This unit applies to managers of intensive or extensive livestock production systems.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine feasibility of livestock enterprise

1.1. Farm environment parameters are assessed for their suitability for a range of livestock species.

1.2. Potential livestock enterprises are assessed for their market potential and gross margin returns.

1.3. Resource requirements are identified.

1.4. Production risks and strategies to address them are identified.

1.5. Livestock species and breeds are selected to suit the production system and the market.

2. Identify and define determinants of livestock profitability

2.1. Production objectives are defined.

2.2. Strategies for herd/flock sourcing and improvement are established, and breeding program determined as appropriate.

2.3. Feed requirements are determined for each age/sex/category of herds/flocks.

2.4. Feeding strategy including grazing management, where appropriate, is determined and feeding programs are developed for each livestock category.

2.5. Health management program is developed to manage/prevent disease in each herd/flock.

2.6. Environmental controls are established as required.

3. Establish livestock production targets and prepare production plan

3.1. Performance indicators for the livestock enterprise are defined.

3.2. Product quality specifications are developed and production targets set.

3.3. Livestock cash flow budget is established.

3.4. Production plan is prepared incorporating a calendar of operations for the enterprise production cycle.

4. Review production plans to determine input and service requirement

4.1. Logistical arrangements related to harvesting/transportation/marketing and other key operations are planned for the production cycle.

4.2. Schedules are established for the purchase of inputs and services used in production.

4.3. Appropriate physical and financial record keeping system is established to provide data for the analysis of livestock production performance.

4.4. Production plan is reviewed.

Required skills

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

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

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

relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

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 potential livestock enterprises for their market potential and gross margin returns

define production objectives for the chosen livestock enterprise

incorporate livestock selection, health and grazing strategies into production planning

develop cash flow budgets and marketing strategies for the enterprise

prepare the production plan.

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.

Livestock may include:

sheep

goats

beef cattle

alpacas

deer

dairy cattle

pigs.

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.