Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to establish seed crops. It applies to workers on properties where commercial seed production is undertaken. Workers operate with some judgement and discretion and work would normally be carried out under minimal supervision within enterprise requirements and procedures.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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. Prepare machinery and equipment for use | 1.1 Select and confirm machinery and equipment against the work plan and prepare to manufacturer specifications 1.2 Attach and calibrate equipment for operation 1.3 Identify existing and potential work health and safety hazards in the workplace, assess and control risks |
2. Prepare for seed crop | 2.1 Monitor soil and weather conditions for optimal seeding conditions 2.2 Recognise and confirm soil conservation and sustainable land management practices and procedures 2.3 Prepare, to seed certification specifications, seeding, fertiliser and pest and weed control requirements 2.4 Prepare contingency plans for unusual seasonal conditions |
3. Sow the crop | 3.1 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment 3.2 Undertake seeding and fertiliser applications 3.4 Coordinate pest and weed control treatment with seeding and fertiliser applications 3.5 Identify environmental implications associated with sowing operations, assess impacts and adopt procedures |
4. Complete seeding operations | 4.1 Maintain seeding, machinery and equipment operation records 4.2 Report machinery and equipment damage, malfunctions or irregular performance 4.3 Clean, secure and store machinery and equipment in line with manufacturer specifications and seed certification requirements |
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:
carry out sowing operation and fertiliser application
carry out tillage and apply pre-planting treatments
clean, secure and store machinery and equipment
keep records of the sowing operation
monitoring the environmental impacts of establishing the crop
prepare and service machinery and equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of seed crop establishment
effects of weather conditions (normal and adverse) on seeding and fertilising applications
enterprise policies with regard to seeding operations, and recording and reporting routines
fertiliser types, rates of application and crop nutrient requirements
operating principles and operating methods for machinery and equipment
positive environmental practices, negative environmental impacts and minimisation measures associated with seeding operations
personal protective equipment (PPE) and when and how it should be used
pre-operational and safety checks, servicing and maintenance procedures for seeding machinery and equipment
principles of weight distribution with regard to load shifting and vehicle movement
procedures for cleaning, securing and storing machinery, equipment and materials
record keeping for certified seed
relevant state/territory legislation and regulations with regard to licensing requirements and the use and control of machinery and equipment
relevant state/territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace health and safety and the use and control of hazardous substances
seed crop types, preparation of seeds, seeding methods and application techniques
sustainable land management and soil conservation techniques
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Seed production (SPD)