Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to harvest 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 to harvest seed crops | 1.1 Confirm harvest requirements 1.2 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement risk controls for the harvesting operation 1.3 Select, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.4 Identify the environmental impacts of harvesting the crop and take action 1.5 Sample crop for moisture content to assess timing of harvest 1.6 Identify from the harvest strategy or the crop storage plan the hygiene standards for the crop and the paddock |
2. Prepare the harvesting equipment | 2.1 Clean harvesting machinery and other equipment 2.2 Assess machinery and equipment for reliability 2.3 Service, adjust and replace parts of machinery and equipment for harvesting conditions 2.4 Dispose of all containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the maintenance and servicing work 2.5 Document all maintenance and servicing according to the requirements of the organisation |
3. Harvest crops | 3.1 Follow and complete the harvest strategy for each paddock 3.2 Operate harvesting machinery at speeds to suit crop conditions 3.3 Maintain the hygiene of all surfaces that come into contact with the crop 3.4 Check and adjust the harvester height and other settings 3.5 Take fire prevention measures as described in the harvest strategy |
4. Complete harvesting operations | 4.1 Clean equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, organisational procedures and regulations 4.2 Clean and store attachments and other ancillary equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications and regulations 4.3 Apply insecticides as required by the harvest strategy 4.4 Dispose of all containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the maintenance and servicing work 4.5 Move harvesting equipment in compliance with legislation that includes hygiene requirements 4.6 Complete all required records and documentation accurately and promptly |
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:
complete pre and post operational checks on tools, harvesting machinery and equipment
handle and manoeuvre harvesting equipment
monitor efficiency of harvesting equipment and make adjustments to height and other settings
perform routine safety, service and maintenance procedures on tools, harvesting machinery and equipment
sample crops to assess moisture content and maturity/ripeness of the crop
transport, clean and store harvesting equipment
complete records and documentation accurately and promptly
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of seed crop harvesting
appropriate legislative requirements, manufacturer’s instructions and organisation procedures/instructions
certified seed procedures
environmental impacts associated with the operation of machinery and equipment in a harvesting context
fire prevention strategies
general machine maintenance procedures
hygiene procedures for harvesting machinery and equipment
machinery operating principles and operating methods
organisation moisture and hygiene requirements for the crop and equipment that comes into contact with the crop such as bins, augers, trucks and harvesters
organisation recording and reporting procedures
pests and signs of pest infestation in the crop
potential hazards and safe operating procedures for basic tools and equipment
pre-operational and safety checks, servicing and maintenance procedures for tools and equipment
requirements for harvesting machinery and equipment transport
safe operating procedures and standards for harvesting and ancillary equipment
seed quality and the impact of harvesting practices (such as on lucerne seed)
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)