Project Information 1. Introduction The following is the breakdown of marks for Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science: a. Final Exam: 75% b. Project Work: 25% The Project is divided into the following sections: i. Identification of plants and animals associated with agriculture. 10 Plants 10 Animals ii. Farm Experience. 20 Marks Crops (2 Barley & Grassland) Livestock (2 Sheep & Cattle) 35 Marks Farm Layout iii. Investigations (Lab. Book) Ecology Soil Science Animal Physiology 45 Marks Plant Physiology Genetics / Microbiology 1
2. The Farm Project The Farm Project contains details on your selected (Dairy / Beef) farm, as detailed in the Appendix in your textbook. These include Farm Layout (Essential as aerial photo, map and drawing), Buildings, Machinery, Crops grown, Animals kept, Daily Routine (essential) etc. This section should also include detail on dairy / beef management (Depends on your farm) and grassland management (rotations etc.) The main thing is to include as many relevant photos as possible. The other parts of the projects are just as important if not more important. Contain a section on each of the following: Identification of 10 plants of agricultural significance (Generally Weeds). Identification of 10 animals of agricultural importance (Insects and Pests). 2
5 Cattle Breeds & 5 Sheep Breeds (Pictures and Details). Section on Barley (Detail to follow) Section on Silage (DTF) Section on Sheep Management (DTF) Note: Your Section on Dairy / Beef Management and Grassland management should be included in your farm project. 3. Laboratory Notebook Contain experiments on the topics listed previous. Most of the marks go for experiments (45 / 100) and the lab book must be neat, tidy and well presented. Each experiment should have a title, date, materials, method, results (essential), discussion (if required) and a diagram of the results or apparatus. Keep it safe and up to date. 3
3. Barley Section (10 15 Pages) Introduction Barley Varieties Soils & Fertilisers Uses of Barley Different Grain conditions Malting (Articles / Pictures) Winter & Spring varieties Where do you get recommendations Winter Varieties (Names) Spring varieties (Names) Best Soil Types Mineral requirements and ph Seed & Seed Selection Harvesting What is good seed? Sowing Rate and Tillering Seed Bed Preparations and Sowing Times Equipment (Photos / Drawings) Requirements (e.g. Moisture content etc) Expected Yields Weeds & Pest Control Pesticides and Fungicides 3 4 Pests in Detail 4
4. Sheep Management Section (10 15 Pages) Introduction Sheep production in Ireland Areas in Ireland Types of Production Targets in Sheep Production Stock Selection Why Replace? Flushing Examining bought in ewes. What is it? Mating Why is it used? Pregnancy Condition of the ram Condition of the ewe. Raddling Development of the lamb Lambing Feeding regimes Precautions and procedures Feeding colostrum 5
Lambs from birth to slaughter. Feeding Regime Sponging Procedures (Tail docking etc) Diseases of Sheep (3-4) Wool Production What is it? Why is it used? Out of season lambs (Spring Lambs) Pests and Diseases Good Flock Management Treatments Clostridial Diseases. Breeds best suited. Measuring Quality of wool. ****************************** 6
5. Silage Section (3 4 Pages) Introduction Reasons for conservation Types of grass conservation Grass Varieties for Silage Species and their inflorescence. Drawings and/or photos Principles of Good Silage Production Advantages over hay. Procedures and conditions for cutting Packing (Methods and practices) As many advantages as possible Does hay have any advantages? *************************** 7