager; strategic management of new technologies; developing creative and innovative thoughts; setting a paradigm shift for a farm; re-engineering of a farm; drawing a scenario for any agricultural product or possible outcomes in the future; discounting droughts strategically in the decision-making process; developing a community development programme for any community (commercial agriculture) in the form of an executable plan.
This course forms part of the service-learning programme of the University of the Free State.

All the stages in the book STRATEGIC APPROACH TO FARMING SUCCESS are done during the course, and stage 8 (Functional Tactics) forms part of the service-learning project.