This unit applies to those whose job function includes managing the production of hay and silage and the storage of forage to ensure quality is maintained.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan for forage conservation

1.1. Determine the resource needs and end use requirements of forage conservation in the farm production system.

1.2. Define forage conservation options and cost benefit.

1.3. Select appropriate paddocks for forage conservation with regard to species selection and target growth stage.

1.4. Select appropriate forage conservation machinery, equipment and personal protective equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and industry practice.

1.5. Ensure safe access to paddocks for harvesting and transport machinery.

1.6. Plan and prepare storage facility/system for selected forage conservation method.

1.7. Identify and minimise potential environmental impacts of forage conservation activities.

1.8. Negotiate contracts and costs including crop inputs, machinery, harvest area and storage sites where applicable.

1.9. Communicate details of work activities with workers and/or contractors where applicable.

2. Prepare paddocks for forage conservation

2.1. Identify need for fertiliser, irrigation, weed control and grazing or slashing before closing paddock to stock at appropriate time.

2.2. Identify optimum time for harvest of key species.

2.3. Monitor and control weeds, pests and diseases.

3. Oversee forage harvesting operations

3.1. Establish dry matter targets for the selected method of forage conservation.

3.2. Monitor seasonal and current weather conditions to determine optimum time for harvest and to ensure quality.

3.3. Assess condition and dry matter content of the crop throughout the harvesting operation.

3.4. Select harvesting and conditioning machinery based on weather conditions and forage drying targets.

3.5. Ensure that harvesting activities are conducted in a safe, controlled and efficient manner.

3.6. Ensure that baling, wrapping, compacting, sealing and/or storage of forage is in accordance with storage plan.

3.7. Ensure that forage is safely loaded, transported and stored in accordance with OHS and quality requirements and to minimise spoilage and the risk of combustion.

4. Complete operation

4.1. Complete records in accordance with quality assurance requirements and industry practice.

4.2. Ensure waste and debris is disposed of to minimise environmental impact.

4.3. Ensure that machinery and ancillary equipment is cleaned and serviced in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, OHS requirements and industry practice.

4.4. Conduct quality checks on stored forage.

4.5. Monitor and minimise environmental impacts of forage conservation activities including concentration of nutrients at field out areas and effluent run-off.

Required skills

assess the need for and implications of forage conservation in the farming system

select and implement a forage conservation system

perform harvesting operations

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

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 numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

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

economic analysis of forage conservation

silage and hay conservation systems

factors affecting the quality of silage and hay

dry matter content, quality and hygiene requirements

range and functions of silage and haymaking machinery and equipment

common weeds, pests and diseases associated with crops and pastures

types and application of personal protective equipment

legislation and regulations including licensing requirements in relation to forage operations

risk factors including human and animal health, weather, harvesting and environmental.

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 cost benefit and forage conservation options

select appropriate forage conservation method

select suitable forage conservation machinery

oversee harvest, forage preparation and storage

record work activities.

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.

Forage conservation methods may include:

hay

silage

haylage

green chop.

Unit sector

Broadacre cropping

This unit contains employability skills.