Elements and Performance Criteria

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

How might paddocks be assessed?
Assessment may include the use of objective soil tests, current and previous observations/tests, and a range of other historical records. The process may involve professional support from agronomists and consultants.

What records of chemical use should be required?
These will be established by minimum legal requirements, but will also reflect target quality parameters set by the production plan.

What may be considered a logistical requirement?
These requirements will include planning the most cost effective mix of arrangements related to on-farm storage capacity, off-farm collection point alternatives, transport alternatives and opportunities for backfilling when transporting product, etc.

What physical and financial record keeping system should be used to meet the requirement of this competency standard?
The system should include paddock records, input records, and may be computer or non-computer based.

How might paddocks be assessed?
Assessment may include the use of objective soil tests, current and previous observations/tests, and a range of other historical records. The process may involve professional support from agronomists and consultants.

What records of chemical use should be required?
These will be established by minimum legal requirements, but will also reflect target quality parameters set by the production plan.

What may be considered a logistical requirement?
These requirements will include planning the most cost effective mix of arrangements related to on-farm storage capacity, off-farm collection point alternatives, transport alternatives and opportunities for backfilling when transporting product, etc.

What physical and financial record keeping system should be used to meet the requirement of this competency standard?
The system should include paddock records, input records, and may be computer or non-computer based.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in developing production plans for crops requires evidence that a production plan for a crop has been successfully and appropriately implemented and monitored in an enterprise. The skills and knowledge required to develop production plans for crops must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different crops, enterprises and growing conditions.
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 unit are listed below:

determinants of crop yield
cultural practices related to cropping
market prices, gross margins, cash flow budgets
benchmark performance indicators
disease and pest management for relevant crops
machinery and equipment requirements for cropping
record keeping systems (computer or non-computer).

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

prepare budgets and gross margins
source and interpret relevant benchmark information from consultants or peers.
sample soils and plant tissue for testing
manage and monitor crop diaries and associated records
select crop species and variety
yield potential for crop is determined
prepare individual paddock plans and a whole farm crop
production plan is reviewed production plan.

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 unit are listed below:

determinants of crop yield
cultural practices related to cropping
market prices, gross margins, cash flow budgets
benchmark performance indicators
disease and pest management for relevant crops
machinery and equipment requirements for cropping
record keeping systems (computer or non-computer).

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

prepare budgets and gross margins
source and interpret relevant benchmark information from consultants or peers.
sample soils and plant tissue for testing
manage and monitor crop diaries and associated records
select crop species and variety
yield potential for crop is determined
prepare individual paddock plans and a whole farm crop
production plan is reviewed production plan.

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
Through record keeping of previous yields and other relevant data. (3)

Communicating ideas and information
Through record keeping of previous yields and other relevant data. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through evaluation and review of production plans, and comparison with collated data. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through evaluation and review of production plans, and comparison with collated data. (3)

Planning and organising activities
According to standard planning processes for crops production. (3)

Planning and organising activities
According to standard planning processes for crops production. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through consultation with others involved in crop management. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through consultation with others involved in crop management. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through determining yield potential. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through determining yield potential. (3)

Solving problems
Through planning for unforeseen circumstances related to crop production and dealing with variables as they arise. (3)

Solving problems
Through planning for unforeseen circumstances related to crop production and dealing with variables as they arise. (3)

Using technology
Through use of computer and communication systems. (3)

Using technology
Through use of computer and communication systems. (3)