208-109 Australian Agriculture

The aim of this subject is to provide students with a range of knowledge, practical experiences and observations of the main agricultural industries land users of south-eastern Australia. It is expected that on the completion of this subject students should have gained a practical understanding of the management operations and options of the production cycle and be conversant with the limitations, constraints and impacts which influence them. Importantly, an insight into the landholder perspective of these industries will be gained. The place of agriculture in rural communities and factors affecting sustainability will be explored.

Topics covered include:

• the history and development of Australian agriculture;

• the annual cycle of production of the major agricultural industries in south-eastern Australia;

• the sustainability of these industries from economic, social, environmental and system-wide perspectives.

A 3-hour written examination (60%), a one-hour test (10%), and two assignments each equivalent to 1000 words (15% each).