1. Source information for input to planting plan

1.1 Documents within the organisation that detail the requirements of the production plan are identified and obtained.

1.2 Information regarding activities that will be occurring at a similar time to planting is gathered through discussion with colleagues and management, and by reading the production/management plan.

1.3 The specific target area, or paddock, for planting is identified from the production/management plan.

1.4 Trash levels and seedbed conditions are assessed and accounted for in planning.

2. Prepare planting plan

2.1 The seed crop and method of planting to be used are determined from the organisations production plan.

2.2 The resources required for the planting operations are assessed and calculated from the area to be sown, the method of planting to be used, and the available timelines.

2.3 The target dates are set for planting, including the sequencing for planting across paddocks or crop areas, in line with the overall production/management planning for the organisation.

2.4 The chemical applications that are required prior to and post planting are selected and organised to occur at an appropriate time.

2.5 The plan is prepared to ensure that any potential detrimental environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated, including the proper disposal of containers, drums and other waste.

2.6 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, assessed, and safe work practices for planting are implemented and overseen with staff.

2.7 Any approvals that are required for the planting operations are identified, sought and obtained.

2.8 Measurable indicators, specifications and targets are determined, based on the production/management plan and the method, resources, and seed to be used.

3. Determine scheduling and key responsibilities

3.1 Scheduling for planting is determined taking the range of geographic and resourcing factors into consideration, as well as operations that will be occurring at the same time as the planting.

3.2 Key responsibilities for specific preparatory processes that are required before planting are determined.

3.3 Key responsibilities for specific implementation processes are determined.

3.4 Recordkeeping requirements are determined and procedures are put in place to ensure compliance with the range of applicable regulations.

3.5 The plan, including scheduling and key responsibilities, is clearly documented.

3.6 The plan includes the type, format, frequency and detail of any reporting required by both managers and operators.

4. Monitor and adjust the planting plan

4.1 Monitoring points outlined in the implementation plan are adhered to.

4.2 Checks are made to ensure that OHS procedures are being observed and followed.

4.3 Checks are made to ensure that the site environmental requirements are being observed and followed.

4.4 Operational staff and any contractors are communicated with regularly to ensure smooth operation and progress.

4.5 Checks are made to ensure that the documentation required by the organisation, or other regulating bodies, is completed clearly and accurately during the progress of the planting process.

4.6 Where any corrective action or amendment to the planting plan is required, the action is initiated and taken.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

identify hazards and oversee safe operating procedures

identify the seasonal conditions which affect crop establishment

plan and schedule planting including amending plans during the operations

recognise poor growth and lack of vigour caused by nutrient deficiency and incorrect planting depth

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

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.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

the equipment that is required for a range of tillage methods, and pest and weed control prior to planting

crop establishment requirements

equipment servicing requirements

integrated pest and weed management techniques

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

Legislation, codes of practice and enterprise procedures for OHS and environmental management

management practices and processes to minimise environmental impacts such as noise, soil degradation and debris from planting operations

Plant Breeder’s Rights and open market seed.

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:

identify the seasonal conditions which affect crop establishment

plan the planting operation including timing and resources required

carry out pest, weed and disease control either pre or post planting if required

supervise staff and monitor the planting operation.

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.