Course Units – Agriculture

This unit introduces the fundamental principles of whole farm production systems. Students will learn to systematically identify and evaluate key resources, explore the core factors influencing agricultural enterprises, and gain an introduction to both livestock and plant physiology.

• Crop production principles
• Farm animal biology
• Farm profile
• Fundamentals of the Australian agricultural industry
• Plant biology

This unit introduces foundational accounting principles relevant to agricultural businesses. Students will develop essential skills in financial data collection, record-keeping, and basic financial reporting. The unit establishes a fundamental understanding of accounting concepts, budgeting, and financial documentation, providing a solid base for further study in agricultural finance.

• Introduction to farm accounting
• Introduction to budgeting for production activities

This unit introduces essential concepts, skills and business tools necessary to manage an agricultural business. Students will examine behaviours that enhance individual effectiveness in both professional and personal contexts. Building on the industry experience required for entry to the course, students will begin to explore how external influences shape the business environments in which farm businesses operate.

• Farm business environment analysis
• Introduction to business software (spreadsheets and word processing)
• Self-leadership

This interdisciplinary unit introduces students to the concept of systems thinking. Through real-world examples, students will explore how decisions in one area of a farm business can influence other parts of the operation. Learning activities include a farm planning simulation, analysis of pasture-based systems, and participation in both domestic and international study tours.

• Business writing
• Farm game
• Grazing management systems 1
• Grazing management systems 2
• Domestic study tour
• International study tour

This unit builds on foundational knowledge of agricultural production systems by deepening students’ understanding of livestock systems and the impact of environmental factors on crop and pasture production. Students will also develop basic engineering skills relevant to practical applications in an agricultural context.

• Introduction to animal health
• Principles of agricultural engineering
• Soils and Fertilisers

This unit builds on foundational accounting knowledge, introducing students to the analysis of financial and non-financial data in an agricultural context. Students will develop skills in evaluating business performance, identifying key financial indicators, and determining the value of available information. The unit enhances students’ ability to assess financial data critically and recognise additional information needed to support informed farm management decisions.

• Agricultural business analysis
• Budgeting to support farm management decisions

This unit builds on foundational knowledge of farm business management by deepening students’ understanding of core business systems and the economic theory underpinning them. It also emphasises the importance of clear and effective communication in conveying information within the agricultural context.

• Business communications
• Marcus business planning process
• Principles of economics

Students will deepen their understanding of systems thinking by drawing on knowledge gained across all first-year units. They will synthesise this learning with insights from visits to a range of farm enterprises, developing a comprehensive understanding of the financial and physical performance of agricultural properties. Using a case study approach, students will evaluate real-world farm businesses to demonstrate the integration and application of their first-year learning.

• Grazing management systems 3
• Enterprise profitability case study
• Performance improvement case study

This unit focuses on the practical management of agricultural production systems. Building on prior knowledge, students will apply their understanding of biology and farm management to real-world scenarios. Emphasis is placed on using these skills to support business decision-making and to evaluate production performance within farm enterprises.

• Feed-base management
• Genetics and breeding
• Nutrition
• Reproduction
• Weeds, pests and diseases
• Wool science

This unit focuses on the practical application of accounting and financial management principles in an agricultural context. Building on previous knowledge, students will develop the ability to apply budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting skills to real-world scenarios. Emphasis is placed on using financial information to support business decision-making and evaluate financial performance in farm enterprises.

• Accounting software, cash accounting & GST
• Financing the farm business

This unit focuses on the practical application of farm business management systems within an agricultural context. Building on prior knowledge, students will extend their skills in information management and develop the ability to apply their understanding of macroeconomic factors, assess their impact on the Australian economy, and evaluate their influence on agricultural enterprises.

• Advanced spreadsheets
• Macro economics

This unit is delivered over an extended period and enables students to apply classroom theories and practices to real-world farm businesses. It includes assessment of learning from an 11-month practical placement at an approved agricultural enterprise, where students are expected to apply their insights and reflect critically through associated assessments. Students will develop their analysis and budgeting skills in relation to a selected property. Students who do not complete the corequisite unit IMS620 Industry Practical Placement—due to course transfer, withdrawal, or approved exemption—will be offered an alternative, relevant assessment.

• Practical Placement Case Study I: Analysis of the farm business
• Practical Placement Case Study II: Recommending change to enhance profitability of the farm business

This unit advances students’ ability to manage agricultural production systems with increased independence and proficiency. Students will refine their planning, management, and problem-solving skills by engaging with more complex production systems and scenarios. The unit emphasises the development of advanced knowledge and techniques to support effective resource allocation, productivity improvement, and decision-making in agricultural enterprises.

• Animal health
• Animal welfare
• Applied crop management 1
• Irrigation
• Meat science
• Project management

This unit advances students’ ability to apply accounting and financial management principles with increased independence and proficiency. Students will refine their analytical and problem-solving skills, working with more complex financial scenarios. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced knowledge and techniques to support decision-making in agricultural businesses.

• Information & research
• Introduction to law

This unit advances students’ ability to apply farm business management principles with greater independence and proficiency. Students will refine their management, planning and problem-solving skills through engagement with more complex business scenarios. The unit emphasises the development of advanced knowledge and techniques to support effective business planning and decision-making in agricultural businesses.

• Commodity marketing
• Economics of carbon
• Farm business strategy 1
• HR Management

This unit is designed to consolidate learning from the practical placement by exposing students to a range of agricultural systems and businesses managing complex, interconnected enterprises. Students will investigate performance measures, identify factors limiting potential production, and examine the broader issues influencing farm business performance. The unit includes a five-day domestic study tour and an extended international study tour, providing further opportunities for applied learning and industry engagement.

• Applied grazing management (Summer / Autumn)
• Applied summer cropping
• Domestic study tour
• International study tour
• Reflection on work integrated learning experience

This unit develops students’ capacity to manage agricultural production systems at a strategic level. Building on a solid foundation in production systems, students will enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills by applying management principles to broader agricultural contexts. Particular emphasis is placed on long-term planning and strategic resource allocation to support the sustainability and growth of agricultural enterprises.

• Applied crop management 2
• Intensive animals

This unit develops students’ ability to engage with financial management at a strategic level. With a strong foundation in accounting and finance, students will enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills, applying financial principles to broader business contexts. Emphasis is placed on long-term financial planning, risk management, and strategic resource allocation to support the sustainability and growth of agricultural enterprises.

• Advanced budgeting (DCFs)
• Farm financial management

This unit develops students’ capacity to approach farm business management from a strategic perspective. Building on a strong foundation in management systems, students will enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills by applying farm business management principles to broader business contexts. The unit places particular emphasis on long-term planning, trade risk management, and strategic resource allocation to support the sustainability and growth of agricultural enterprises.

• Applied economics
• Farm business strategy 2
• International trade

This unit develops students’ capacity to address unpredictable and complex problems at a strategic level. Drawing on a solid foundation across multiple disciplines, students will strengthen their critical thinking and decision-making skills by integrating knowledge, practical experience, and applied skills. Particular emphasis is placed on formulating long-term sustainable strategies through a case study approach.

• Applied grazing management (Winter/Spring)
• Case study: Developing a farm business strategy

This unit focuses on excellence in the strategic management of agricultural production systems, integrating advanced skills and knowledge developed throughout the degree. Students will demonstrate mastery in strategic farm planning, high-level decision-making, and innovation to drive productivity, and support the long-term sustainability and success of agricultural businesses. Students are prepared for professional practice by consolidating their readiness to lead and contribute effectively within the agricultural industry.

• Applied crop management 3
• Intensive plant production
• Ruminant nutrition

This unit focuses on financial management in agriculture, concentrating on the integration and application of advanced accounting and finance skills. Students master strategic financial planning, decision-making, and innovation in agricultural enterprises. The unit emphasises integrating complex financial strategies to foster leadership, manage performance, and ensure business sustainability.

• Advanced decision making
• Off-farm investment decisions
• Risk modelling and analysis
• Taxation

This unit focuses on the advanced application of farm business management, as students demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement, and strategic insight. Students will consolidate their skills in strategic planning and decision-making within agricultural enterprises. Emphasis is placed on integrating complex business strategies to foster leadership, enhance performance, and support long-term business sustainability.

• Farm business strategy 3
• IR & people risk
• Land and lease options

This capstone unit brings together all aspects of students’ learning and experience from across the course. Using a case study approach, students will apply their knowledge to assess strategic decisions in uncertain and dynamic environments. They will demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, and a high level of responsibility. This unit prepares students to transition into professional roles as capable, confident leaders in the agricultural industry.

• Applied grazing management (Spring/Summer)
• Strategic decision-making case study