Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:48 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Conserve forage

Conserve forage

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCBAC301A
State Code
D6711
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/02/2012
Field of Education
050901 - Land, Parks And Wildlife Management
Original Release Date
29/02/2012
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers the conservation of forage and defines the standard required to: prepare paddocks for forage conservation; apply forage conservation methods; harvest, prepare and store forage; record work activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for forage conservation
  • 1.1. Determine forage conservation options from the production plan.
  • 1.2. Identify risk factors for spoilage in forage conservation such as fire, vermin and air in silage.
  • 1.3. Confirm that paddock conditions are suitable for forage production.
  • 1.4. Prepare forage conservation machinery and equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and industry practice.
  • 1.5. Ensure clear access to paddocks for harvesting and transport machinery.
  • 1.6. Prepare storage facility for selected forage conservation method.
2. Prepare paddocks for forage conservation
  • 2.1. Close paddock to stock access at appropriate time.
  • 2.2. Report on the growth stage of the crop for harvest.
  • 2.3. Control pests, weeds and diseases to maintain forage bulk and quality.
3. Make forage
  • 3.1. Identify safety hazards and implement OHS procedures for forage conservation.
  • 3.2. Monitor weather conditions to determine optimum time for harvest and to ensure quality.
  • 3.3. Identify dry matter target and assess dry matter content of forage material for the forage operation.
  • 3.4. Mow, condition, tedder and/or rake swaths depending on weather conditions and forage drying targets.
  • 3.5. Conduct harvesting activities in a safe, controlled and efficient manner.
  • 3.6. Check equipment during harvesting operations regularly for wear and damage.
  • 3.7. Bale, wrap, compact, seal or store forage in accordance with storage plan.
  • 3.8. Load, transport, and store/compact (if required) forage in accordance with OHS and quality requirements.
  • 3.9. Store forage so as to minimise risk of spoilage and combustion.
4. Complete operations
  • 4.1. Complete records in accordance with quality assurance requirements and industry practice.
  • 4.2. Dispose of all waste and debris to minimise environmental impacts.
  • 4.3. Clean and service machinery and ancillary equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, OHS requirements and industry practice.
  • 4.4. Test or sample stored forage for quality.
  • 4.5. Report on environmental impacts of forage conservation activities such as effluent run off.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Conservation methods may include:
hay
silage
haylage
green chop.
What safety hazards may be relevant
risk of fire from moisture content creating excessive temperature of hay stacks
overhead powerlines
exposure to noise and dust.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
prepare paddocks for forage conservation
apply forage conservation methods
harvest, prepare and store forage
record work activities.
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.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAS49 AHCBAC301 Conserve forage Unit of competency