Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to save, prepare and store agricultural seed.
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 take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
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. Select seed from agricultural crops | 1.1 Calculate the quantity of seed required to sow the following season's crop 1.2 Calculate the area of crop needed to produce the required quantity of seed for the following season's crop 1.3 Select a portion of the crop to be used as seed, based on the calculated requirements and its health, vigour, and grain size 1.4 Record the soil type in the selected portion of the crop 1.5 Implement measures to improve seed and plant health, vigour and uniformity within the selected area 1.6 Identify application of any chemicals to the crop and consider detrimental environmental impacts 1.7 Implement enterprise work health and safety policies |
2. Evaluate and grade seed | 2.1 Assess grain variety for its suitability for the location, the soil, and the organisation's current marketing requirements after harvest 2.2 Research information regarding new varieties or trial results and progress for input to management decision-making 2.3 Grade the seed to the required size either on or off-site 2.4 Apply fungicidal and insecticidal dressings to the seed appropriately 2.5 Collect, prepare and forward test samples to the analysing body, according to the guidelines of that body 2.6 Collect, maintain and store records of observations, information gathered, and results of tests and grading appropriately 2.7 Refer records to the appropriate person for analysis and decision-making |
3 Store seed | 3.1 Select and hygienically prepare storage facilities 3.2 Transfer seed to the storage facility appropriately 3.3 Ensure seed is stored under conditions that maintain its quality and germination capacity 3.4 Conduct appropriate periodical checks of seed in long-term storage for quality factors and viability 3.5 Collect, prepare and forward seed samples for laboratory testing and analysis according to prescribed guidelines 3.6 Create, maintain and store records of seed storage, tests and inspections appropriately to the seed storage program 3.7 Monitor the condition of storage facilities using the schedule and methods outlined in the seed storage program and take appropriate corrective action to maintain seed quality 3.8 Ensure activities around the seed storage facilities are undertaken appropriately to the grain storage program |
4. Collect and deliver seed | 4.1 Establish delivery or supply terms and apply when collecting or delivering seed 4.2 Ensure seed sold or purchased conforms to local State and Federal legislation and regulations 4.3 Observe regulations relating to the interstate movement of seeds 4.4 Implement enterprise biosecurity policies |
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:
select appropriate seed tests
apply pre and post-harvest treatments for seed
identify varieties from growth patterns
identify weed seeds and contaminants
identify pests in stored grain and initiate control measures
calculate volumes, capacities, areas, ratios for seed, storages, and chemicals
keep, update and maintain records relating to test results, provenance, varieties, pest control measures, and other relevant information about the seed
calculate the quantity of seed required for the following season
grade and test seed and interpret the results
store the seed for use in the following season
maintain grain in storage to ensure maximum quality and yield when used
implement work health and safety policies in the context of the work team
implement enterprise biosecurity policies in the context of the work team
implement enterprise environmental sustainability practices.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
identification of varieties
seed treatment and cleaning measures
sources of purchased seed
inoculation treatments and seed dressings used within the organisation
records and documentation required for tracking and handling of seed
storage techniques and requirements for seed and grain
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
relevant legislation and regulations relating to WHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, vehicle and plant use, and to the use, handling and sale of seed
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris from sowing operations
enterprise biosecurity policies.
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)