The application deadline for the Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management is getting close. The deadline is next Friday, April 28, for this year’s incoming students.

The course, which is validated by UCD, begins in September and takes two years to complete.

The main bulk of the course is done through paid work on a host dairy farm with approved farmers, while other course-work is done – usually in segments of three days per month – at the Teasgasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark or in Kildalton Agricultural College.

This equates to about four weeks per year attending lectures, discussion groups and workshops. Four modules, worth 30 credits in total, will be covered over the course of the programme: Dairy Technology; Dairy Farm Management; Growing your Dairy Business; and Professional Work Experience.

Dr. Marion Beecher of Teagasc said: ”The Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management will equip you to realize your managerial potential in dairy farming.

This Level 7 Special Purpose Award was designed for those intending to manage their own farms, intending to work as dairy farm managers, or those seeking to enter dairy farming through a collaborative farming arrangement and eventually own their own herd or farm.

“Graduates have gone on to work in New Zealand, Saudi Arabia or in Ireland as dairy farm managers, or as managers on their family farms.”

The entrance requirement is a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture or an equivalent major agricultural award.

The programme also offers the opportunity, according to Teagasc, to “build up your professional network of contacts”.

Over the duration of the programme, Teagasc highlights the chance to meet top researchers, industry experts, lecturers and elite dairy farmers – as the opportunity to build key connections for successful careers in the Irish dairy sector.

Online applications can be completed on the Teagasc website here.