Elements and Performance Criteria
- Select seed from agricultural crops
- The quantity of seed required to sow the following season's crop is calculated.
- The area of crop needed to produce the required quantity of seed for the following season's crop is calculated.
- A portion of the crop to be used as seed is selected, based on the calculated requirements and its health, vigour, and grain size.
- The soil type in the selected portion of the crop is noted for potential input to management decision-making.
- Measures are taken to improve seed and plant health, vigour and uniformity within the selected area.
- The application of any chemicals to the crop is undertaken in full consideration of detrimental environmental impacts.
- All work carried out is done using the appropriate personal protective equipment and is within Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.
- Evaluate and grade seed
- After harvest, the grain variety saved is assessed for its suitability for the location, the soil, and the organisation's current marketing requirements.
- Information regarding new varieties or trial results and progress is sourced for input to management decision-making.
- The seed is graded to the required size either on or off-site.
- Fungicidal and insecticidal dressings are applied to the seed where appropriate and according to the organisation's production and marketing requirements.
- Test samples are taken, prepared and forwarded to the analysing body, according to the guidelines of that body.
- Records of observations, information gathered, and results of tests and grading are kept, updated, and maintained according to the requirements of the organisation and the industry.
- The records kept are forwarded to the appropriate person for analysis and decision-making.
- Store seed
- The storage facilities to be used are selected and hygienically prepared.
- Seed is transferred to the storage facility according to the organisation's OHS and hygiene procedures.
- Seed is stored under conditions that maintain its quality and germination capacity.
- Periodical checks of seed in long-term storage are conducted for quality factors and viability according to enterprise requirements.
- Seed samples for laboratory testing are taken, prepared and forwarded for analysis according to prescribed guidelines.
- Clear and accurate records of seed storage, tests and inspections are created, maintained and kept as described in the seed storage program.
- The condition of storage facilities is monitored using the schedule and methods outlined in the seed storage program and appropriate corrective action is taken to maintain seed quality where required.
- Activities around the seed storage facilities are undertaken according to the OHS guidelines detailed in the grain storage program.
- Collect and deliver seed