Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish pastures and crops for livestock production.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and biosecurity legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources and complete routine activities.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to 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. Prepare for pasture and crop establishment | 1.1 Confirm the pasture and crop establishment program with supervisor 1.2 Conduct pre-treatment (including inoculation) of seed prior to sowing where required 1.3 Select appropriate sowing methods for crop and pasture species 1.4 Apply appropriate fertilisers 1.5 Select and operate machinery and equipment appropriately 1.6 Identify work health and safety hazards in crop and pasture establishment and assess risks |
2. Implement pasture and crop establishment program | 2.1 Implement work health and safety controls for crop and pasture establishment 2.2 Prepare machinery and equipment for sowing 2.3 Calibrate seeding and fertilising equipment 2.4 Conduct pasture and crop sowing appropriately 2.5 Ensure efficient performance of sowing operations including the use of technology where appropriate 2.6 Apply appropriate fertilisers and pesticides |
3. Implement grazing strategies during establishment | 3.1 Use livestock to conduct stubble and fallow weed control as part of an integrated pest management program where appropriate. 3.2 Use livestock to conduct stubble, ground cover, competition or weed control during establishment. 3.3 Implement appropriate controlled grazing of crops and pastures during pasture and crop establishment 3.4 Implement appropriate grazing management according to sustainable land management practices |
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:
operate machinery and equipment
calibrate boom spray and drill and fertiliser spreader
identify pests and diseases
identify pasture and crop species (both seed and seedlings)
identify and control weeds
handle chemicals safely
mix and inoculate seed
interpret and implement crop and pasture production plans
assess existing pastures and crops to maximise livestock production
sow and monitor new pastures and crops
select pasture species, sowing method and application appropriate for optimal yield
manage grazing systems including weed and stubble control
control pests and weeds without damage to the crop or pasture
demonstrate correct use of technology to improve efficiency
follow enterprise work health and safety policies
follow enterprise sustainability practices.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
types of grasses, legumes and crops
types of seed inoculants and fertilizers
seed and fertilizer placement for optimal germination and growth
integrated weed control including chemical application, cultural practices and grazing management
safe use of chemicals and machinery
role of technology in improving efficiency
advantages and disadvantages of pasture and crop establishment programs
timing of pasture and crop establishment
enterprise work health and safety policies
procedures for minimising environmental impacts.
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
Broad acre cropping (BAC)