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

Bachelor of Agribusiness

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