This unit applies to cropping managers and is likely to be carried out independently as part of managing a cropping enterprise.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select seed from agricultural crops

1.1. The quantity of seed required to sow the following season's crop is calculated.

1.2. The area of crop needed to produce the required quantity of seed for the following season's crop is calculated.

1.3. A portion of the crop to be used as seed is selected, based on the calculated requirements and its health, vigour, and grain size.

1.4. The soil type in the selected portion of the crop is noted for potential input to management decision-making.

1.5. Measures are taken to improve seed and plant health, vigour and uniformity within the selected area.

1.6. The application of any chemicals to the crop is undertaken in full consideration of detrimental environmental impacts.

1.7. All work carried out is done using the appropriate personal protective equipment and is within Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

2. Evaluate and grade seed

2.1. After harvest, the grain variety saved is assessed for its suitability for the location, the soil, and the organisation's current marketing requirements.

2.2. Information regarding new varieties or trial results and progress is sourced for input to management decision-making.

2.3. The seed is graded to the required size either on or off-site.

2.4. Fungicidal and insecticidal dressings are applied to the seed where appropriate and according to the organisation's production and marketing requirements.

2.5. Test samples are taken, prepared and forwarded to the analysing body, according to the guidelines of that body.

2.6. Records of observations, information gathered, and results of tests and grading are kept, updated, and maintained according to the requirements of the organisation and the industry.

2.7. The records kept are forwarded to the appropriate person for analysis and decision-making.

3. Store seed

3.1. The storage facilities to be used are selected and hygienically prepared.

3.2. Seed is transferred to the storage facility according to the organisation's OHS and hygiene procedures.

3.3. Seed is stored under conditions that maintain its quality and germination capacity.

3.4. Periodical checks of seed in long-term storage are conducted for quality factors and viability according to enterprise requirements.

3.5. Seed samples for laboratory testing are taken, prepared and forwarded for analysis according to prescribed guidelines.

3.6. Clear and accurate records of seed storage, tests and inspections are created, maintained and kept as described in the seed storage program.

3.7. The condition of storage facilities is monitored using the schedule and methods outlined in the seed storage program and appropriate corrective action is taken to maintain seed quality where required.

3.8. Activities around the seed storage facilities are undertaken according to the OHS guidelines detailed in the grain storage program.

4. Collect and deliver seed

4.1. Delivery or supply terms are established and applied when collecting or delivering seed.

4.2. Seed sold or purchased conforms to local State and Federal legislation and regulations.

4.3. Regulations relating to the interstate movement of seeds are observed.

Required skills

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

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

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

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 OHS, 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.

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:

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.

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.

Agricultural seed may include:

wheat and coarse grains

cotton

grain legumes

oilseeds

sugar

temperate

tropical pastures.

Unit sector

Broadacre cropping

This unit contains employability skills.