Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and establish pasture and crops for livestock and implement grazing strategies for livestock production.

The unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources and complete routine activities.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Broad Acre Cropping (BAC)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has established at least one pasture and one crop for grazing or fodder for livestock and has:

• interpreted and implemented crop and pasture production plan
• selected personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job task
• selected plant species, sowing method and application to achieve optimal yield
• selected and operated machinery and equipment or technology for establishing crops and pasture, including:

• demonstrated safe operation and working around machinery
• used digital technologies of equipment and machinery to improve efficiencies

• calibrated each of the following types of equipment according to specifications set in the crop establishment program:

• boom spray
• drill
• fertiliser spreader

• identified pests, diseases and weeds
• implemented pest and weed control strategies without damage to crop or pasture
• mixed and treated seed safely according to crop and pasture production plan
• assessed existing pastures and crops to maximise livestock production
• sowed and monitored new pastures and crops
• identified seed and seedling stages of pasture and crop species
• implemented grazing systems including weed and stubble control
• followed work health and safety and environmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• pastures and crops used for pasture, their establishment and management, including:

• advantages and disadvantages of pasture and crop establishment programs
• types of grasses, legumes and crops
• types of seed inoculants and fertilizers
• paddock preparation
• maintenance and establishment activities
• livestock grazing strategies and determining feed on offer (FOO)
• timing of pasture and crop establishment
• seed and fertilizer placement for optimal germination and growth

• pests, diseases and weed control strategies in pastures and fodder crops, including:

• identifying common pests, diseases and weeds
• chemical control
• cultural practices
• grazing management
• integrated pest management

• equipment and machinery used in crop and pasture establishment, including:

• types and selection of equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE)
• safe operation while using or working around farm equipment

• principles of precision agriculture and the role of technology in improving efficiencies, including:

• self-drive, auto steer, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and laser technologies
• digital and remote sensors
• remote piloted systems
• controlled traffic farming (CTF) principles and impacts
• variable rate technology (VRT)

• workplace health and safety policies and procedures, including:

• safe use of chemicals
• use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• farm fire safety with dried crops and stubble and accumulation in equipment
• power lines and elevated equipment safety

• procedures for minimising environmental impact.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• skills must be demonstrated on a broadacre farm or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

• resources, equipment or technology and materials:

• livestock for grazing
• equipment or technology and machinery for preparing and sowing pasture seed and crops
• personal protective equipment (PPE)

• specifications:

• workplace policies, procedures, processes
• safety data sheets for treatments
• workplace plans and specifications

• relationships:

• supervisor(s)

• timeframes:

• according to specified timeframes and efficiencies.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72