The unit applies to preparing machinery and equipment, ploughing, cultivating, seeding, applying any pre-planting treatments, maintaining machinery and equipment, and relevant record keeping. This standard requires the application of skills and knowledge to use specialised equipment to carry out seeding and fertiliser operations appropriate to soil and weather conditions.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for pasture and crop establishment

1.1. Pasture and crop establishment program is sourced to meet production requirements and enterprise objectives.

1.2. Pre-treatment (including inoculation) of seed is carried out prior to sowing where required.

1.3. Sowing methods are selected appropriate to pasture species to maximise pasture survival.

1.4. Fertilisers are applied according to crop/pasture needs and enterprise requirements.

1.5. Machinery and equipment are selected for soils of property and operated according to manufacturer's instructions, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and enterprise requirements.

2. Implement pasture and crop establishment program

2.1. Machinery and equipment is prepared for sowing.

2.2. Seeding and fertilising equipment is calibrated for correct rate and placement.

2.3. Pasture and crop is sown for even germination and growth.

2.4. Fertilisers and pesticides are applied at correct rate and stage of growth.

3. Manage fodder production

3.1. Livestock are used to control stubble and fallow weeds as part of an integrated pest management program.

3.2. Grazing program ensures high production levels and sound pasture regrowth.

3.3. Grazing of crops and pastures is carefully controlled during pasture and crop establishment.

3.4. Grazing is managed to minimise damage to soil structure and to prevent erosion according to sustainable land management practices.

Required skills

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

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

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

relevant provisions of the Native Vegetation Acts with particular attention to potential soil degradation and destruction of flora and fauna

safe use of chemicals and machinery

advantages and disadvantages of pasture and crop establishment programs

timing of pasture and crop establishment

OHS legislative requirements and safe work procedures

procedures for minimising environmental impacts.

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:

assess existing pastures and crops to maximise livestock production

calibrate boom spray, seed drill and fertiliser spreader

identify pests and diseases

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.

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.

Crop and pasture establishment methods may include:

methods covering establishment in virgin ground

establishment after a cropping program

replacement of run down pasture

changing the composition of pastures

growing fodder crops

growing cash crops

re-establishing pastures after earthworks.

Sowing methods may include

under sowing

direct drilling

band seeding

broadcasting seed into stubbles or on to existing pasture.

Unit sector

Broad acre cropping

This unit contains employability skills.