Spring 2013 Plant Identification 10 Marks Animal Identification

Spring 2013

Plant Identification 10 Marks Animal Identification 10 Marks Experiments 45 Marks The Practical Common Level Farmyard Layout 10 Marks Two Crops 15 Marks 1 Livestock 10 Marks

Farmyard Layout for last year’s students • Previously students were awarded 5 marks for: • Home/Farmyard layout: the candidate will present a sketch plan indicating the principal buildings and layout of a farm, including aspect, roadways, fencing, shelter, grazing method(strip/paddock, etc. )

Farmyard Layout

In 2014. . . . • Students will be awarded 10 marks for: • a sketch plan indicating 1. the farmhouse and buildings 2. the farm • and to demonstrate their ability to discuss the farm buildings and how they provide the environmental conditions required on the farm and to demonstrate the physical/ aesthetic layout of the house in relation to the farm, farmyard and general surroundings. Suitable information/ discussion points might include e. g. planning for economy of labour, aspect, roadways, fencing, shelter, grazing methods, crops grown .

Sketch Maps • For the practical students must include Farm Layout (e. g. aerial photo, map and their own drawing) and Buildings. • Machinery – not required but a useful way off getting students familiar with the different types of farm machinery • The main thing is to include as many relevant photos as possible to provide points information/disscussion

Farm Sketch Maps • Things that student might consider in putting together their farm sketch map : • Fencing • Water supply • Topography • Hedgerows • Roads, • Gates • Power Source

Farmyard Sketch Map - Points to Note

Physical Layout of the Farmhouse • Possible points of discussion/information might include 1. Proximity to yard -Near the yard or a distance away. Consider easy access and safety aspects with small children. Smells? , Noise level? 2. Access – only from the farmyard or seperate access from public road. 3. Services – Access to septic tank, electricity etc. 4. Orientation – maximise surface area exposed to sun

Aesthetic Impact of the farmhouse POSSIBLE POINTS OF INFO/DISCUSSION • View • Positive or Negative Impact on Landscape • Preservation of geographical/historical features • Natural Shelterbelts/Planting

Storage of bedding/feed Handling Facilities Hygeine/Disease. Slurry/Manure Handling Ventilation/Drafts Old or New? Farm Buildings Things to consider? Space/Animal Feeding Facilites General or Purpose Built Permanent?

The Airfield Trust in Dundrum, Co. Dublin is in the process of finishing its brand new purpose built farmyard. We will have a look at some of the environmental and practical conditions that the architects and builders considered in their planning and construction.

The Storage Shed • • Contains Hay and Straw Storage Machinery Storage Workshop

Sliding doors allow for easy access for loading and unloading of hay and straw All electrical fuseboards contained in machinery shed Covered electrics and fire extinguishers due to increased fire risk in hay shed

Livestock Sheds

Hit and Miss cladding increases ventilation and reduces drafts Sliding system to allow greater ventilation on warm days

All floors are pitched to allow run off into drainge channels and collection tanks Increased lighting for checking animals Gate will allow easy access to feed corridors. Narrow spacing at bottom ensures sheep can be housed also

Isolation Unit for sick animals: • Close proximity to handling facilities to aid medicine administration and vet visits • Contains its own drainage system and tank so contaminated faeces can be stored and disposed off without increasing spread of infection

Individual Animal Houses 1. Half door and hit and miss cladding to aid ventilation 2. Rear door to allow easy acces to sick livestock or animals giving birth 3. Electrics above ‘animal height’ 4. Pitched floor to allow runoff to storage facilities

FENCED PATH AT REAR OF LIVESTOCK HOUSING TO ALLOW EASY MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS

Additional Features FARM OFFICE WASH HAND BASINS TO IMPROVE HYGEINE AND DECREASE CONTAMINATION RISK PLANTING OF TREES TO CREATE SHELTERBELT AND IMPROVE AESTHETICS MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE HEDGEROWS AROUND FARMYARD

Water Charges!!!!! • A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM HAS BEEN INCORPORATED IN ALL FARM BUILDINGS. • WITH WATER RATES DUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS COULD BECOME OF INCREASING IMPORTANCE TO IRISH FARMERS

Handling Facilities • Facilities are necessary for dosing, vaccination, condition scoring, herd testing, etc. • The handling unit was designed with the following in mind: • Reduce labour requirements • Improve working conditions • Reduce the risk of injury to both stock and the farmer

Handling Facilities PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS • The handling unit is sited in a convenient location in relation to farm buildings, roads and fields. • Effluent or slurry from the handling unit is collected, stored and properly disposed of.

‘Economy of Labour’ on the farm Things to consider • Farm Roads make herding and movement easier • Good handling facilities • Milking Palour Set Up to ease labour • Livestock sheds set up to allow for easy feeding, bedding and cleaning • Correct machinery/equipment

REMEMBER. . . • PLENTY OF GOOD PHOTOS WILL PROVIDE AMPLE POINTS FOR DISCUSSION AND ALLOW THE PUPILS THE CHANC E TO DISPLAY THEIR PRACTICL KNOWLEDGE.

Additional Information/Resources • The Teagasc Website contains lots of helpful articles of farm buildings and management • http: //www. teagasc. ie/advisory/farm_management/buildings /index. asp • Paul Moroney writes on Farm buildings • every week in The Farmers Journal