Assessor Resource

AHCBAC502A
Manage forage conservation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to those whose job function includes managing the production of hay and silage and the storage of forage to ensure quality is maintained.

This unit covers managing forage conservation and defines the standard required to: assess cost benefit and forage conservation options; select appropriate forage conservation method; select suitable forage conservation machinery; oversee harvest, forage preparation and storage; record work activities.

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

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




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.

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:

assess cost benefit and forage conservation options

select appropriate forage conservation method

select suitable forage conservation machinery

oversee harvest, forage preparation and storage

record work activities.

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.


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.

Required skills

assess the need for and implications of forage conservation in the farming system

select and implement a forage conservation system

perform harvesting operations

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

economic analysis of forage conservation

silage and hay conservation systems

factors affecting the quality of silage and hay

dry matter content, quality and hygiene requirements

range and functions of silage and haymaking machinery and equipment

common weeds, pests and diseases associated with crops and pastures

types and application of personal protective equipment

legislation and regulations including licensing requirements in relation to forage operations

risk factors including human and animal health, weather, harvesting and environmental.

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

Forage conservation methods may include:

hay

silage

haylage

green chop.

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
Determine the resource needs and end use requirements of forage conservation in the farm production system. 
Define forage conservation options and cost benefit. 
Select appropriate paddocks for forage conservation with regard to species selection and target growth stage. 
Select appropriate forage conservation machinery, equipment and personal protective equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and industry practice. 
Ensure safe access to paddocks for harvesting and transport machinery. 
Plan and prepare storage facility/system for selected forage conservation method. 
Identify and minimise potential environmental impacts of forage conservation activities. 
Negotiate contracts and costs including crop inputs, machinery, harvest area and storage sites where applicable. 
Communicate details of work activities with workers and/or contractors where applicable. 
Identify need for fertiliser, irrigation, weed control and grazing or slashing before closing paddock to stock at appropriate time. 
Identify optimum time for harvest of key species. 
Monitor and control weeds, pests and diseases. 
Establish dry matter targets for the selected method of forage conservation. 
Monitor seasonal and current weather conditions to determine optimum time for harvest and to ensure quality. 
Assess condition and dry matter content of the crop throughout the harvesting operation. 
Select harvesting and conditioning machinery based on weather conditions and forage drying targets. 
Ensure that harvesting activities are conducted in a safe, controlled and efficient manner. 
Ensure that baling, wrapping, compacting, sealing and/or storage of forage is in accordance with storage plan. 
Ensure that forage is safely loaded, transported and stored in accordance with OHS and quality requirements and to minimise spoilage and the risk of combustion. 
Complete records in accordance with quality assurance requirements and industry practice. 
Ensure waste and debris is disposed of to minimise environmental impact. 
Ensure that machinery and ancillary equipment is cleaned and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, OHS requirements and industry practice. 
Conduct quality checks on stored forage. 
Monitor and minimise environmental impacts of forage conservation activities including concentration of nutrients at field out areas and effluent run-off. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCBAC502A - Manage forage conservation
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

AHCBAC502A - Manage forage conservation

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: