Application
This unit of competency covers the selection and application of modern agricultural technology in production systems. Applications include the recording and reporting of farm activities, mapping, farm and production planning, data collection and analysis and variable rate technology. This unit assists land managers to make informed decisions specific to production systems and applications.
Applications in agricultural science range from spatial information tools to the precision application of production inputs and growth models for the improvement of production.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.
This unit is applicable to persons who have a role in managing or operating a land based production business or providing expert advice such as consultants, industry specialists and extension officers.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Evaluate the need for agricultural technology | 1.1 Identify and evaluate organisational tasks and processes that could be supported by technology applications 1.2 Assess opportunities and limitations for operational improvements that may result from adopting specific technology applications 1.3 Evaluate equipment, tool and resource requirements and select the most appropriate options 1.4 Evaluate the cost-benefit of using technology 1.5 Seek independent technical advice and sources of information as required 1.6 Develop a plan to incorporate the use of technology to improve operational efficiency, productivity and sustainability |
2. Implement technology to manage production | 2.1 Record, analyse and manage production data using technology 2.2 Develop treatment strategies or input requirements using technology 2.3 Collect, store and analyse data across the land based business using technology 2.4 Research information resources, report and communicate production management using technology 2.5 Integrate the use of technology to improve operational efficiency, production, profitability and sustainability |
3. Evaluate the use of technology | 3.1 Develop and review strategies to ensure the use of technology is cost effective and consistent with operational goals 3.2 Assess the need for additional training and support 3.3 Develop strategies to address barriers to the effective use of technology when necessary 3.4 Evaluate the impact of technology use on production levels, input costs and the cash flow budget 3.5 Develop strategies for monitoring, evaluating and incorporating future developments in technology |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify a range of technologies and how to apply them in an agricultural system
obtain and process data and information using technology
assess and review production information for application into farm management
identify appropriate training and support for staff
identify and manage issues that may arise in the use of the technology
complete a cost and benefits analysis
analytical skills to evaluate opportunities.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
basic principles of technology used for agricultural applications
basic principles of cost-benefit analysis
equipment, tool and resource requirements
context in which particular organisations operate and how this may impact on the selection and use of technology
potential barriers to learning, and strategies to address these
range of technology options available to support organisational activities
strategies that can be used to evaluate technology use
training and technical support options available to the organisation to develop skills in the use of technology
sources of information related to agricultural technology
trends and developments in technology relevant to agriculture.
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Agribusiness (AGB)