1. Determine requirements of the seed crop establishment program

1.1 Paddock history is considered for suitability for a seed crop.

1.2 Species and cultivars that meet production needs are identified and the required quantity calculated, costed and availability confirmed with suppliers.

1.3 Crop establishment procedures are selected consistent with seasonal factors, site and soil characteristics, production plans and the resources and equipment available.

1.4 Post-planting care is planned according to production needs, enterprise standards and site capabilities.

1.5 Plant germination and nutrient requirements are identified and planned for, taking into account soil characteristics.

1.6 Resources, tools, equipment and machinery required for planting and post-planting care are identified, costed and availability confirmed with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel.

1.7 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with the crop establishment program are identified; risks assessed and controls developed according to enterprise guidelines.

2. Prepare and document the seed crop establishment program

2.1 Detailed plans are prepared based on the requirements of the crop establishment program and production requirements.

2.2 Plan is produced which can be readily interpreted and understood by on-site personnel according to enterprise standards.

2.3 On-site procedures and schedules required for the planting of the site and post-planting care of seed crop are developed and communicated to staff.

2.4 Contingencies are planned for and alternative strategies identified if applicable.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

determine requirements of the seed crop establishment program

research suitable seed crop species for the site and proposed land use

prepare and document the seed crop establishment program

develop strategies for weed, pest and disease control

assess seed crop for production potential

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected 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

select suitable seed

identify ‘off types’

read and understand a seed statement.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

seed crop varieties and their characteristics, requirements and production potential

establishment techniques of specific seed crop species and cultivars

the advantages and disadvantages of a range of seed crop establishment procedures

maintenance requirements and practices for specific seed crop species and cultivars after initial establishment

planning process, including costing and scheduling of works

plant identification of seed crops and weed species

role of crops in sustainable land use

environmental impacts of seed crop establishment

seed production contracts.

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 site factors

select suitable pasture species and cultivars

identify threats to pasture establishment including weeds, pests and diseases

determine resources and equipment for planting and post-planting care

use livestock to meet pasture production plans and schedules.

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.

Method of assessment

This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Crops may include:

wheat and coarse grains

cotton

grain legumes

oilseeds

temperate pastures

tropical pastures

vegetables and other horticultural seed crops.