Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to supervise seed crop harvesting. It applies to workers on properties where commercial seed production is undertaken.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. 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 for harvesting | 1.1 Assess crop 1.2 Inspect harvesting machinery for seed contaminants and ensure machinery clean downs have been done 1.3 Obtain machinery licences or permits as required 1.4 Assess insurance requirements and plan and implement risk management strategies as required |
2. Determine harvest strategy | 2.1 Assess crop maturity to determine best time to harvest 2.2 Determine resource requirements based on estimated crop size 2.3 Organise labour and equipment to carry out harvesting operations 2.4 Determine fire prevention and control requirements |
3. Coordinate the harvest strategy | 3.1 Ensure effective communication strategies for smooth workflow and personnel safety 3.2 Implement and adjust harvesting operations according to weather, equipment and staff requirements 3.3 Coordinate equipment operations for maximum efficiency and monitor for performance effectiveness 3.4 Identify and control existing and potential hazards |
4. Complete harvest operation | 4.1 Locate storage resources for efficient operations and identify strategies for drying grain if necessary 4.2 Monitor quality of grain for moisture content according to grain classification standards 4.3 Evaluate harvesting operations and outcomes against harvest strategy 4.4 Document relevant information for analysis and effective planning |
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:
arrange storage and delivery requirements
assess crop maturity and quality in readiness for harvesting
establish strategies, procedures and controls for crop harvesting, including fire prevention and control plans
estimate crop yields
maintain budgetary controls
negotiate and arrange contracts and agreements
segregate grain for quality and monitor for moisture content
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of seed crop harvesting
crop maturity and yield potential
crop measurement techniques and parameters
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to harvesting operations
functions and limitations of harvesting equipment
grain or seed quality
hygiene requirements for certified seed
location and relative skills and abilities of available contractors
market information and sources
relevant legislation, codes of practice and enterprise requirements for work health and safety, contractor engagement, environment and pesticides
supervisor responsibilities in managing the safety of a workplace
weather conditions which may affect the harvest
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)