Assessor Resource

AHCAGB511
Develop and manage a plan for sustainable production reflecting sustainable production principles

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency covers the process of developing a farm plan for a rural enterprise to reflect organic, biodynamic and biological farming principles. It requires the ability to determine the philosophy of the farm business. An audit of the farm and the resources will be undertaken to assess the current status of the property. A management plan is developed to ensure sustainability of the farm business and the natural areas on the property. The plan is to convert the property and the management system to reflect the philosophy and the orderly transition to the new short term and long-term goals. It is also to manage the production system including crops, pasture and livestock within the organic, biodynamic and biological farming system. Records will be kept to maintain the integrity and quality of the product and meet legal requirements for accreditation.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.

This unit is applicable to a person who has a role in managing a farm. This unit is likely to require consultation with certification bodies, auditors and producers with similar philosophies.

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

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Develop goals and objectives for an organic, biodynamic or biological enterprise

1.1 Establish long-term direction and purpose of the business by identifying and analysing the values, expectations and personal goals of the people involved

1.2 Identify business and personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and strategies to address them

1.3 Investigate sources of information and support for conversion and plan the property conversion over a period of time including time lines and conversion costs

2. Audit the existing and natural resources on the property

2.1 Draw a property map to include land classes using classification terminology, fences and water systems, natural property features and infrastructure

2.2 Conduct a risk assessment of previous land use and an inventory of chemicals applied or evidence of application on the site

2.3 Identify areas at risk of soil degradation and develop strategies to protect the area

2.4 Develop and implement strategies to improve the health and the regeneration of remnant vegetation to support a diversity of living systems

2.5 Assess potential problem pests and weeds and use strategies to implement an eradication program, within the guidelines of the certification body

3. Develop and implement grazing and cropping strategies to improve biodiversity, recycling and sustainability in an organic, biodynamic or biological farm

3.1 Use soil test results to make recommendations for soil improvement with appropriate organic fertilisers and soil conditioners to ensure a mineral-balanced and healthy soil

3.2 Develop and implement an annual grazing program and strategies to optimize pasture growth and animal production

3.3 Develop and implement a strategy for the recycling of farm waste and effluent

3.4 Assess soil biological activity and apply suitable preparations and grazing strategies to improve the soil biota

3.5 Identify appropriate mulching and composting systems

3.6 Design and implement a plan using crop rotations to optimise soil fertility

3.7 Research the principles and application of biodynamic preparations

4 Manage animal health and welfare for organic, biodynamic or biological production

4.1 Plan strategies to preserve animal health including allowable treatments and grazing management in the short term and genetic improvement in the long term

4.2 Maintain livestock records to identify treated animals, including a record of all treatments including homeopathic remedies

4.3 Sustain the animal enterprise with pasture and suitable fodder and maintain consumption records to meet certification protocols

5 Manage customer feedback and satisfaction with organic, biodynamic or biological product quality and integrity

5.1 Develop and implement procedures to obtain, analyse and respond to customer feedback on farm product quality and integrity

5.2 Identify legal requirements to maintain organic, biodynamic or biological certification

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

determine directions for the organic, biodynamic or biological business

audit the natural resources on the property

monitor legal and certification requirements impacting on the management of the property

develop management strategies to address natural resource management issues

research information on production changes and methods for the chosen philosophy

ability to interpret accurate data

communicate information to people and groups inside and outside the industry sector

record treatments of parasites and diseases of animals with suitable preparations according to animal welfare and organic, biodynamic and biological farming principles

assess and sample soils

interpret and make recommendations regarding outcomes of soil tests

recognise plants and pasture species

calculate a feed budget

document production processes and activities including developing a flow chart for the supply chain

document a risk assessment

develop procedures to respond to customer feedback

analyse benefits to the family and farm from adopting the philosophy.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

sustainable land management practices

property planning process

water, vegetation, livestock, pasture, soil, fire and wildlife management strategies within the accreditation guidelines

legal requirements impacting on the whole farm plan

risk management strategies

credible sources of information relating to organic, biodynamic and biological farming principles and practices

supply chain for the organic, biodynamic and biological farming sector and your position in the chain

permitted/restricted and prohibited inputs and activities for Organic Production

grazing management including feed budgeting and grazing strategies

animal health and options for maintaining health based on pathogen life cycles and the use of suitable preparations

maintaining biodiversity to complement the organic, biodynamic and biological farming philosophy

principles of sowing according to moon phase and maintaining crops with biodynamic preparations.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Develop goals and objectives for an organic, biodynamic or biological enterprise

1.1 Establish long-term direction and purpose of the business by identifying and analysing the values, expectations and personal goals of the people involved

1.2 Identify business and personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and strategies to address them

1.3 Investigate sources of information and support for conversion and plan the property conversion over a period of time including time lines and conversion costs

2. Audit the existing and natural resources on the property

2.1 Draw a property map to include land classes using classification terminology, fences and water systems, natural property features and infrastructure

2.2 Conduct a risk assessment of previous land use and an inventory of chemicals applied or evidence of application on the site

2.3 Identify areas at risk of soil degradation and develop strategies to protect the area

2.4 Develop and implement strategies to improve the health and the regeneration of remnant vegetation to support a diversity of living systems

2.5 Assess potential problem pests and weeds and use strategies to implement an eradication program, within the guidelines of the certification body

3. Develop and implement grazing and cropping strategies to improve biodiversity, recycling and sustainability in an organic, biodynamic or biological farm

3.1 Use soil test results to make recommendations for soil improvement with appropriate organic fertilisers and soil conditioners to ensure a mineral-balanced and healthy soil

3.2 Develop and implement an annual grazing program and strategies to optimize pasture growth and animal production

3.3 Develop and implement a strategy for the recycling of farm waste and effluent

3.4 Assess soil biological activity and apply suitable preparations and grazing strategies to improve the soil biota

3.5 Identify appropriate mulching and composting systems

3.6 Design and implement a plan using crop rotations to optimise soil fertility

3.7 Research the principles and application of biodynamic preparations

4 Manage animal health and welfare for organic, biodynamic or biological production

4.1 Plan strategies to preserve animal health including allowable treatments and grazing management in the short term and genetic improvement in the long term

4.2 Maintain livestock records to identify treated animals, including a record of all treatments including homeopathic remedies

4.3 Sustain the animal enterprise with pasture and suitable fodder and maintain consumption records to meet certification protocols

5 Manage customer feedback and satisfaction with organic, biodynamic or biological product quality and integrity

5.1 Develop and implement procedures to obtain, analyse and respond to customer feedback on farm product quality and integrity

5.2 Identify legal requirements to maintain organic, biodynamic or biological certification

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

determine directions for the organic, biodynamic or biological business

audit the natural resources on the property

monitor legal and certification requirements impacting on the management of the property

develop management strategies to address natural resource management issues

research information on production changes and methods for the chosen philosophy

ability to interpret accurate data

communicate information to people and groups inside and outside the industry sector

record treatments of parasites and diseases of animals with suitable preparations according to animal welfare and organic, biodynamic and biological farming principles

assess and sample soils

interpret and make recommendations regarding outcomes of soil tests

recognise plants and pasture species

calculate a feed budget

document production processes and activities including developing a flow chart for the supply chain

document a risk assessment

develop procedures to respond to customer feedback

analyse benefits to the family and farm from adopting the philosophy.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

sustainable land management practices

property planning process

water, vegetation, livestock, pasture, soil, fire and wildlife management strategies within the accreditation guidelines

legal requirements impacting on the whole farm plan

risk management strategies

credible sources of information relating to organic, biodynamic and biological farming principles and practices

supply chain for the organic, biodynamic and biological farming sector and your position in the chain

permitted/restricted and prohibited inputs and activities for Organic Production

grazing management including feed budgeting and grazing strategies

animal health and options for maintaining health based on pathogen life cycles and the use of suitable preparations

maintaining biodiversity to complement the organic, biodynamic and biological farming philosophy

principles of sowing according to moon phase and maintaining crops with biodynamic preparations.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Establish long-term direction and purpose of the business by identifying and analysing the values, expectations and personal goals of the people involved 
Identify business and personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and strategies to address them 
Investigate sources of information and support for conversion and plan the property conversion over a period of time including time lines and conversion costs 
Draw a property map to include land classes using classification terminology, fences and water systems, natural property features and infrastructure 
Conduct a risk assessment of previous land use and an inventory of chemicals applied or evidence of application on the site 
Identify areas at risk of soil degradation and develop strategies to protect the area 
Develop and implement strategies to improve the health and the regeneration of remnant vegetation to support a diversity of living systems 
Assess potential problem pests and weeds and use strategies to implement an eradication program, within the guidelines of the certification body 
Use soil test results to make recommendations for soil improvement with appropriate organic fertilisers and soil conditioners to ensure a mineral-balanced and healthy soil 
Develop and implement an annual grazing program and strategies to optimize pasture growth and animal production 
Develop and implement a strategy for the recycling of farm waste and effluent 
Assess soil biological activity and apply suitable preparations and grazing strategies to improve the soil biota 
Identify appropriate mulching and composting systems 
Design and implement a plan using crop rotations to optimise soil fertility 
Research the principles and application of biodynamic preparations 
Plan strategies to preserve animal health including allowable treatments and grazing management in the short term and genetic improvement in the long term 
Maintain livestock records to identify treated animals, including a record of all treatments including homeopathic remedies 
Sustain the animal enterprise with pasture and suitable fodder and maintain consumption records to meet certification protocols 
Develop and implement procedures to obtain, analyse and respond to customer feedback on farm product quality and integrity 
Identify legal requirements to maintain organic, biodynamic or biological certification 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCAGB511 - Develop and manage a plan for sustainable production reflecting sustainable production principles
Assessment task 1: [title]

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCAGB511 - Develop and manage a plan for sustainable production reflecting sustainable production principles

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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