Module description
Managers of the countryside require an understanding of the motives behind physical and financial management decisions taken on farms. Students need to develop an understanding of the factors that influence the decision making process, also an awareness of farm management techniques and the increasing use of computer technology. This module examines:- the factors that influence farm profitability within agricultural systems; farm incomes; agricultural policy and its effect on system choice and profitability; introduction to gross margins and fixed costs and the techniques available for whole farm planning.

Outcomes
Outcome 1

Identify and evaluate the factors that contribute to farm profitability.

Performance criteria:
a. Agricultural performance indicators are identified.
b. System performance is assessed.
c. Improvements to the system are explored.

Ranges:
Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Arable
Hill, Upland, Lowland
Inputs, Outputs
Profit, Gross Margin, Physical and financial performance e.g. milk, yield, milk, price, measures of efficiency e.g. kg per litre, Margin over concentrates
Comparative analysis, SWOT

Outcome 2

Apply farm management techniques

Performance criteria:
a. Financial statements are identified.
b. Farming system objectives are identified and assessed.
c. Farm planning techniques are utilized.

Ranges:
Gross Margin, Trading Profit and Loss Account, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow
Financial, non financial, personal, business
Short list and budget, Gross margin planning, FARMPLAN

Outcome 3

Identify and evaluate the effect of agricultural management on the rural environment.

Performance criteria:
a. Policies relevant to agricultural systems are identified and evaluated.
b. Farming incomes from differing agricultural systems are compared.
c. Pressures for change in land use are assessed.