20107 version 2

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Blade shear sheep at a sustained output

Level / 3
Credits / 80

PurposePeople credited with this unit standard are able to: set and adjust the shearing blades and edge for shearing a variable range of sheep; adjust shearing style to meet variables; and monitor blade performance during shearing, and make adjustments.

Subfield / Wool Harvesting
Domain / Shearing
Status / Registered
Status date / 21 August 2009
Date version published / 21 August 2009
Planned review date / 31 December 2014
Entry information / Open.
Accreditation / Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA, industry and teaching professional in the same field from another provider.
Standard setting body (SSB) / Primary Industry Training Organisation
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference / 0052

This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.

Special notes

1The following documents provide both a source of the national standard as stated in the performance criteria, and useful background information relating to this unit standard –

Shearing Handbook (Christchurch: Tectra Ltd, 2007). ISBN 0-9582522-2-X. Available from Tectra Ltd., PO Box 7327, Sydenham, Christchurch 8240.

Best practice guideline for the New Zealand shearing industry: A guide for workplaces (Wellington: Department of Labour, 2008), available from http://www.dol.govt.nz.

2Definitions

Sustained output – ability to consistently shear at or above minimum industry output requirements, to the pattern, and with minimum stress to the sheep or self.

Minimum industry output requirements – 13-20 sheep to be shorn in one hour’s continuous shearing following analysis of variables by the assessor. Variables include but are not limited to – sheep breed, class, temperament, condition, combing potential, and staple length. Output requirements must be defined and understood by all parties prior to the assessment.

Minimum industry quality requirements – the minimum number of skin cuts, tassels, second cuts, and ridges acceptable to the assessor during the output assessment, following analysis of variables. Variables include but are not limited to – sheep breed, class, temperament, condition, combing potential, and staple length. Quality requirements must be defined and understood by all parties prior to the assessment.

On-farm procedures – the verbal and written instructions on shearing blade setting and adjustment.

3To build a portfolio of evidence for the assessment of this unit standard trainees are required to maintain a log book detailing the output, quality of shearing, and range of variables, with entries signed off by an employer or contractor. The log book should be maintained until all the evidence requirements as detailed above have been attained.

4Performance of all aspects of this unit standard should comply with the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (1996), Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Sheep, Wellington, and its subsequent amendments.

5Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, and its subsequent amendments.

Elements and performance criteria

Element 1

Set and adjust the shearing blades and edge for shearing a variable range of sheep.

Performance criteria

1.1Shearing blades and edges are set and adjusted in accordance with sheep variables and on-farm procedures.

Rangesheep variables – fibre density and length, sheep condition, temperature.

Element 2

Adjust shearing style to meet variables.

Performance criteria

2.1Thepattern is adjusted to meet individual sheep requirements.

Rangepre-lamb belly, cotts, wool pull.

2.2The number of blows is tailored to meet individual sheep requirements and maximise shearing output.

2.3Footwork and body positioning are timed to achieve shearing rhythm consistent with the shearing pattern.

2.4Shearing output and quality are maintained in accordance with minimum industry output requirements and minimum industry quality requirements.

2.5Sheep are handled during shearing in accordance with the Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Sheep.

Element 3

Monitor blade performance during shearing, and make adjustments.

Rangeshearing conditions – wool type, skin type, fleece contamination, temperature.

Performance criteria

3.1Blade performance is monitored and in accordance with shearing conditions.

3.2Blades are adjusted and maintained to match shearing conditions, and to maintain optimum shearing performance.

Rangeincludes but is not limited to – grinding, stoning, set, bows.

3.3Points are maintained to match shearing conditions, and to maintain optimum shearing performance.

Please note

Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.

Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.

Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.

Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.

Comments on this unit standard

Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.

 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2019