This unit applies to farm managers whose job includes developing a whole farm plan.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine directions for the business

1.1. Long-term directions and purposes of the business are established through identification and analysis of the values, expectations and personal goals of the people involved.

1.2. Business and personal Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) are identified.

1.3. Strategies to address the SWOT are developed consistent with the business vision.

2. Audit the natural resources and infrastructure of the property

2.1. Physical characteristics of the soil resource are identified and recorded.

2.2. Soil map of property is drawn and land classes are recorded using classification terminology.

2.3. Land capability is determined and land management options for each land class identified.

2.4. Natural property features and infrastructure are shown on property map.

2.5. Areas at risk of soil degradation are identified.

2.6. Native vegetation is classified and condition is assessed.

2.7. Endangered species are identified as appropriate.

2.8. Other natural resource issues are identified as appropriate to the property.

2.9. Infrastructure is marked to assist with maintenance and planning.

3. Monitor legal requirements impacting on the management of the property

3.1. Current knowledge of relevant Acts and regulations impacting on the property is maintained.

3.2. Legal requirements are addressed through management plans.

4. Develop management strategies to address natural resource management issues

4.1. Property improvement plans to assist natural resource management are developed, costed and prioritised.

4.2. Plans to repair land degradation are developed.

4.3. Strategies to address water supply and water management, vegetation and revegetation management, and wildlife management are prepared as appropriate to the property.

4.4. Strategies for weed and pest management are developed.

4.5. Plans to address fire risk/fire management are developed as appropriate.

5. Review whole farm plan

5.1. Plans are reviewed and revised to meet changing circumstances.

Required skills

assessment of soil physical characteristics

determine existing and required infrastructure requirements

identification and determination of Natural Resource Management (NRM) requirements

ability to determine landuse capability

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

SWOT analysis

sustainable land management practices

property planning processes and approaches

land capability

water, vegetation, soil, fire and wildlife management strategies

legal requirements impacting on whole farm planning

risk management.

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:

audit the natural resources of the property

monitor legal requirements impacting on the management of the property

develop management strategies to address the key natural resource management issues of water, soils, vegetation and wildlife

develop management strategies to address natural resource management issues

integrate business objectives and production plans with sustainable land management in a whole farm plan.

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.

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

Whole farm plans include:

all production land and natural areas

waterways and physical features and improvements.

Unit sector

Agribusiness

This unit contains employability skills.