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FARM/FARMYARD LAYOUT. Changes to the Practical Assesment. Following a review of arrangements for the assessment of Agricultural Science at Leaving Certificate level, updated guidelines have been issued for students presenting for assessment in 2014. These can be found on the PDST website
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Changes to the Practical Assesment • Following a review of arrangements for the assessment of Agricultural Science at Leaving Certificate level, updated guidelines have been issued for students presenting for assessment in 2014. These can be found on the PDST website http://www.pdst.ie/sites/default/files/LC_2013_Agricultural_Science_Practical_Coursework_-_Revised_Guidelines_For_Teachers.pdf
Farmyard Layout for last year’s students • Previously students were awarded 5 marks for: • Home/Farmyard layout: the candidate will present a sketch plan indicating the principal buildings and layout of a farm, including aspect, roadways, fencing, shelter, grazing method(strip/paddock, etc.)
In 2014 ....... Students will be awarded 10 marks for: • a sketch plan indicating • the farmhouse and buildings • the farm • and to demonstrate their ability to discuss the farm buildings and howthey provide the environmentalconditions required on the farm and to demonstrate the physical/ aesthetic layout of the house in relation to the farm, farmyard and general surroundings. Suitable information/ discussion points might includee.g. planning for economy of labour, aspect, roadways, fencing, shelter, grazing methods, crops grown.
Sketch Maps • For the practical students must include Farm Layout (e.g.aerialphoto, map and their own drawing) and Buildings. • Machinery – not required but a useful way off getting students familiar with the different types of farm machinery • The main thing is to include as many relevant photos as possible to provide points of info.
Things that student should include in their farm sketch map • Fencing • Water supply • Hedgerows • Roads, • Gates • Power Source • Sheds • Slurry/Manure Storage • Yards • Handling facilities • Dwelling House • Aspect • Grazing Method • Crops grown
Farmyard Sketch Map - Points to Note • Students should draw a good sketch of the farm being studied. • Must be drawn by students, area aid maps, google maps etc. on their own are not acceptable. • Aspect of farm should be shown by marking in North
Map Examples Handling Facilities Feed Storage Dwelling Houses shown in relation to farmyard Sheds clearly labelled and laid out Aspect of farm indicated Roadways & Fencing shown
Sketch Maps Student has used colour and a key to illustrate effluent pathways and hedgerows around the farmyard
Map detailing paddock grazing and roadways in relation to farmyard
Area Aid Maps Many farmers will have copies of area aid maps. Students could use them to shade in or identify grazing systems or crops grown , farmyard location etc. Silage Ley
Use of Google Earth Maps to show farm’s position in relation to roads etc.
Physical Layout of the Farmhouse Proximity to yard -Near the yard or a distance away. Consider easy access and safety aspects with small children. Smells?, Noise level? Access – only from the farmyard or seperate access from public road. Services– Access to septic tank, electricity etc. Orientation – maximise surface area exposed to sun • Possible points of discussion/information might include
Aesthetic Impact of the farmhouse • POSSIBLE POINTS OF INFO/DISCUSSION • View • Positive or Negative Impact on Landscape • Preservation of geographical/historical features • Natural Shelterbelts/Planting
Ventilation/Drafts Storage of bedding/feed Old or New? Handling Facilities Farm Buildings Things to consider? General or Purpose Built Hygeine/Disease- Slurry/Manure Handling Permanent? Space/Animal Feeding Facilites
The Airfield Trust in Dundrum, Co.Dublin is in the process of finishing its brand new purpose built farmyard. We will have a look at some of the environmental and practical conditions that the architects and builders considered in their planning and construction.
The Storage Shed Contains: Hay and Straw Storage Machinery Storage Workshop
Sliding doors allow for easy access for loading and unloading of hay and straw. Height Clearance of 20 feet allowing 4 rows of 4ft bales to be stacked All electrical fuseboards contained in machinery shed Covered electrics and fire extinguishers due to increased fire risk in hay shed
Hit and Miss cladding increases ventilation and reduces drafts Mass Concrete used in walls Sliding system to allow greater ventilation on warm days
All floors are pitched to allow run off into drainge channels and collection tanks and ensure good pollution and effluent control Increased lighting for checking animals. Good height clearance to ensure good welfare standards and easy access for machinery Gates will allow easy access to feed corridors for farm machinery . Narrow spacing at bottom ensures sheep can be housed also
Animal feeding Animals will have 2ft (600mm) feed space per animal 15 foot is being left between rows to allow easy entry for animals and machinery
Isolation Unit for sick animals: • Close proximity to handling facilities to aid medicine administration and vet visits • Contains its own drainage system and tank so contaminated faeces can be stored and disposed off without increasing spread of infection
Individual Animal Houses Half door and hit and miss cladding to aid ventilation Rear door to allow easy acces to fallen livestock or animals giving birth Electrics above ‘animal height’ Pitched floor to allow runoff to storage facilities
FENCED PATH AT REAR OF LIVESTOCK HOUSING TO ALLOW EASY MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS
Additional Features PLANTING OF TREES TO CREATE SHELTERBELT AND IMPROVE AESTHETICS FARM OFFICE MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE HEDGEROWS AROUND FARMYARD WASH HAND BASINS TO IMPROVE HYGEINE AND DECREASE CONTAMINATION RISK
Water Charges!!!!! • A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM HAS BEEN INCORPORATED IN ALL FARM BUILDINGS. • WITH WATER RATES DUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS COULD BECOME OF INCREASING IMPORTANCE TO IRISH FARMERS
Handling Facilities • Facilities are necessary for dosing,vaccination, condition scoring, herd testing, etc. • The handling unit was designed with the following in mind: • Reduce labour requirements • Improve working conditions • Reduce the risk of injury to both stock and the farmer
Handling Facilities PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS The handling unit is sited in a convenient location in relation to farmbuildings, roads and fields. Effluent or slurry from the handling unit is collected, stored and properly disposed of.
‘Economy of Labour’ on the farm Things to consider • Farm Roads make herding and movement easier • Good handling facilities • Milking Palour Set Up to ease labour – Robotic Systems • Livestock sheds set up to allow for easy feeding, bedding and cleaning • Correct machinery/equipment
REMEMBER...... • PLENTY OF GOOD PHOTOS WILL PROVIDE AMPLE POINTS FOR DISCUSSION AND ALLOW THE PUPILS THE CHANCE TO DISPLAY THEIR PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE.
Additional Information/Resources • The Teagasc Website contains lots of helpful articles of farm buildings and management • http://www.teagasc.ie/advisory/farm_management/buildings/index.asp • Paul Moroney writes on Farm buildings every week in The Farmers Journal