This unit applies to livestock managers working independently, with only technical advice sought from others in areas such as pasture selection, pasture management and grazing management.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop a pasture management program

1.1. Production targets for each pasture type are established, consistent with livestock production and enterprise objectives.

1.2. Irrigation schedules, where required, are determined for each soil and pasture type based on assessed water requirements, rainfall and evapo-transpiration data.

1.3. Nutrient requirements for pastures are assessed to determine appropriate fertiliser and soil ameliorant program.

1.4. Grazing and fodder conservation strategies are identified and planned for.

1.5. Infrastructure required to support grazing management is identified.

1.6. Budgetary constraints are identified and accounted for according to enterprise requirements.

1.7. A pasture management program is developed to meet production targets and enterprise objectives.

2. Implement pasture management program

2.1. Pasture program is implemented and pasture capacity is monitored according to enterprise requirements.

2.2. Strategic grazing may be carried out to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation where planned.

2.3. Fertiliser and soil ameliorant applications and rates are determined appropriate to pasture type and soil analysis, and applied accordingly.

2.4. Soil moisture is monitored and watering scheduled adjusted for irrigated pasture.

2.5. Processes to minimise waste and soil degradation are introduced and implemented according to enterprise environmental requirements.

3. Monitor pasture growth and fodder production

3.1. Longer term trends in weed, pest and disease incidence are determined and any necessary changes to control measures are implemented.

3.2. Soil structure and risks of erosion are monitored and necessary changes to cultural practices, grazing management and drainage are determined to improve soil quality.

3.3. Irrigation and drainage systems are checked regularly and maintained if appropriate.

3.4. Grazing management is monitored to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels.

3.5. Feed surpluses and deficiencies are identified and appropriate action taken according to enterprise requirements.

3.6. Pasture maturity is monitored and seed harvesting is undertaken to meet marketing and production targets if required.

4. Review production level

4.1. Pasture yields are monitored and evaluated against forecast production levels.

4.2. Grazing programs are evaluated for sustainability of the land and pasture resource, and livestock profitability.

4.3. Physical and financial records of production are maintained for analysis and evaluation of production performance.

Required skills

determine fertiliser, soil ameliorants and biological inputs required to support production

apply environmental protection strategies in land use

set objectives and milestones for pasture production

calculate costs

determine soil quality and land use capability

monitor the productivity and feed intake of grazing livestock

develop grazing strategies and plan infrastructure required

assess the impact of grazing on pasture productivity and resilience

identify pasture species and estimate dry matter production of pasture

assess options to control weed infestation

identify strategies for pest and disease control

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

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 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

land and soil conditions

pasture species and growing requirements

pasture grazing strategies

nutrient requirements and soil fertility

environmental protection strategies

safe handling processes for fertilisers

infestation patterns for different types of weed

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative and enterprise requirements

relevant environmental codes of practice, legislation and regulations relating to farm production.

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:

establish production targets for each pasture type in an enterprise

develop a pasture management program to meet production targets and enterprise objectives

carry out strategic grazing to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation

monitor soil health and grazing management to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels

monitor pasture yields and evaluate against forecast production levels.

maintain physical and financial records of production.

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.

Livestock production may include:

all unimproved and improved rangelands used for grazing including:

temperate and tropical pastures

crop stubble

shrubs and trees that may be used for stock feed.

Unit sector

Broadacre cropping

This unit contains employability skills.