Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop a pasture and crop program
- Production targets for each crop and pasture type are established consistent with marketing and enterprise objectives.
- Plant varieties are selected that are best suited to soil, climate, seasonal conditions and marketing goals.
- Irrigation schedules, where required, are determined for each soil and crop/pasture type based on assessed water requirements, rainfall and evapo-transpiration data.
- Nutrient requirements for crops and pastures are assessed to determine appropriate fertiliser program.
- Budgetary constraints are identified and maintained according to enterprise requirements.
- A pasture and crop program is developed to meet production targets and enterprise objectives.
- Implement pasture and crop management program
- Pasture and crop program is implemented and pasture capacity is monitored according to enterprise requirements.
- Strategic grazing is carried out, where necessary, to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation, where planned.
- Fertiliser applications and rates are determined appropriate to crop/pasture type and applied accordingly.
- Crop and pasture nutrient requirements are applied to ensure achievement of yield and sustainability of pasture.
- Soil moisture is monitored and watering scheduled adjusted as required.
- Processes to minimise waste and soil degradation are introduced and implemented according to environmental standards.
- Monitor crop/pasture growth and fodder production
- Longer term trends in weed, pest and disease incidence are determined and any necessary changes to control measures are implemented.
- Soil structure and erosion are monitored and necessary changes to cultural practices, grazing management and drainage are determined.
- Irrigation and drainage systems are checked regularly and maintained, if appropriate.
- Grazing management is monitored to ensure high pasture and livestock production levels.
- Livestock are integrated into the cropping cycle through grazing of pastures returning to crop, stubbles and crop residues, and dual purpose crops.
- Feed surpluses and deficiencies are identified and appropriate action taken according to enterprise requirements.
- Crop/pasture maturity is monitored and harvesting is undertaken to meet marketing and production targets.
- Review production level
- Pasture and crop yields are monitored and evaluated against forecast production levels.
- Grazing and cropping programs are evaluated for efficiency and effectiveness, and documented for future best practice.
- Evaluation of production performance of each enterprise is undertaken and documented for use in reviewing and revising management program.
- Physical and financial records of production are maintained for analysis and evaluation of production performance.