General farm worker

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: How to prepare risk assessments including identifying risks and hazards on the farm, and where to get advice and guidance Back to Duty

K2: The importance of biosecurity and how it is managed Back to Duty

K3: How animal welfare requirements are met and signs of health and, or ill health in livestock (cattle: beef and dairy, pigs, sheep and goats). The zoonotic, non-zoonotic and notifiable diseases (for example, BSE) and their impact on human health Back to Duty

K4: The responsibilities relating to movement of livestock, under health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulation and local policy.. This should include suitable methods of restraint and handling for stock of different ages. Back to Duty

K5: How to prepare and operate agricultural vehicles and attachments in accordance with relevant legislation. For example, tractor, quad bike, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Forklift Back to Duty

K6: Concepts of good environmental, social and economic practice, including regulations, subsidies and basic understanding of how to contribute to government-led sustainability and zero carbon targets Back to Duty

K7: The significance of producing crops to specifications and how this can be achieved. Back to Duty

K8: The most commonly used technology or automation options. For example, Robotic milking, EID tagging, GPS tracking and why maintenance is needed. Back to Duty

K9: The importance of reducing waste, waste legislation and how this can be implemented in the workplace. Back to Duty

K10: How to identify the quantity and quality of grass for grazing and crops for forage production, for livestock at different stages of production. Back to Duty

K11: Feed, nutritional and water requirements of livestock at different stages of production Back to Duty

K12: Basics of reproductive system of male and female livestock. Methods of service to aid conception (for example, artificial insemination, natural conception), pregnancy, parturition and problems that could occur during the reproductive cycle. Back to Duty

K13: The reasons for monitoring growth of crops including the impact of weather and, or ground conditions, pests, diseases, weeds Back to Duty

K14: The process of taking soil samples to identify different soil types and their impact on crops, seed rate and method of establishment Back to Duty

K15: Correct labelling of resources for transport, assessment of the most appropriate method of transport, safe and correct loading, securing, protection of the load during transportation within the parameters of the farm business Back to Duty

K16: The basic principles of sustainable agriculture and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) Back to Duty

K17: The manual and electronic records that need to be completed and the importance of doing them Back to Duty

K18: The principles and importance of maintaining farm buildings, field boundaries and fences (electrified and non-electrified). This includes the legal and safety ramifications if maintenance is ineffective. Back to Duty

K19: Different customer requirements for product quality. Back to Duty

K20: The five welfare needs of animals: a. its need for a suitable environment (cleanliness and manure management) b. its need for a suitable diet (and water) c. Its need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns d. any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals in appropriate social groupings e. its need to be protected from fear, pain, suffering, injury and disease injury and disease including legal and appropriate, to livestock’s species and age, euthanasia. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Identify hazards and risks in the workplace, prepare risk assessments and demonstrate high level of health and safety awareness at all times. Back to Duty

S2: Maintain the correct hygiene and bio-security procedures for the site, in accordance with relevant legal requirements Back to Duty

S3: Check that animal welfare needs related to their environment and housing are maintained, including manure management, ensuring the suitability of indoor and outdoor environment and bedding up of animals Back to Duty

S4: Assist with safe restraint, moving and handling of livestock. Back to Duty

S5: Legally operate a farm vehicle and each attachment according to health and safety requirements. For example, tractors and ATVs along with other vehicles integral to the business. Back to Duty

S6: Demonstrate good environmental practice in the workplace, in accordance with environmental assessment plans and associated legal requirements Back to Duty

S7: Assist with post-harvest activities to meet crop and forage specifications, in a safe and environmentally acceptable way Back to Duty

S8: Carry out maintenance of farm infrastructure (including housing for livestock, boundaries and electric or non-electric fences), machinery and equipment, as instructed Back to Duty

S9: Monitor and maintain health & welfare of livestock and assist with treatments when appropriate. Back to Duty

S10: Monitor the quantity and quality of grass and forage crops and report findings to appropriate person. Back to Duty

S11: Provide feed and water to livestock as instructed and report any issues to appropriate person Back to Duty

S12: Assist with caring for livestock during the reproductive cycle, from service to weaning. For example, identify signs of heat. Back to Duty

S13: Assist with the preparation of the ground, including identification of soil condition through soil sampling and preparing crop for planting Back to Duty

S14: Load, unload and complete paperwork for transportation of resources manually and using loading equipment, according to instruction Back to Duty

S15: Monitor the growth and development of crops in line with customer specification, as instructed Back to Duty

S16: Complete manual and electronic records in accordance with legislation and the business processes. Back to Duty

S17: Produce products for sale from the business (for example, milking, shearing, lambing, harvesting) Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Acts responsibly to provide a high standard of welfare and biosecurity to livestock and crops under their care. Back to Duty

B2: Have a team-based approach to work Back to Duty

B3: Is customer focused Back to Duty

B4: Proactively undertakes continuous professional development Back to Duty

B5: Able to adapt to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environments. Back to Duty

B6: A clear and effective communicator Back to Duty

B7: Able to give and receive information timely and accurately Back to Duty

B8: Ability to use own initiative and know when to seek help Back to Duty

B9: Work proactively with internal and external people to achieve positive outcomes Back to Duty