Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:11 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:11 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.
Manage integrated crop and pasture production
Manage integrated crop and pasture production
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCBAC503A
AHCBAC503A
State Code
D6728
D6728
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/06/2014
Field of Education
080321 - Farm Management And Agribusiness
Original Release Date
25/06/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers managing integrated crop and pasture production and defines the standard required to: develop a pasture and crop program to meet production targets and enterprise objectives; maintain the productivity of crops and pastures in a farming system; monitor soil structure and erosion and make required changes to cultural practices and grazing management; implement grazing strategies to optimise pasture and livestock production levels and support the cropping program; evaluate grazing and cropping programs for efficiency and effectiveness; and use physical and financial records of production to evaluate production performance.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Develop a pasture and crop program
- 1.1. Production targets for each crop and pasture type are established consistent with marketing and enterprise objectives.
- 1.2. Plant varieties are selected that are best suited to soil, climate, seasonal conditions and marketing goals.
- 1.3. Irrigation schedules, where required, are determined for each soil and crop/pasture type based on assessed water requirements, rainfall and evapo-transpiration data.
- 1.4. Nutrient requirements for crops and pastures are assessed to determine appropriate fertiliser program.
- 1.5. Budgetary constraints are identified and maintained according to enterprise requirements.
- 1.6. A pasture and crop program is developed to meet production targets and enterprise objectives.
2. Implement pasture and crop management program
- 2.1. Pasture and crop program is implemented and pasture capacity is monitored according to enterprise requirements.
- 2.2. Strategic grazing is carried out, where necessary, to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation, where planned.
- 2.3. Fertiliser applications and rates are determined appropriate to crop/pasture type and applied accordingly.
- 2.4. Crop and pasture nutrient requirements are applied to ensure achievement of yield and sustainability of pasture.
- 2.5. Soil moisture is monitored and watering scheduled adjusted as required.
- 2.6. Processes to minimise waste and soil degradation are introduced and implemented according to environmental standards.
3. Monitor crop/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 erosion are monitored and necessary changes to cultural practices, grazing management and drainage are determined.
- 3.3. Irrigation and drainage systems are checked regularly and maintained, if appropriate.
- 3.4. Grazing management is monitored to ensure high pasture and livestock production levels.
- 3.5. Livestock are integrated into the cropping cycle through grazing of pastures returning to crop, stubbles and crop residues, and dual purpose crops.
- 3.6. Feed surpluses and deficiencies are identified and appropriate action taken according to enterprise requirements.
- 3.7. Crop/pasture maturity is monitored and harvesting is undertaken to meet marketing and production targets.
4. Review production level
- 4.1. Pasture and crop yields are monitored and evaluated against forecast production levels.
- 4.2. Grazing and cropping programs are evaluated for efficiency and effectiveness, and documented for future best practice.
- 4.3. Evaluation of production performance of each enterprise is undertaken and documented for use in reviewing and revising management program.
- 4.4. 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.
Pastures may include:
all unimproved and improved rangelands used for grazing
temperate and tropical pastures
crop stubble
shrubs and trees
residues that may be used for stock feed.
Crops may include:
agricultural broadacre crops, including wheat and coarse grains
grain legumes
oilseeds
sugar
temperate and tropical pastures
intensive fruit and vegetable crops
field and tree crops
vines
hay crops.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Pastures may include:
all unimproved and improved rangelands used for grazing
temperate and tropical pastures
crop stubble
shrubs and trees
residues that may be used for stock feed.
Crops may include:
agricultural broadacre crops, including wheat and coarse grains
grain legumes
oilseeds
sugar
temperate and tropical pastures
intensive fruit and vegetable crops
field and tree crops
vines
hay 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:
develop a pasture and crop program to meet production targets and enterprise objectives
maintain the productivity of crops and pastures in a farming system
monitor soil structure and erosion and make required changes to cultural practices and grazing management
implement grazing strategies to optimise pasture and livestock production levels and support the cropping program
evaluate grazing and cropping programs for efficiency and effectiveness
use physical and financial records of production to evaluate production performance.
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:
develop a pasture and crop program to meet production targets and enterprise objectives
maintain the productivity of crops and pastures in a farming system
monitor soil structure and erosion and make required changes to cultural practices and grazing management
implement grazing strategies to optimise pasture and livestock production levels and support the cropping program
evaluate grazing and cropping programs for efficiency and effectiveness
use physical and financial records of production to evaluate production performance.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3551 | RTE5002A | Manage integrated crop and pasture production | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAS94 | AHCBAC503 | Manage integrated crop and pasture production | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D513 | AHC50110 | Diploma of Agriculture | Qualification |
| J271 | AHC51812 | Diploma of Organic Farming | Qualification |