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 situations available.

What types of livestock are covered by this standard?
Sheep, cattle and goats.

Where might information be researched from?
Stock and station agents, rural radio, rural newspapers, electronic marketing, word of mouth, or private consultants.

What health status considerations might there be?

What might be considered to be accepted methods for checking the health status of livestock?
Physical observation and checking of livestock, and use of veterinary or experienced personnel to check health status. Provision of certificates and vendor declarations concerning clearances, health status and immunisations. Checking on health through owner, word of mouth (neighbours), local veterinarian, agriculture and primary industry government departments, and veterinary suppliers.

What records and documents might need to be obtained and verified?
Issuing of certificates and vendor declarations in relation to footrot, ovine brucellosis, ovine Johnes disease, and chemical residue (external/internal application).

What needs to be considered when assessing livestock for suitability?
Checking age, condition, number, end use considerations, breed/strain/bloodline, size, cost, sex production records, weight, fat cover, muscling, feed history, horns, health anomalies, chemical application history, pregnancy status, coat colour, weed seed contamination, and stage of lactation.

How might prices be set?
At auction or through private sale negotiation.

What will need to be considered in determining realistic price levels?
Current market values and assessment of health, suitability and quantity of livestock.

What might need to be considered when engaging and negotiating with transport carrier?
Cost per kilometre, time for trip, water points on a long trip, number per truck/deck/section, and quality of service.

What enterprise or legislative requirements might need to be considered here?
Isolation and appropriate treatment of sick and/or distressed livestock, and relevant animal welfare legislation and procedures.

What types of livestock are covered by this standard?
Sheep, cattle and goats.

Where might information be researched from?
Stock and station agents, rural radio, rural newspapers, electronic marketing, word of mouth, or private consultants.

What health status considerations might there be?

What might be considered to be accepted methods for checking the health status of livestock?
Physical observation and checking of livestock, and use of veterinary or experienced personnel to check health status. Provision of certificates and vendor declarations concerning clearances, health status and immunisations. Checking on health through owner, word of mouth (neighbours), local veterinarian, agriculture and primary industry government departments, and veterinary suppliers.

What records and documents might need to be obtained and verified?
Issuing of certificates and vendor declarations in relation to footrot, ovine brucellosis, ovine Johnes disease, and chemical residue (external/internal application).

What needs to be considered when assessing livestock for suitability?
Checking age, condition, number, end use considerations, breed/strain/bloodline, size, cost, sex production records, weight, fat cover, muscling, feed history, horns, health anomalies, chemical application history, pregnancy status, coat colour, weed seed contamination, and stage of lactation.

How might prices be set?
At auction or through private sale negotiation.

What will need to be considered in determining realistic price levels?
Current market values and assessment of health, suitability and quantity of livestock.

What might need to be considered when engaging and negotiating with transport carrier?
Cost per kilometre, time for trip, water points on a long trip, number per truck/deck/section, and quality of service.

What enterprise or legislative requirements might need to be considered here?
Isolation and appropriate treatment of sick and/or distressed livestock, and relevant animal welfare legislation and procedures.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in arranging livestock purchases requires evidence of the ability to monitor market trends and potential sound purchases, negotiate with seller, identify best potential product against enterprise requirements and market availability, and check the health status and condition of the intended purchase. In addition, it requires an ability to arrange and prepare for correct and timely transport, and isolate sick and distressed animals.
The skills and knowledge required to arrange livestock purchases must be transferable to another rural workplace. For example, if competence is evident in arranging sheep purchases, it should also be evident for arranging cattle and/or goat purchases in both large and small enterprise operations.
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:

livestock assessment
livestock selling procedures
matching livestock to feed available
livestock transportation
animal health procedures
livestock insurance
relevant legislative health and OHS requirements especially as they relate to livestock sales, livestock products, animal transportation for local and export markets, and safe livestock handling techniques
enterprise and industry policies and codes of practice with regard to livestock sales, livestock transportation, and recording and reporting requirements.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

arrange livestock purchases
match feed supplies to livestock needs
organise transport
negotiate on price and terms
assess livestock and condition
arrange insurance
implement health strategies
complete and understand relevant records and documents including health documentation.

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:

livestock assessment
livestock selling procedures
matching livestock to feed available
livestock transportation
animal health procedures
livestock insurance
relevant legislative health and OHS requirements especially as they relate to livestock sales, livestock products, animal transportation for local and export markets, and safe livestock handling techniques
enterprise and industry policies and codes of practice with regard to livestock sales, livestock transportation, and recording and reporting requirements.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

arrange livestock purchases
match feed supplies to livestock needs
organise transport
negotiate on price and terms
assess livestock and condition
arrange insurance
implement health strategies
complete and understand relevant records and documents including health documentation.

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
Sales and enterprise livestock requirements can be discussed and negotiated with owners and colleagues, and prices externally negotiated with breeders and stock agents. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
Sales and enterprise livestock requirements can be discussed and negotiated with owners and colleagues, and prices externally negotiated with breeders and stock agents. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on sources, breeders and transport arrangements may be collected, analysed and organised for analysis, and organised by records and reports. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on sources, breeders and transport arrangements may be collected, analysed and organised for analysis, and organised by records and reports. (2)

Planning and organising activities
The co-ordination of livestock purchases includes livestock inspection and health checks, and the subsequent arranging of transport and insurance. (2)

Planning and organising activities
The co-ordination of livestock purchases includes livestock inspection and health checks, and the subsequent arranging of transport and insurance. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Team work may be applied in facilitating purchases and transportation. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Team work may be applied in facilitating purchases and transportation. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematics may be applied to calculate price and overall costs. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematics may be applied to calculate price and overall costs. (2)

Solving problems
In finding solutions to problems relating to budgeting, purchasing inspection and transport. (2)

Solving problems
In finding solutions to problems relating to budgeting, purchasing inspection and transport. (2)

Using technology
To communicate, calculate and record data relating to purchases and costs. (2)

Using technology
To communicate, calculate and record data relating to purchases and costs. (2)