Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:06 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:06 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.
Manage pastures for livestock production
Manage pastures for livestock production
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCBAC401A
AHCBAC401A
State Code
D6719
D6719
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/12/2011
Field of Education
050101 - Agricultural Science
Original Release Date
08/12/2011
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the management of pastures for livestock production and defines the standard required to: establish production targets for each pasture type in an enterprise; develop a pasture management program to meet production targets and enterprise objectives; carry out strategic grazing to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation; monitor soil health and grazing management to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels; monitor pasture yields and evaluate against forecast production levels; maintain physical and financial records of production.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Develop a pasture management program
- 1.1. Production targets for each pasture type are established, consistent with livestock production and enterprise objectives.
- 1.2. Irrigation schedules, where required, are determined for each soil and pasture type based on assessed water requirements, rainfall and evapo-transpiration data.
- 1.3. Nutrient requirements for pastures are assessed to determine appropriate fertiliser and soil ameliorant program.
- 1.4. Grazing and fodder conservation strategies are identified and planned for.
- 1.5. Infrastructure required to support grazing management is identified.
- 1.6. Budgetary constraints are identified and accounted for according to enterprise requirements.
- 1.7. A pasture management program is developed to meet production targets and enterprise objectives.
2. Implement pasture management program
- 2.1. Pasture program is implemented and pasture capacity is monitored according to enterprise requirements.
- 2.2. Strategic grazing may be carried out to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation where planned.
- 2.3. Fertiliser and soil ameliorant applications and rates are determined appropriate to pasture type and soil analysis, and applied accordingly.
- 2.4. Soil moisture is monitored and watering scheduled adjusted for irrigated pasture.
- 2.5. Processes to minimise waste and soil degradation are introduced and implemented according to enterprise environmental requirements.
3. Monitor pasture growth and fodder production
- 3.1. Longer term trends in weed, pest and disease incidence are determined and any necessary changes to control measures are implemented.
- 3.2. Soil structure and risks of erosion are monitored and necessary changes to cultural practices, grazing management and drainage are determined to improve soil quality.
- 3.3. Irrigation and drainage systems are checked regularly and maintained if appropriate.
- 3.4. Grazing management is monitored to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels.
- 3.5. Feed surpluses and deficiencies are identified and appropriate action taken according to enterprise requirements.
- 3.6. Pasture maturity is monitored and seed harvesting is undertaken to meet marketing and production targets if required.
4. Review production level
- 4.1. Pasture yields are monitored and evaluated against forecast production levels.
- 4.2. Grazing programs are evaluated for sustainability of the land and pasture resource, and livestock profitability.
- 4.3. Physical and financial records of production are maintained for analysis and evaluation of production performance.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Livestock production may include:
all unimproved and improved rangelands used for grazing including:
temperate and tropical pastures
crop stubble
shrubs and trees that may be used for stock feed.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Livestock production may include:
all unimproved and improved rangelands used for grazing including:
temperate and tropical pastures
crop stubble
shrubs and trees that may be used for stock feed.
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:
establish production targets for each pasture type in an enterprise
develop a pasture management program to meet production targets and enterprise objectives
carry out strategic grazing to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation
monitor soil health and grazing management to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels
monitor pasture yields and evaluate against forecast production levels.
maintain physical and financial records of production.
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.
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:
establish production targets for each pasture type in an enterprise
develop a pasture management program to meet production targets and enterprise objectives
carry out strategic grazing to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation
monitor soil health and grazing management to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels
monitor pasture yields and evaluate against forecast production levels.
maintain physical and financial records of production.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3555 | RTE4011A | Manage pastures for livestock production | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAQ53 | AHCBAC401 | Manage pastures for livestock production | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D500 | AHC40110 | Certificate IV in Agriculture | Qualification |
| J274 | AHC41612 | Certificate IV in Organic Farming | Qualification |