BM302 Intelligent Farm Machinery and Production Management
DESCRIPTION
Farmers face economic and environmental pressures that are complex but essential to sustain agricultural production over time at low cost. The unit outlines new and emerging agricultural production technologies and technologyappropriate management practices. The unit explores how intelligent farm machinery management reflects effective decision making and implementation over all aspects of production management such as operation selection, choice of equipment, and control on machinery utilization for optimum output. Students investigate the science-based approach to agriculture and food systems, with an emphasis on the practical application of technology to agricultural production systems. The unit discusses the design, range and availability of tillage and planting machinery and harvesting equipment for agriculture. The concepts and principles of tractor and machinery performance, machinery selection and costing are studied. Students develop skills in selection, operation, maintenance and management of farm machinery in the context of rapid advances in agricultural production technology and rising costs of production.
RELEVANT COURSES
Elective unit
CREDIT POINTS
10
DELIVERY MODE
On campus
PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE
Nil
UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES
LO1 Identify yield parameters of agricultural machinery in its application to agricultural production
LO2 Critically evaluate the adoption of new and emerging agricultural production technologies in the field of agricultural production for optimum output
LO3 Critique why intelligent machinery is vital to agriculture
LO4 Demonstrate skills in agricultural machinery management for production operations towards efficient management of agricultural business
CONTENT
Introduction to Agricultural Machinery and Importance to Production Management
Crop Production Equipment – Tillage & Planting Machinery
Crop Chemical Application Equipment
Harvest Technology
Machinery Management – Tractor Performance
Machinery Performance
Machinery Costing
Machinery Selection
Agricultural Technology and Production Management – Guest Lecture
Analysing Productivity – Frameworks and Benchmarks
Yield and Growth – Limitations and Opportunities
Sustainability in Crop Production
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. Reports - 20%
2. Research Report - 40%
3. Exam - 40%
PRESCRIBED READINGS
Nil
Check with the lecturer each semester before purchasing any textbooks