Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan for livestock production and manage the implementation of such a plan.
This unit applies to farm managers with extensive or intensive livestock production enterprises.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They analyse design and communicate solutions to sometimes complex problems.
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. Plan for production | 1.1 Assess the capability of land resources for grazing and determine stock, pasture and land management strategies for each land capability class 1.2 Assess the suitability and sustainability of water resources 1.3 Establish livestock production targets for each enterprise for the short and long term according to the farms marketing and business plans 1.4 Establish production targets, taking into consideration enterprise short and long term livestock production goals, herd/flock breeding improvements and relevant risk control strategies 1.5 Select genetics and breeding programs based on the production targets and the marketing requirements for the enterprise 1.6 Select and design production facilities in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products 1.7 Establish and specifically include environmental controls in the production plan 1.8 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and incorporate suitable controls into the production plan 1.9 Prepare a plan that documents the decisions taken, the assessments made, the targets established, and any specific issues that relate to work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental risks 1.10 Ensure plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators |
2. Plan for livestock needs | 2.1 Determine feed requirements for each age/sex category of herds and/or flocks 2.2 Determine most appropriate feeding plan for each livestock category based on a cost benefit analysis 2.3 Research and implement most appropriate health strategies to prevent and control disease in each herd and/or flock on the basis of a cost benefit analysis 2.4 Prepare schedules for purchasing and using the products and services used in livestock production 2.5 Research and implement most appropriate livestock production, harvesting, handling and transportation methods and animal welfare requirements from a cost benefit analysis 2.6 Prepare a livestock production plan that incorporates the calendar of operations for each enterprise production cycle, and the management of any specific animal welfare issues 2.7 Ensure plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both manager(s) and operators |
3. Seek information on innovations for existing or potential enterprises and farm activities | 3.1 Identify and access sources of information on innovations relevant to the enterprise and livestock species 3.2 Assess information on innovations to determine whether or not such innovations could be used in the present enterprise, or in a potential future enterprise 3.3 Amend prepared production plans to include innovations deemed suitable for use in the enterprise |
4. Test and adopt relevant innovations | 4.1 Consult any people who may be involved in implementing the innovation or in planning for it and discuss the change with them 4.2 Test innovations on the farm to determine whether or not they are suitable, and whether they may be readily adapted to suit the circumstances of the business 4.3 Identify any work health and safety hazards, animal welfare, biosecurity or environmental risks that present during the trial phase, assess them and take responsible action 4.4 Make a decision about whether or not to adopt the innovation, based on its costs and benefits and any implementation issues, including work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental considerations |
5. Implement, monitor and evaluate livestock production plans | 5.1 Implement and monitor production plans according to the calendar of operations 5.2 Site, erect or install production facilities in a way that deals sensitively with identified waste products 5.3 Evaluate livestock growth/maturity or production according to the planned targets and the marketing requirements 5.4 Monitor flock/herd health, and control and prevent parasite and disease outbreaks quickly and effectively 5.5 Assess feed supplies, monitor pasture or landscape condition and species composition, and vary stocking rates to maintain optimum pasture and livestock health 5.6 Identify, monitor and manage work health and safety hazards, animal welfare, biosecurity or environmental impacts relating to livestock production in the business to promote optimum pasture, livestock, and employee health 5.7 Analyse physical and financial records and extractions taken from them to assess production performance, and to provide information for business and taxation purposes 5.8 Evaluate the production performance of each enterprise to determine whether or not they are sustainable and profitable, and to use in reviewing and revising production plans |
6. Comply with legal requirements and regulations | 6.1 Obtain information about the legal requirements and regulations that affect farm land ownership/possession and livestock production 6.2 Determine record keeping requirements, and put in place procedures to ensure compliance with the range of applicable regulations including taxation legislation 6.3 Obtain permits from the relevant authorities for the transport and movement of livestock and equipment |
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:
develop livestock production plans
manage all resources for a grazing enterprise
implement grazing strategies that match livestock needs and optimise pasture growth
maintain the farm natural resource base through sustainable practice
plan and monitor the finances of the production unit
observe, identify and react appropriately to animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental implications and work health and safety hazards
monitor and manage animal health, welfare and nutrition
supervise livestock husbandry operations
analyse and assess the economic impact of specific situations
establish processes/strategies, procedures and controls for livestock production
assess land capability
comply with legal and taxation requirements
maintain records of production.
assess, and then adopt profitable innovations
implement and monitor relevant work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
livestock nutrition
health and welfare of animals within the production system.
key considerations in a livestock breeding operation
livestock husbandry and management practices
land capability and its relevance to planning livestock production in the context of the whole farm
sustainable land use principles and practices applicable in the region
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
budgeting and financing for an enterprise
cost benefit analysis,
management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations
relevant legislation and regulations relating to soil and water degradation issues, animal health and welfare, biosecurity and chemical use
relevant work health and safety legislation and codes of practice
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the work place or simulated environments that accurately reflect performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessors must satisfy current conditions for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Livestock (LSK)