Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan for production
- The capability of land resources for grazing is assessed and stock, fire, pasture or range management strategies are determined for each land capability class.
- The suitability and sustainability of water resources is assessed.
- Livestock production targets for each enterprise are established for the short and long term according to the farms marketing and business plans.
- Short and long term livestock production targets take breeding for herd/flock improvement into consideration, and are established in the light of the risk control factors that are applicable.
- Breeds and breeding programs are selected based on the production targets and the marketing requirements for the enterprise.
- Production facilities are selected and designed in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products.
- Environmental controls are established and specifically included in the production plan.
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, and suitable controls are incorporated into the production plan.
- A plan is prepared that documents the decisions taken, the assessments made, the targets established, and any specific issues that relate to environmental and OHS risks.
- The plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators.
- Plan for livestock needs
- Feed requirements are determined for each age/sex category of herds and/or flocks.
- A feeding plan is determined for each livestock category based on a cost benefit analysis.
- Health strategies are devised to prevent and control disease in each herd and/or flock on the basis of a cost benefit analysis.
- Schedules are prepared for purchasing and using the products and services that are used in livestock production.
- Livestock production, harvesting, handling and transportation methods are determined from a cost benefit analysis.
- A livestock production plan is prepared that incorporates the calendar of operations for each enterprise production cycle, and any specific animal welfare issues.
- The plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators.
- Seek information on innovations for existing or potential enterprises and farm activities
- Sources of information on innovations are identified and accessed.
- Information on innovations is assessed to determine whether or not such innovations could be used in the present enterprise, or in a potential enterprise.
- Prepared production plans are amended to include innovations that are deemed suitable for use in the enterprise.
- Test and adopt relevant innovations
- Any people who may be involved in implementing the innovation or in planning for it are consulted, and the change is discussed with them.
- Innovations are tested on the farm to determine whether or not they are suitable, and whether they may be readily adapted to suit the circumstances of the business.
- Any OHS hazards or environmental risks that present during the trial phase are identified, assessed, and responsible action is taken.
- A decision is made about whether or not to adopt the innovation, based on its costs and benefits and any implementation issues, including environmental and OHS considerations.
- Implement, monitor and evaluate livestock production plans
- Production plans are implemented and monitored according the calendar of operations.
- Production facilities are sited, erected and/or installed in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products.
- Livestock growth/maturity or production is evaluated according to the planned targets and the marketing requirements.
- Flock/herd health is monitored and parasite and disease outbreaks are controlled quickly and effectively.
- Feed supplies are assessed, pasture or range condition and species composition are monitored, and stocking rates are varied to maintain optimum pasture and livestock health.
- Environmental impacts and OHS hazards relating to livestock production in the business are identified, monitored and managed to promote optimum pasture, livestock, and employee health.
- Physical and financial records are analysed and extractions taken from them to assess production performance, and to provide information for taxation purposes.
- The production performance of each enterprise is evaluated to determine whether or not they are sustainable and profitable, and to use in reviewing and revising production plans.
- Comply with legal requirements and regulation
- Information about the legal requirements and regulations that affect farm land ownership/possession and livestock production is obtained.
- Record keeping requirements are determined, and procedures are put in place to ensure compliance with the range of applicable regulations including taxation legislation.
- Permits are obtained from the relevant authorities for the transport and movement of livestock and equipment.