Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What crops may be subject to the yield assessment?
All crops harvested for the business may be assessed for yield. These may be agricultural crops such as wheat and coarse cereals, pulses, legumes, cotton, sugar, oilseeds, pasture seeds, and horticultural crops such as tree crops, vine crops, field crops, fruit and vegetables.

What kind of measurements are taken in the field?
Measurements are primarily objective and may include sampling, transects, past records, and visual assessment.

Which aspects of crop quality will be tested before harvest
Crops may be tested for moisture, protein, colour, size, ripeness, skin defects, sugar content, and size.

How might the order of harvesting be arranged?
Time of maturity, which may be influenced by soil type and crop variety and value, might affect order of harvest.

How is crop value determined?
This is done using current and forward market information.

What might be covered by any insurance taken out?
Crop insurance is likely to cover events such as fire, hail and transport.

What are the OHS hazards during a crop harvesting process?
Hazards that may arise include dust, extreme weather conditions, working in confined and enclosed spaces, working in the vicinity of pesticide residues, working with, and close to vehicles and plant, and applying pre-harvest chemical treatments.

What measures may be taken to prevent and control fires?
As part of the strategies that are put in place, the following issues and equipment might be considered: fire vehicles, portable equipment such as knapsacks and personal protective equipment, fixtures such as dams, tanks, pumps and water mains, communication devices, and constructions such as fire breaks.

There are a variety of ways in which crops can be stored. What might they include?
Storage facilities include portable field bins, boxes and containers, silos (temporary or fixed), horizontal storage, and direct delivery to bulk handling authority.

What resources might be required for haulage?
Equipment and vehicles will be required, and these could include trucks, trailers, tractors, augers, and/or field bins.

What OHS issues might impact on the harvesting operations?
Throughout the planning and operations for harvesting, precautions should be taken for fire prevention and control, dust protection, working in hot weather, working in confined and enclosed spaces, and working in the vicinity of pesticide residues. There are also issues concerning the use of vehicles and of pre-harvest chemical treatments.

What might the evaluation of fire risks and hazards cover?
Fire risk evaluation covers the possible nature of fires started on the property, equipment suitable to manage these fires, potential losses, capital available to purchase and maintain equipment, and range of possible fires that could enter the property.

What crops may be subject to the yield assessment?
All crops harvested for the business may be assessed for yield. These may be agricultural crops such as wheat and coarse cereals, pulses, legumes, cotton, sugar, oilseeds, pasture seeds, and horticultural crops such as tree crops, vine crops, field crops, fruit and vegetables.

What kind of measurements are taken in the field?
Measurements are primarily objective and may include sampling, transects, past records, and visual assessment.

Which aspects of crop quality will be tested before harvest
Crops may be tested for moisture, protein, colour, size, ripeness, skin defects, sugar content, and size.

How might the order of harvesting be arranged?
Time of maturity, which may be influenced by soil type and crop variety and value, might affect order of harvest.

How is crop value determined?
This is done using current and forward market information.

What might be covered by any insurance taken out?
Crop insurance is likely to cover events such as fire, hail and transport.

What are the OHS hazards during a crop harvesting process?
Hazards that may arise include dust, extreme weather conditions, working in confined and enclosed spaces, working in the vicinity of pesticide residues, working with, and close to vehicles and plant, and applying pre-harvest chemical treatments.

What measures may be taken to prevent and control fires?
As part of the strategies that are put in place, the following issues and equipment might be considered: fire vehicles, portable equipment such as knapsacks and personal protective equipment, fixtures such as dams, tanks, pumps and water mains, communication devices, and constructions such as fire breaks.

There are a variety of ways in which crops can be stored. What might they include?
Storage facilities include portable field bins, boxes and containers, silos (temporary or fixed), horizontal storage, and direct delivery to bulk handling authority.

What resources might be required for haulage?
Equipment and vehicles will be required, and these could include trucks, trailers, tractors, augers, and/or field bins.

What OHS issues might impact on the harvesting operations?
Throughout the planning and operations for harvesting, precautions should be taken for fire prevention and control, dust protection, working in hot weather, working in confined and enclosed spaces, and working in the vicinity of pesticide residues. There are also issues concerning the use of vehicles and of pre-harvest chemical treatments.

What might the evaluation of fire risks and hazards cover?
Fire risk evaluation covers the possible nature of fires started on the property, equipment suitable to manage these fires, potential losses, capital available to purchase and maintain equipment, and range of possible fires that could enter the property.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in managing the harvest requires evidence that the harvesting plan and schedule is prepared and implemented in the light of the research and analysis conducted initially in crop estimation, resource planning and contract negotiating. Competence also requires that communication between all the relevant parties is clear, whether in the form of a discussion, or the preparation of a written plan. Overall competence will lead to an efficient harvest that maintains the optimum quality of the crop, while the possibility of emergencies is anticipated and prevented or controlled.
The skills and knowledge required to manage the harvest must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, the way in which the harvesting operations will occur will vary depending on the moisture levels of the crop, the crop type, and the equipment available.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

capability and use of harvesting equipment
crop measurement techniques and parameters
market information and sources
location and relative skills and abilities of available contractors
contracting requirements for crop insurance
management of the moisture content of crops, including drying and aeration
storage options and local storage availability
bushfire prevention and control legislation
bushfire prevention and control strategies and equipment
contact details for local fire services
weather conditions which may affect the harvest
relevant legislation and regulations relating to OHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, and vehicle and plant use
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the harvesting operations
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris from the harvesting operations.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills are the ability to:

plan and implement harvesting operations, including amendment of these during the operation itself
organise and schedule the maintenance of plant and equipment
establish processes/strategies, procedures and controls for crop harvesting
prepare written plans and procedures for implementation by others
interpret, analyse and extract information from a range of sources and discussions
assess potential yields
negotiate and arrange contracts and agreements
explain, and deliver instructions about the plans and scheduling of the harvest operations to both staff and contractors, as well as suppliers, customers, and neighbours
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

capability and use of harvesting equipment
crop measurement techniques and parameters
market information and sources
location and relative skills and abilities of available contractors
contracting requirements for crop insurance
management of the moisture content of crops, including drying and aeration
storage options and local storage availability
bushfire prevention and control legislation
bushfire prevention and control strategies and equipment
contact details for local fire services
weather conditions which may affect the harvest
relevant legislation and regulations relating to OHS, contractor engagement, chemical use and application, and vehicle and plant use
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the harvesting operations
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours, and debris from the harvesting operations.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills are the ability to:

plan and implement harvesting operations, including amendment of these during the operation itself
organise and schedule the maintenance of plant and equipment
establish processes/strategies, procedures and controls for crop harvesting
prepare written plans and procedures for implementation by others
interpret, analyse and extract information from a range of sources and discussions
assess potential yields
negotiate and arrange contracts and agreements
explain, and deliver instructions about the plans and scheduling of the harvest operations to both staff and contractors, as well as suppliers, customers, and neighbours
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By discussing and explaining the harvesting operation with the full range of field staff, contractors, bulk handling authority, insurance and stock agents. (3)

Communicating ideas and information
By discussing and explaining the harvesting operation with the full range of field staff, contractors, bulk handling authority, insurance and stock agents. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In evaluating and assessing crop yield, value and resources. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In evaluating and assessing crop yield, value and resources. (3)

Planning and organising activities
In selecting, scheduling and putting people and equipment to work. (3)

Planning and organising activities
In selecting, scheduling and putting people and equipment to work. (3)

Working with others and in teams
In working with groups of people to complete specified activities and operations for the harvest. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In working with groups of people to complete specified activities and operations for the harvest. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In evaluating and assessing crop yield and quality, and subsequent value. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In evaluating and assessing crop yield and quality, and subsequent value. (2)

Solving problems
In recognising where amendment is required to the harvesting plan, and in contingency and emergency situations. (3)

Solving problems
In recognising where amendment is required to the harvesting plan, and in contingency and emergency situations. (3)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during, the harvest - communication technology, calculating equipment and measuring equipment. (2)

Using technology
In operating any necessary equipment prior to, and during, the harvest - communication technology, calculating equipment and measuring equipment. (2)