HSC Agriculture case studies
HSC Agriculture · Put your knowledge to work in context.
HSC Agriculture is a Stage 6 science course in New South Wales, delivered under syllabuses set by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), the body that sets syllabuses, assessments, teaching and school standards for all schools in NSW. It suits Year 11 and Year 12 students preparing for the Higher School Certificate, a credential NESA describes as world-class and one that helps young adults on the path to work, training and further education. Study typically spans plant production, animal production, farm resource management and an elective component, combining scientific principles with practical farm systems thinking. Assessment usually includes school-based tasks and an external HSC examination, with past papers, standards materials and marking feedback available through NESA's HSC exam resources. The HSC Agriculture case studies are 4 cases and about 3,072 words.
1Irrigated Lucerne Under a Water Allocation Cut
A 60 ha lucerne stand on a Riverina mixed farm has historically received 7.5 ML/ha per season from a 450 ML general security allocation. This season the allocation is cut to 60%, giving 270 ML, and the irrigation season is shortened by six weeks.
806 words, about 4 min2Feed Budget for a Drought-Declared Merino Flock
A 900-head self-replacing Merino ewe flock in the southern tablelands is entering a drought-declared summer. The ewes are joined and 70% are expected to lamb in eight weeks.
784 words, about 4 min3Whole-Farm Water and Soil Trade-off on a Mixed Cropping Property
A 1,200 ha mixed farm in central western NSW grows 700 ha of wheat and barley, runs 500 Merino ewes, and has 200 ha of remnant native vegetation along a creek. The farm has two bores and a 300 ML on-farm storage.
737 words, about 4 min4Elective: Designing a School Farm Enterprise Within Budget
A secondary school farm has 2 ha of arable land, a small dam, a shade house, and a $6,000 annual budget. The agriculture teacher wants to run a Year 11 elective enterprise that gives students real responsibility for production, record-keeping, and marketing.
745 words, about 4 min