This unit applies to livestock producers.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify purchasing opportunities

1.1. Number, type and breed of livestock to be purchased are identified and confirmed.

1.2. Agents and sellers of livestock are researched and reviewed to determine appropriate sources.

1.3. Sales schedules for livestock types are monitored and identified.

1.4. Purchasing prices are researched and evaluated to identify comparative values between sellers and agents.

2. Inspect livestock condition

2.1. Health status of livestock is checked using accepted methods.

2.2. Records and documents relating to livestock histories are obtained and verified.

2.3. Suitability of livestock for purchasing purposes is assessed.

2.4. Prices are assessed against livestock condition and enterprise requirements to identify appropriate purchasing values.

3. Complete documentation

3.1. Insurance requirements for livestock are sourced and completed.

3.2. Purchases are confirmed at realistic price levels according to estimated livestock values.

3.3. Documentation details are accurate and exchanged promptly with seller.

4. Organise transportation

4.1. Carriers appropriate to livestock type and quantity are identified and engaged on suitable terms.

4.2. Timing and dates of transportation and delivery are arranged with transporter, vendors and agents.

4.3. Special needs of livestock are assessed and facilities prepared to ensure timely pick up.

4.4. Animal health checks on arrival are undertaken according to enterprise and legislative requirements.

Required skills

arrange livestock purchases

research and determine best prices

organise transport

negotiate on price and terms

assess livestock and condition

arrange transport and insurance

check on health status and condition of livestock

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record information collected accurately and legibly, and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks

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 routine and more complex workplace measures and data

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 assessment

livestock selling procedures

matching livestock to feed available

livestock transportation

animal health procedures

livestock insurance

relevant legislative health and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements especially as they relate to livestock sales, livestock products, animal transportation for local and export markets, and safe livestock handling techniques

enterprise and industry policies and codes of practice with regard to livestock sales, livestock transportation, and recording and reporting requirements.

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:

monitor livestock price trends and budgeted returns

identify selection criteria to meet enterprise requirements and set bid offer

check the health status and records of the intended purchase

arrange and prepare for correct and timely transport

quarantine purchased livestock and isolate sick and distressed animals.

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.