Develop production plans for crops

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:10 AM 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
AHCBAC507A

State Code
D6732

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

25/06/2014

Field of Education

050101 - Agricultural Science

Original Release Date

25/06/2014

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit covers the process of developing production plans for agricultural and horticultural crops and defines the standard required to: prepare budgets and gross margins; source and interpret relevant benchmark information from consultants or peers; sample soils and plant tissue for testing; select crop species and variety and determine yield potential for crop; prepare individual paddock plans and a whole farm cropping plan.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Select crop species and variety

1.1. Crop types and varieties are assessed and selected for their market potential and gross margin returns for the farm environment.
1.2. Most profitable cultural practices and rotations are selected consistent with disease and pest management strategies, available machinery resources, and management for sustainability of resources.
1.3. Production risks are identified for each crop and strategies to address these are determined.
1.4. Environmental risks are identified and strategies developed as appropriate.

2. Establish yield potential and quality specification for crop

2.1. Relevant benchmark yields are sourced, where available, to assist setting target yields.
2.2. Past production records are analysed to determine the key determinants of yield.
2.3. Available models for calculating water use efficiency or other key determinants of yield are used, as appropriate, to assist in setting target yields.
2.4. Quality specifications and target yields are established for all crops.

3. Prepare crop program

3.1. Proposed crop land areas are assessed for their nutrient, pest and disease status, water reserves, tillage requirements, and other factors before selecting crop variety.
3.2. Records of chemical use are used, as appropriate, to assist planning to reduce chemical resistance.
3.3. Crop variety is selected and paddock preparation, planting, fertilising and other treatments are planned.
3.4. Optimum timing of planting, applications and treatments is determined and a calendar of operations is prepared.
3.5. Cash flow budget for the cropping program is determined.

4. Review production plan

4.1. Logistical arrangements related to harvesting/transportation/marketing and other key operations are planned for the production cycle.
4.2. Machinery and equipment requirements are planned and checked for the crop production cycle.
4.3. Labour requirements are identified and planned for the crop production cycle.
4.4. Seed, fertiliser, pest and disease treatments and other input requirements are identified.
4.5. Physical and financial record keeping system is established to provide data for the analysis of crop performance, and to meet other statutory requirements including records of chemical use.
4.6. Production plan is reviewed, amended where required and documented as a final plan.

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Crops may include
all horticultural crops
all agricultural crops.
Horticultural crops may include
all fruit
vegetables
herbs
flowers
foliage
bulbs
tubers
nuts
fungi
wild harvest plants
oils
olives
grains
seeds
hops
other specialised crops not specifically named as broadacre crops.
Agricultural crops
canola
wheat
hay
barley
oats
rice
triticale
maize
millet
chickpeas
cotton
faba beans
lucerne lupins
pigeon peas
sorghum
soybean
sunflower
other crops grown as part of a broadacre mixed farming enterprise not specifically named as horticultural crops.

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 budgets and gross margins
source and interpret relevant benchmark
information from consultants or peers
sample soils and plant tissue for testing
select crop species and variety and determine yield potential for crop
prepare individual paddock plans and a whole farm cropping plan.
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.

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
S3486	RTE5016A	Develop production plans for crops	Unit of competency

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BAN18	AHCBAC507	Develop production plans for crops	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D513	AHC50110	Diploma of Agriculture	Qualification
J271	AHC51812	Diploma of Organic Farming	Qualification