Unit descriptor

This unit covers the process of sampling seed before and after processing and defines the standard required to:  take seed samples for testing by other agencies;  package and label seed samples;  record workplace information about seed samples.

Employability skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Prerequisite units

Co-requisite units

Application of the unit

This unit applies to sampling seed both on arrival at a processing plant and after processing for quality and certification purposes.

Competency field

Unit sector

Seed processing

1. 1.Sample seed before cleaning or processing

1.1.  The seed lot is prepared for sampling in accordance with job requirements.

1.2.  Sampling equipment is selected for use in accordance with the type of seed and the job requirements.

1.3.  Samples are inspected visually for contaminants.

1.4.  Results of sampling are recorded or reported to supervisors.

1.5.  Seed load is directed for storage as appropriate.

1.6.  Samples are labelled, recorded and kept for future reference.

1. 2.Sample seed after processing

2.1.  The seed lot is prepared for sampling in accordance with job requirements.

2.2.  Sampling equipment is selected for use in accordance with the type of seed and the job requirements.

2.3.  Samples are taken according to specified sampling techniques.

2.4.  Samples are batched and labelled.

2.5.  Samples are packaged with accompanying notation and forwarded to relevant authorities.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills

• select and evaluate the equipment to be used to provide a representative sample within the guidelines of the relevant certification authority.
• sample seed from a truck on arrival at a processing plant using appropriate sampling techniques
• sample seed in bulk containers and/or sacks using appropriate sampling techniques
• sample graded and/or treated seed
• prepare samples for despatch
• use tools for sampling and prepare a sample for despatch.
• complete relevant sampling documentation
• recognise common weed seeds and other seed contaminants
• use appropriate recording and labelling techniques
• carry our moisture testing, temperature and seed density tests in accordance with enterprise requirements
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

• personnel protective equipment used for sampling treated seed
• the principles of sampling
• what type of seed requires sampling
• correct methods of sampling
• the controlling bodies of seed movement – Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) and other certification agencies
• relevant workplace records and other documentation
• seed handling and the importance of seed moisture content at all stages of the cleaning process.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Representative seed sampling may include:

• drawing a representative seed sample for testing against relevant industry standards including the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), OECD and AOSCA or for other industry quality standards.

Use of sampling equipment may include:

• equipment from the basic Nobbe trier and spike samplers through to inline automatic samplers.

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:

• take seed samples for testing by other agencies
• package and label seed samples
• record workplace information about seed samples.

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.