AHCBAC411 — Manage pastures for livestock production

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• determined soil quality and land use capability
• determined fertiliser, ameliorants and biological inputs required to support production using the following:  pasture type  soil analysis  production targets
• set objectives and milestones for pasture production
• calculated costs of production
• determined pasture water requirements using each of the following:  pasture species demand  local rainfall  water reserves and availability  evapo-transpiration data  irrigation potential
• assessed grazing and rest periods for pasture types after assessing:  pasture quality  quantity  coverage and persistence
• monitored the productivity and feed intake of grazing livestock
• developed grazing strategies and planned infrastructure required
• assessed the impact of grazing on pasture productivity and resilience
• identified pasture species and estimated dry matter production of pasture
• assessed options to control weed infestation
• identified strategies for pest and disease control
• established production targets for each pasture type on property
• developed a pasture management program according to production targets and workplace objectives
• implemented grazing program to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation
• monitored soil health and grazing management to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels
• monitored pasture yields and evaluated against forecast production levels
• considered how technology can be used to improve efficiency
• maintained records for analysis of pasture and livestock production, including:  physical  financial
• implemented workplace health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge evidence

• livestock production systems and property requirements
• land and soil conditions and assessment
• pasture species and their growing requirements, including water
• pasture grazing strategies
• basic budgeting and the cost of production, including:  basic financial analysis  estimating costs  importance of financial records
• soil nutrient and fertility, including:  interpretation of soil analysis reports  pasture nutrient requirements  impact of soil biological processes
• environmental management strategies in land use and the impact of practices, including:  soil moisture and erosion control  chemical and waste contamination  weed and pasture impact on adjoining properties
• weed control strategies, including:  infestation patterns for different types of weed  grazing methods used to control species  impact of weeds on productivity and livestock health
• integrated pest and weed management techniques
• principles of precision agriculture and the role of technology in improving efficiencies, including:  self-drive, auto steer, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and laser technologies  digital and remote sensors  remote piloted systems  controlled traffic farming (CTF) principles and impacts  variable rate technology (VRT)
• water management for pastures, including:  drainage systems and maintenance  soil moisture retention strategies  irrigation systems for broadacre farms and pastures
• workplace health and safety, legislative requirements and workplace policies and procedures, including:  safe handling  chemical and hazardous substances  fire safety  personal protection  working near power lines with elevated equipment
• codes of practice, legislation and regulations relating to farm production, including:  environmental  animal welfare and ethics  health and safety.

Foundation skills

• Reading: Interpret and analyse plans and strategies and consolidates information into actions for pasture and livestock management
• Writing: Maintain physical and financial records of production to assist in reviewing production targets Develop procedures for specific audiences using clear and detailed language in order to convey explicit information, requirements and recommendations for livestock and pasture management
• Numeracy: Use formula and numerical information to calculate financial data and interpret basic statistical and analytical data Apply basic financial modelling skills to identify, analyse and evaluate budgetary information, time durations and resource allocations

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Questions about assessing AHCBAC411