Occupational Certificate: Poultry Farmer

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION:

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Poultry Farmer.

A Poultry Farmer attends to the management and control of a poultry-farming unit, the resources required, personnel, production targets, quality standards, and the optimal utilisation of the site.

SKILLS RATIONALE:

The intensive farming nature of the Poultry-Farming sector requires skilled staff for the day-to-day running of the farm.

The range of components covered in this qualification addresses key poultry-farming concepts and competencies required by persons in large commercial operations and small-scale operations, as well as by emerging poultry producers. The Curriculum supports the initiatives of the sector to transform the sector, and to build and expand poultry operations in rural farming areas.

The South African Poultry Association (SAPA) supported the development of this Qualification. The SAPA represents all the major role-players in the different sections of poultry farming and has a membership in the order of 180 commercial farming operations as well as some 290 emerging poultry farmers.

Learners seeking to secure a career in the Commercial Poultry Farming sector as well as persons aiming to engage in small-scale poultry farming for personal gain will benefit from this qualification.

The establishment of small-scale poultry farming operations is recognised as an important opportunity for rural development in South Africa, both for subsistence purposes as well as emerging farmer development. These initiatives are supported by the scope and structure of this qualification.

On the other hand, large commercial poultry operations are finding it increasingly difficult to operate successfully within the global poultry production environment. Transformation of the sector; building skills and competencies to enhance competitiveness, is recognised by the sector as a key driver of future viability of the South African poultry industry.

A QUALIFIED LEARNER WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Attend to poultry husbandry, healthcare and biosecurity practices.
• Correct poultry production-related problems observed and provide guidance on production questions raised by subordinates.
• Lead and control work teams.
• Manage people, stock on hand and costs of a poultry-farming operation.
• Provide day-to-day direction and control poultry-farming operations to ensure that production targets and quality standards are met.
• Provide direction and oversee the functionality and maintenance of poultry-production units or sites.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

• NQF Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES:

• Conduct poultry husbandry, healthcare and biosecurity practices.
• Monitor and correct poultry production-related problems observed.
• Lead and direct the activities of work teams on a poultry production unit.
• Manage people, stock on hand and costs of a poultry farming operation.
• Provide day-to-day direction and control poultry farming operations to ensure that production targets and quality standards are met.
• Oversee the functionality and maintenance of poultry production units or sites.