Stellenbosch University's new BScAgric agricultural programme starts in 2017 and will combine soil, plant, animal and economy dimensions.

"Don't you have a grazing expert who can talk about more than just seed, but also knows about soil science, animal nutrition and what makes business sense?" This is the kind of phone call and request that lecturers regularly get from prospective employers looking for young people to fill posts in their agribusinesses, so that they can expand and improve their services to the agricultural industry.

In response to this need in the industry, first years at Stellenbosch University can enrol for a new BScAgric option offered by the Faculty of AgriSciences from 2017. This programme combines Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, and Soil Science within the overall crop production focus area of the existing Plant and Soil Science Program.

Applications close on 30 June 2016.

"The new combination neatly combines the soil, plant, livestock, and economy dimensions", says Prof Theo Kleynhans, lecturer in agricultural economics at SU, and the driving force behind the implementation of the new programme of the Faculty of AgriSciences.

It is aimed at the training of primary producers (thus prospective farmers and farm managers) who will have to care for the technical and financial-economic production planning of a mixed farming system. It is also ideal for technical advisors on the input and output side of agricultural operations who also require knowledge about different components of farming.

"One is often reminded of how great the need is for experts in the local agricultural industry who have a sound foundation in a series of disciplines – from a knowledge of soil classification, fertilisation and irrigation to grazing and how it all makes economic sense," Prof Kleynhans explains further. "Many of our students require multidisciplinary training because they will eventually find themselves in a mixed farming environment where they will produce grain and/or grazing, and add further value through their livestock."

The new course is reminiscent of the former BScAgric Agricultural Production degree with Agronomy, Animal Production and Agricultural Economics as majors, which was popular among SU students and their employers in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, SU has offered different BScAgric study programmes which each combine two subjects, for instance Animal Sciences with Agronomy, Agronomy with Agricultural Economics, and Agricultural Economics with Animal Sciences. The new BScAgric programme combines all three subjects.

Graduates can register as agricultural scientists at the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). They will not, however, be able to register as professional animal scientists, as animal breeding modules are not included in the new course.  

What requirements must prospective students meet?

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi for admission to bachelor degree studies. This means that at least 50% is required in each of four school subjects from the list of subjects designated for university admission.
• NSC aggregate of at least 60% (excluding Life Orientation)
• Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50%
• Mathematics 60%
• Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) 50%
• All applicants must also write the compulsory National Benchmark tests (NBT's)
  
   
  
  Closing date for applications is 30 June 2016.
  
   

What are the subject choices?

• In your first year Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Computer Skills, Theory of Interest, Animal Science and Mathematics (Bio) provide a broad basis so that you can understand your later studies in soil, plant and animal science better.  
• Your second year consists of Biochemistry, Biometry, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, and introductory modules on Soil Science, Animal Nutrition Science and Agricultural Economics.
• Your third year subjects are:
• Agronomy (the cultivation of annual agronomic crops and the management of field and cultivated pastures)
• Animal Physiology (the physiology of farm animals and their reproductive processes)
• Animal Nutrition Science (introductory information on ruminant nutrition and monogastric nutrition)
• Soil Science (soil geology, composition, classification and utilisation of soils, as well as soil and water management)
• Agricultural Economics (the management, decision making and planning required in a farming operation)
• Your fourth year subjects are:
• Agronomy (the physiological and ecological principles of grazing management and the production physiology and technology which is important in the cultivation of annual crops)
• Animal Nutrition Science (more in depth knowledge about ruminant and monogastric nutrition)
• Agricultural Economics (you will learn about agricultural and food marketing, and do an assignment on a farming budget including agronomic and animal science components)
• Animal Management Science (intensive farming systems for chicken and pig farming, as well as extensive management systems for sheep and cattle).

Where do I find out more?

For enquiries, contact Prof Theo Kleynhans at tek1@sun.ac.za or Ms Ghafsa Gamiet of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University on (021) 808 4833 or ghgamiet@sun.ac.za.