Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop production plans for livestock.
This unit applies to managers of intensive or extensive livestock production systems.
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. Determine feasibility of livestock enterprise | 1.1 Assess farm environment parameters for their suitability for a range of livestock species 1.2 Assess potential livestock enterprises for their market potential and gross margin returns 1.3 Identify resource requirements 1.4 Identify production risks and strategies to address them 1.5 Select livestock species and breeds/ genetics to suit the production system and the market |
2. Identify and define determinants of livestock profitability | 2.1 Define production objectives 2.2 Establish strategies for herd/flock sourcing and improvement and determine breeding program as appropriate 2.3 Determine feed requirements for each age/sex/category of herds/flocks 2.4 Determine feeding strategy including grazing management, where appropriate, and develop feeding programs for each livestock category 2.5 Develop health management program to manage/prevent disease in each herd/flock 2.6 Establish environmental controls as required |
3. Establish livestock production targets and prepare production plan | 3.1 Define performance indicators for the livestock enterprise 3.2 Develop product quality specifications and set production targets 3.3 Establish livestock cash flow budget 3.4 Prepare production plan incorporating a calendar of operations for the enterprise production cycle |
4. Review production plans to determine input and service requirement | 4.1 Plan logistical arrangements related to harvesting, transportation and marketing and other key operations for the production cycle 4.2 Establish schedules for the purchase of inputs and services used in production 4.3 Establish appropriate physical and financial record keeping system to provide data for the analysis of livestock production performance 4.4 Review production plan |
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:
determine feasibility of livestock enterprise
identify and define determinants of livestock profitability
establish livestock production targets
prepare production plans
review production plans to determine input and service requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
livestock husbandry, production and management practices
livestock selection, health and grazing strategies
financial analysis techniques
livestock marketing
sustainable land use principles and practices applicable in the region
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
whole farm planning processes
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)