About
Could you help shape the future of farming and food production?
Do you want to take up the challenge and develop an exciting career? Could you develop your knowledge and skills to shape the future of sustainable food production, precision farming, land and environmental conservation and wildlife protection? Become an Agriculture student within our Academy of Land and Environment and we will support your progression into this dynamic industry.
Farming is one of the UK’s most influential industries. It responds to the increasing demand for available, accessible and affordable food, embraces innovation and, by using three quarters of our land area, shapes our natural environment.
There’s never been a better time to enter the agricultural industry. There’s a huge demand for well qualified, technically aware and forward thinking young professionals who can manage efficient and productive businesses, are aware of expanding UK and global markets and can work confidently with emerging technologies to reduce energy use and combat climate change.
Courses
Further Education
Higher Education
Student Success
Sam Walton
Current job role: Member of the Farm Staff at Tatton Park
Previous course: Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture 2008
“I firmly believe that it is our responsibility as farmers to educate the public about how food is produced and how farming affects the wider management of the countryside.
“My Reaseheath course didn’t just teach me about different farming practices and the commercial side of the industry, it made me aware of the ethics involved in raising farmstock and the importance of good public relations.
“I’m passionate about farming and I’d like to think that I pass that on to some of the 80,000 visitors a year who come onto our educational farm, which is owned by the National Trust.
“I was Assistant Dairy Herd Manager at Reaseheath before moving to my present position and I can honestly say that this start to my career, plus the knowledge and skills I gained on my course, have made me what I am today.”
Find out more
Why study?
Why study Agriculture at Reaseheath?
Learn about technological advances in precision farming and sustainable livestock production. Engage with field scale and controlled environment crop husbandry and environmental protection which will prepare you for this high-tech industry.
Study and apply the principles of Lean Management so you’ll be able to deliver measurable change to improve business performance, efficiency and profitability.
Complete relevant work experience of at least 100 hours. Our Level 3 Extended Diploma students complete a full year work placement to gain essential experience through all seasons.
Enjoy unique insights and experiences by joining study tours in the UK and overseas. Visit farms and allied businesses and take part in discussion groups to learn from industry experts and help forge the future of agriculture.
Acquire extra qualifications in key employability subjects such as health and safety, AI, foot trimming, safe use of veterinary medicine, pesticide application and (RTITB) telescopic handler operation giving you greater employment opportunities.
Develop practical skills and experience working with our dairy cows and youngstock, support lambing our sheep flock and work hands on with tractor operations to gain the skills industry need all while improving your confidence.
Career
Where could your career take you?
In the case of agriculture, it could be literally anywhere in the world! Many of our students have found their qualifications are a passport to exciting and enjoyable careers in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Others have gained degrees and now manage leading agricultural businesses. Many of our diploma and tech bacc students choose to continue their studies at University Centre Reaseheath studying a foundation degree in either agriculture or dairy herd management.
This industry offers an incredibly wide choice of careers, such as:
- Scientist
- Agronomist
- Land use policy advisor to the government
- Senior farm manager
- Export sales and supply chain manager
- Estate manager
- Catchment advisor
- Project manager (agricultural equipment)
- Specialist consultant
- Lecturer
- Sales and marketing manager
- Dairy herd manager
- Abattoir manager
- Produce quality manager
- Genetics specialist
- Animal health or feed specialist
- Dairy software trainer
- Breeding / growing trials technician
- Farm sales representative
- Tractor driver / sprayer / machinery operator
- Dairy herdsperson
- Livestock person
Experience
Your Reaseheath Experience
Your college experience certainly isn’t limited to the campus. This year 23 Level 3 students enjoyed potentially life changing experiences during their annual international study tour – a 1,400 mile trip around Iowa, USA. They were introduced to the best American farming practices during visits to large scale arable farms, cattle ranches and research centres, plus the Dallas County Rodeo!
Nearer to home we competed in the NSA Next Generation shepherding competition, with Level 3 student Harry Lyons winning the ‘Under 21’ title and coming second overall. We enjoyed more success at the Royal Cheshire Show this year, where students won a fistful of rosettes showing beef cattle from the Sandbach Charolais herd.
This year, our agriculture students also helped to bring in our silage crop using £1.85 million worth of highly sophisticated machinery on loan from leading manufacturers and suppliers. The student team were hands-on in harvesting a very heavy first cut in excess of 1500 tonnes from 170 acres over three days, taking part in the whole process from field to clamp. As a student of the Academy of Land and Environment you will have access to additional state-of-the-art resources to broaden your agriculture and environmental education.
All agriculture students enjoy regular visits to farms, suppliers and other relevant businesses and gain a real overview of the industry.
Students also get involved in social events, charity fundraising and lots of sports and recreational activities.
Studying
Where you’ll be studying
Your study will be based around our 252-hectare campus farm enhancing your practical knowledge and skills. Dedicated classrooms and computer suites are used to support your theory work along with an extensive library, laboratories and quiet study areas. We also have new indoor and outdoor sports facilities for those who enjoy sports.
Industry
Great industry links
We have been offering agriculture courses here at Reaseheath for 90 years, hence our countrywide reputation! Thanks to our dedicated and industry relevant staff we’ve built up an expansive network of partners, mentors and contacts to ensure our students are trained and prepared successfully to serve this great industry.
Our Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma is a unique three-year sandwich course, with your middle year spent on work placement. This year in industry provides you with invaluable experience – great for your CV!
Other study
Earn while you learn
If you’d prefer the apprenticeship route, we offer stockperson and crop technician apprenticeships. You will learn all the technical skills needed for employment within the industry whilst continuing to build on your existing knowledge and experience. As well as working on-farm you’ll come into college to study one day a week.
University study
Following your level 3 course you may wish to progress into higher education. University Centre Reaseheath offers Agriculture or Agriculture with Dairy Herd Management programmes with modules such as Environment, Sustainability, Managing the Milk Supply, Farm Diversification, Business and HR and Finance and Planning.
Industry view
“Agriculture is more important now than it ever has been. Everyone is realising the importance of being able to feed the nation sustainably and the challenge for the farming workforce has never been greater. We need to embrace technologies, step up production and farm more efficiently. Reaseheath College has the ability, facilities and enthusiasm to lead the next generation in this.”
Ray BrownDairy farmer, cattle judge and founder of Bidlea Dairy Milk Processing
Quick Links
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Further Education: 01270 613242
Higher Education: 01270 613284
Switchboard: 01270 625131
Higher Education: 01270 613284
Switchboard: 01270 625131