This unit introduces the different types of dairy farming systems and the internal and external alignment of these with production-oriented business practices and value creation. Farming systems are both complex and dynamic and a holistic management approach requires an understanding of the system within the context of societal expectations regarding animal welfare, natural resource management, environmental concerns, and social license. In this unit you will learn what these expectations are and how to plan for and manage these while still creating a sustainable competitive advantage. You will also learn the fundamentals of strategic communication with internal and external parties, and how to work positively with the media. This unit also considers data management and automation.

This unit’s content will introduce you to:

1. The impact of intensification on dairy farm systems.
2. Social license -
a. Sustainable Natural Resource Management.
b. Animal welfare: the law and societal expectations.
3. Communication and working with the media.
4. The role of data management and automation within an intensive farm business.

In conjunction with the discipline theory, this unit fosters learning through practice and its application to specific business settings.  The content of this unit and other units undertaken in this course will support the development of a personal and business portfolio.