Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of planning for livestock production, and then managing the implementation of such a plan, and defines the standard required to: establish livestock production targets and plans; monitor and manage animal health and nutrition; implement grazing strategies that match livestock needs and optimise pasture growth; maintain the farm natural resource base through sustainable practice; plan and monitor the finances of the production unit; maintain records of production.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to farm managers with extensive or intensive livestock production enterprises.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan for production

1.1. The capability of land resources for grazing is assessed and stock, fire, pasture or range management strategies are determined for each land capability class.

1.2. The suitability and sustainability of water resources is assessed.

1.3. Livestock production targets for each enterprise are established for the short and long term according to the farms marketing and business plans.

1.4. Short and long term livestock production targets take breeding for herd/flock improvement into consideration, and are established in the light of the risk control factors that are applicable.

1.5. Breeds and breeding programs are selected based on the production targets and the marketing requirements for the enterprise.

1.6. Production facilities are selected and designed in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products.

1.7. Environmental controls are established and specifically included in the production plan.

1.8. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, and suitable controls are incorporated into the production plan.

1.9. A plan is prepared that documents the decisions taken, the assessments made, the targets established, and any specific issues that relate to environmental and OHS risks.

1.10. The plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators.

2. Plan for livestock needs

2.1. Feed requirements are determined for each age/sex category of herds and/or flocks.

2.2. A feeding plan is determined for each livestock category based on a cost benefit analysis.

2.3. Health strategies are devised to prevent and control disease in each herd and/or flock on the basis of a cost benefit analysis.

2.4. Schedules are prepared for purchasing and using the products and services that are used in livestock production.

2.5. Livestock production, harvesting, handling and transportation methods are determined from a cost benefit analysis.

2.6. A livestock production plan is prepared that incorporates the calendar of operations for each enterprise production cycle, and any specific animal welfare issues.

2.7. The plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators.

3. Seek information on innovations for existing or potential enterprises and farm activities

3.1. Sources of information on innovations are identified and accessed.

3.2. Information on innovations is assessed to determine whether or not such innovations could be used in the present enterprise, or in a potential enterprise.

3.3. Prepared production plans are amended to include innovations that are deemed suitable for use in the enterprise.

4. Test and adopt relevant innovations

4.1. Any people who may be involved in implementing the innovation or in planning for it are consulted, and the change is discussed with them.

4.2. Innovations are tested on the farm to determine whether or not they are suitable, and whether they may be readily adapted to suit the circumstances of the business.

4.3. Any OHS hazards or environmental risks that present during the trial phase are identified, assessed, and responsible action is taken.

4.4. A decision is made about whether or not to adopt the innovation, based on its costs and benefits and any implementation issues, including environmental and OHS considerations.

5. Implement, monitor and evaluate livestock production plans

5.1. Production plans are implemented and monitored according the calendar of operations.

5.2. Production facilities are sited, erected and/or installed in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products.

5.3. Livestock growth/maturity or production is evaluated according to the planned targets and the marketing requirements.

5.4. Flock/herd health is monitored and parasite and disease outbreaks are controlled quickly and effectively.

5.5. Feed supplies are assessed, pasture or range condition and species composition are monitored, and stocking rates are varied to maintain optimum pasture and livestock health.

5.6. Environmental impacts and OHS hazards relating to livestock production in the business are identified, monitored and managed to promote optimum pasture, livestock, and employee health.

5.7. Physical and financial records are analysed and extractions taken from them to assess production performance, and to provide information for taxation purposes.

5.8. The production performance of each enterprise is evaluated to determine whether or not they are sustainable and profitable, and to use in reviewing and revising production plans.

6. Comply with legal requirements and regulation

6.1. Information about the legal requirements and regulations that affect farm land ownership/possession and livestock production is obtained.

6.2. Record keeping requirements are determined, and procedures are put in place to ensure compliance with the range of applicable regulations including taxation legislation.

6.3. Permits are obtained from the relevant authorities for the transport and movement of livestock and equipment.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• develop livestock production plans
• supervise or perform livestock husbandry operations
• monitor health and welfare of animals
• manage all resources for a grazing enterprise
• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• analyse and assess the whole cost and benefit of specific situations
• establish processes/strategies, procedures and controls for livestock production
• assess land capability
• comply with legal and taxation requirements
• assess, and then adopt profitable innovations
• use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• livestock nutrition
• health and welfare of animals.
• livestock breeding, where appropriate
• livestock husbandry and management practices
• land capability
• sustainable land use principles and practices applicable in the region
• environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
• whole farm planning
• budgeting and financing for an enterprise
• cost benefit analysis,
• sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to soil and water degradation issues, animal health and welfare, and chemical use
• OHS legislation codes of practice and enterprise requirements.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• establish livestock production targets and plans
• monitor and manage animal health and nutrition
• implement grazing strategies that match livestock needs and optimise pasture growth
• maintain the farm natural resource base through sustainable practice
• plan and monitor the finances of the production unit
• maintain records of production.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Livestock may include:

• beef cattle
• dairy cattle
• pigs
• horses
• alpacas
• deer
• goats
• sheep.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field