Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Dairy) - Farm4Life

Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Dairy) - Farm4Life

New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3)

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in dairy farming. Develop hands-on skills in farming systems and equipment while gaining valuable industry experience. Graduate ready for employment in the dairy sector and with pathways to advanced roles, including contract milking, share milking, and farm leadership positions.

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Key Details
Telford Distance
Qualification:
Certificate
Level:
3
Credits:
125
Duration:

Part Time over 2 years

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2026 Semester 3: 17 August to 16 June
Fees:

This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.

  • No tuition fees
  • Direct material cost: $7 per credit (incl GST)

This course is built for farming: combining industry‑led training with SIT’s practical farming knowledge to help you get ahead in the dairy industry. It covers how modern dairy farms operate, including animal and pasture management, milking, farm equipment, health and safety, and sustainable farming practices. You’ll learn online through the Farm4Life Hub web app, with practical learning that fits around farm work. Skills are built on a real dairy farm and checked as you go, so what you learn is directly useful on the job and supports entry‑level and developing roles in the dairy industry.

The programme will give students the knowledge and skills to:

  • Adopt a health and safety perspective when working on dairy farming tasks.
  • Assist with soil and pasture management including sustainable practices to protect soil and water quality.
  • Assist with dairy livestock production tasks.
  • Construct and prepare fences and stock water systems, safely operate a selection of vehicles and equipment, work with and care for livestock.
  • Learn about and use, new technologies, workshop carpentry and engineering tools.

The programme contains the following topics while gaining dairy farm work experience:

  • Health and Safety
  • Personal Wellbeing
  • Fencing
  • Soils
  • Growing and Using Pasture
  • Animal Health and Welfare
  • Technology on Farm
  • Sustainable Practice
  • Animal Breeding and Production
  • Agriculture Vehicles

Graduates of the Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Dairy) – Farm4Life programme are well-prepared to contribute effectively to entry-level roles within the dairy farming and wider primary industries in New Zealand. The programme develops foundational knowledge and practical skills relevant to farm operations, including dairy, pasture management, and the safe operation of farm machinery and equipment. This qualification supports pathways into employment such as dairy farm assistant, dairy herd manager, and farm machinery operator, and provides a basis for further training and progression within the primary industry.

All applicants preferably 17 years of age at time of course commencement, have attained NCEA Level 2, hold a restricted licence and have physical fitness appropiate for farming work.

Applicants over 20, and those over 17 who have not attained NCEA Level 2, must submit evidence of ability to succeed at level 2 or above in a related discipline, employment in the related sector for three months or more, and a written testimonial/referral.

All applicants must be working on a dairy farm or have regular access to a dairy farm to complete practical requirements.

     

This programme may pathway to the Massey Diploma in Agriculture and other further study and qualifications.

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