A Footprint to data collection for sustainable decisions

COLLECT AND
MANAGE DATA AHCWRK502A
Workforce Innovations Program Project 275

Materials produced by Regional Skills Training Pty Ltd

Funding provided by the DIISRTE Workforce Innovations Program

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

WEB
Activity I Fact I Website

CONTENTS
01

About yourself

03

02

Trouble with website links

03

03

How are these materials used

03

04

What are these learning materials about

04

05

Employability skills

05

06

Unit descriptor and how the unit applies to your workplace

05

07

Determine the type and extent of data to be collected

06

08

Access and collate data

16

09

Evaluate data

41

10

Manage and retrieve data

44

11

Analyse and interpret data

47

12

Summary of key innovations/opportunities as a result of adopting these skills

55

13

Bibliography and source material

56

14

Being confident about your skill levels

61

15

Assessment

62

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Bridging the Gap between Chemical and Organic Food and Fibre Production.
These interactive workbooks were produced by Regional Skills Training and funded by Department of Industry,
Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, Workforce Innovations Program and are intended for free
use to any student, RTO or school. Note that any work is copyright and should not be reproduced or copied for
commercial gain.

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

ABOUT YOURSELF
Please fill in your details below and save this PDF to your files.

Name

Phone
Email

TROUBLE WITH
WEBSITE LINKS

Sometimes you may click on a web link and the

site will say it is not available. Please revisit the
site when you are next working on your resource
materials as web sites are sometimes off line for
maintenance reasons.
If you are consistently unable to access a site
you are free to answer any associated workbook
activity or assessment question by searching
for and finding an alternative site that you feel is
applicable. PLEASE INCLUDE THE LINK IN YOUR
ANSWERS so we know where to look to check
your information.

HOW ARE THESE

MATERIALS USED

This workbook has a strong focus on the selfdirected application of knowledge. Completing
this workbook and all formative assessments
will thoroughly prepare you for your summative
assessment. On successful completion of
appropriate summative assessments provided by
your Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you
will achieve competency in this unit.

Please complete the

feedback form at the back of
the unit and advise us of any
links that do not work

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

This workbook has a

strong focus on the
self-directed application
of knowledge.

WHAT ARE THESE LEARNING MATERIALS ABOUT

This workbook applies to managers and supervisors with a job function that covers the process of collecting,
analysing and managing data to ensure improved knowledge and enable sound judgments in your production
systems. This workbook defines the standard required to:

Identify data requirements and establish sampling and data collection techniques
Collect and collate data using standardised recording sheets and systems
Review sampling and data collection techniques based on validity and reliability of the data
Manage data to facilitate retrieval and analysis
Analyse data using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques
Draw conclusions based on reasoned argument and appropriate evidence
Produce a report in required format with information and data presented to support decision making.

This workbook has a strong focus on the self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in the
areas of:

Data collection techniques and procedures

Data recording and evaluation techniques
Data analysis and interpretive techniques
Data storage and retrieval methods
Data reporting methods.

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

The work book provides an

opportunity to develop and apply
employability skills that are learnt

EMPLOYABILITY
SKILLS

This work book provides an opportunity to develop

and apply employability skills that are learnt
throughout work and life, to your job.
The statements below list the typical employability
skills that should be applied in a situation related to
collecting and managing data.
In completing your daily work tasks, activities and
summative assessments related to this unit of
competence, you must be able to demonstrate that
you are applying the employability skills listed
below to this competency.

Communication skills
Identify and accurately report problems
Organisational skills
Teamwork skills
Technological skills
Use mathematical ideas and techniques.

UNIT DESCRIPTOR
AND HOW THE
UNIT APPLIES TO YOUR
WORKPLACE

This unit of competency applies to managers

and supervisors whose job functions include the
identification of data to be collected, access and
collation of data and the subsequent; evaluation,
analysis, interpretation and reporting of data.
The focus of this workbook is on the collection
and management of data relevant to quality
assurance and risk management activities within an
agricultural or horticultural enterprise.
Data may include primary and secondary sources
including field work and trials, research materials,
published books, academic reports, industry
reports, colleagues, computer software, internet,
newspapers, photographic data, journals, industry
publications, industry specialists and experts.

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

DETERMINE THE
TYPE AND EXTENT
OF DATA TO BE COLLECTED
Landholders in the 21st century will more than
ever be driven to work smarter within their natural
resources, to not only maintain, but improve the
environment for subsequent generations and
at the same time, make a profit from the land.
Making good decisions is paramount to making
this business model work. Good decisions require
good data (i.e. timely, complete, reliable, consistent
and accurate).
So how do you go about determining what data to
collect for your enterprise? The selection of what
to monitor will be unique to your goals and the
specific situation of your business or enterprise.
However, the data you do collect should enable
you to publicly and privately demonstrate how
you are performing against your goals and any
given performance indicator. It should also provide
reliable information on which you may make
decisions to continuously improve your practices.
As your business evolves, the data you collect will
also evolve.
So the best place to start may be to consider:
The goals and objectives of your business/
enterprise.
How you will achieve these goals/objectives?
What performance indicators you will use to
measure whether you are on track?
Any regulatory requirements for data collection
that you must meet (e.g. quality assurance,
legislative reporting requirements, OHS).

The following extract

from Meat and Livestock
Australia (MLA) would be
useful for any manager
involved in the beef industry
to understand the data
collection requirements
needed to demonstrate
compliance with the
National Vendor Declaration
(NVD) or Livestock
Production Assurance (LPA).
Meat and Livestock Australia; Audit Checklist
Livestock Production Assurance; Australia; 2012.
www.mla.com.au/Meat-safety-and-traceability/
Livestock-Production-Assurance/LPA-QA

WEB

The most recent edition of the National Vendor

Declaration (NVD) incorporates the on-farm
food safety program called Livestock Production
Assurance (LPA), which asks producers to be able
to back up their NVDs by keeping records of onfarm management practices such as:
What records are maintained and how they are
maintained?
Food safety-related management practices.
Management of property facilities relating to
food safety, including chemical storage areas.

The following examples are provided to help

you start your research. The sites may not be
applicable to your business, but if you have a
look at them it will give you a clear understanding
of the type of data you need to research to find
information useful to your enterprise objectives.

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Now look at this You Tube

video of Watercress Lane
Duck Eggs UK which is a
family run business:
W
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBLEgkYMIj4

EB

While you are watching this video, consider the

data that this business might need to collect to
determine whether the business goals are being
met, the data required to demonstrate safety
of their egg products, OHS regulations, the
traceability of the product from paddock to plate
and customer satisfaction.

The growing need for

producers to demonstrate
greater environmental
responsibility and
transparency is evidenced
in the following extract
from the dairy industry
where there is a clear need
to develop sustainability
reporting programs for
dairy managers.

Awareness on environmental sustainability has

grown rapidly over the last 10 years resulting in
a greater degree of scrutiny on products and
services. As community concerns about the
environment continue to grow, Australias milk
manufacturers are being asked to demonstrate
greater environmental responsibility and
transparency.

Department of Primary
Industries Victoria; Farm
Planning Resources;
Victoria; 2012.
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farmingmanagement/business-management/wholefarm-planning/farm-planning-resources

WEB

Legal and regulatory obligations for specific

industries: Biodiversity, Chemical Use,
Occupational Health and Safety, Livestock
Management, Noxious Weed and Pest Animals,
Soil Management, Waste management, Water.

Throughout this workbook you will be asked to

complete a number of activities to demonstrate
your understanding of the subjects being
discussed. To get the most out of these activities,
you need to make the activities applicable to your
business. Use the extracts in this workbook (in
this section and in the bibliography at the end of
the workbook) and other sources to assist your
research. Please include reference sources of
information that you have used in your responses to
enable us to check these sources as required.

Dairy Australia; Performance Indicators;

Australia; 2012.
www.dairyaustralia.com.au/Levy-investment/
B
E
W Natural-resource-management/Measurement/
Performance-indicators.aspx

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 1

Using your own business plans, farm plans and general research, answer the following questions as they relate
to your business.
Question

Briefly describe your enterprise and

your products/services.

Response

What are the goals of your business

(i.e. the vision for your business?).

What are the objectives of your

business? (i.e. these are how the
goals will be achieved).

Do you have any performance

indicators that enable you to measure
your progress towards achieving these
objectives? If so, please list them.
What legislative/regulatory
requirements must you conform to?

Make an honest appraisal of your

ability to publicly demonstrate your
compliance with these legislative/
regulatory requirements.
Consider all of the responses above
and now identify what data you need to
collect to be able to support your business
requirements, demonstrate whether you
are on track and conform to legislative/
regulatory requirements. Indicate whether
these exist (E) or are new (N).

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Relevant Data Sources are Identified

You have identified what data is required to be
collected to support your business requirements.
Now you have to determine:
Where will you source this data from
What is the type and extent of the data that
you will require
Consider some of the following sources of information:
Historical farm records, Farm diaries,
photographic data
Field work, trials and research materials and surveys
Published books, newspapers, journals and
academic reports
Industry reports and publications
Colleagues, industry specialists and experts
Computer software and internet
The following extracts provide some further examples
of primary and secondary sources of information:

WE
B

Department of
Employment, Economic
Development and Innovation;
The Australian Ginger
Industry Overview
of Market Trends and
Opportunities;2009; P12.
www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/
BusinessAndTrade_BusinessDevelopment/
Australian-ginger-industry-report.pdf
Information from this report was collected from both
secondary and primary sources.
Secondary sources: Preliminary desktop research
was conducted to identify global trends in harvesting
and production, and to obtain background information
regarding ginger production and processing in
Australia. The findings provided the basis for
developing in-depth interview questionnaires for
ginger growers, processors and wholesalers based
in Queensland. Information sources included the
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Food and
Agriculture Organisation Statistics Division (FAOSTAT),
Market Information Services and the Australian
Quarantine Inspection Service.

Primary sources: Surveys were conducted with

16 ginger growers and one industry consultant
located in the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay
Burnett regions. Ten of the selected growers
were interviewed face to face at their properties
during November 2008. Growers interviewed were
selected based on advice from the Australian
Ginger Growers Association (AGGA) and
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries
(QPIF) staff. The other six participants responded
to a mail-out questionnaire that was distributed
among registered members of the AGGA between
October and December 2008.

MLA; Transport Audit

and Data Collection for
Current Practices Project
code: AHW.125; Australia;
2007.
W
www.mla.com.au/Research-and-development/
Final-report-details?projectid=12997

EB

This study represents an industry driven initiative

to improve understanding of the complex animal/
journey interactions which are part of land transport
of livestock in Australia with a particular focus on
animal welfare outcomes (mortalities and injury or
illness) and journeys longer than 6 hours. A staged
approach was used to first examine the usefulness
of retrospective information derived from stored
records on transport events as a way of meeting
the study objectives. The second stage involved a
pilot study in one state to develop and test methods
for collecting data from transport events as they
occurred (prospective data collection). The third
stage for this project involved the preparation of a
project proposal designed to apply the methods
developed in stage 2 to multiple states and
territories around Australia in order to be able to
produce a nationally representative picture of land
transport practices across Australia for journeys
greater than 6 hours.
As you can see there are a wide variety of data
sources available to you. Which ones you use will
be dependent upon your own circumstances.

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 2

In the previous activity you identified a range of data that you would need to collect to support your business.
List these in the following table and now identify the data sources that you will use to collect this information.
Data To Be Collected

Source of Data

Reference if Applicable

Type and Extent of Data Required and Data Collection Methods and Techniques are Clearly Defined
Now that you have identified the data you need to collect and its sources, you need to consider:
Type and extent of data to be collected?
How it will be collected diary, checklists, data collection templates, electronic information system at the
point of data collection?
Who will collect data you or your staff? What training will be required?
Where it will be collected?
When it will be collected daily, weekly, monthly, annual, once only, by exception?
This is an important part of planning your data collection. Data collection needs to be kept simple and practical
if it is to be adopted by you and your team. It also needs to be integrated into everyday business practices at
logical points. In this way, it will become the norm rather than the exception. Have a look at the following extracts
to get a feel for how different industries approach data collection methods and techniques. As you are reading
these, think about the approaches that would work best for your situation.

Meat and Livestock Australia; LPA Record Keeping;

Australia; 2012.
WEB

www.mla.com.au/Meat-safety-and-traceability/On-farm-assurance/LPA/Record-keeping

Producers need to keep good records to support Australias global reputation as a source of safe and traceable
red meat. These records act as proof of responsible on-farm risk management. Good records also allow claims
made on the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) National Vendor Declaration and Waybill (LPA NVD/Waybill)
to be substantiated. Producers can easily check, for example, when livestock were most recently chemically
treated and therefore when they can be sent to market, confident that they will be outside withholding periods
(WHP) and export slaughter intervals (ESI).

10

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

WE
B

Dairy Food Safety

Victoria; Technical
Standards; Australia; 2012.
www.dairysafe.vic.gov.au/index.
php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&
Itemid=245
Data collection for milk cooling validation on dairy
farms Provides important information for the
validation of milk cooling practices on dairy farms.

NSW Food Authority;

NSW Shellfish Industry
Manual Requirements to
Comply with the Seafood
Safety Scheme of the
Food Regulation 2010 and
Standard 4.2.1 of the Food
Standards Code; May
2010; P19-20.

WE
B

www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/_Documents/
industry_pdf/NSW_Shellfish_Industry_Manual.pdf

For the purposes of complying with Clause 121

of the Food Regulation 2010, a seafood business
collecting or harvesting shellfish must comply with
the sampling and analyses provisions. The holder
of a licence must ensure that every analysis is
carried out in a laboratory approved by the National
Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or by the
Authority, for the particular type of analysis to be
undertaken.

And finally, the following extract provides an

example of a soil monitoring program developed
by farmers for farmers. It is based on 10 soil health
tests/observations and it includes instructions
on how to; conduct each test, record the results
and analyse the results against key performance
indicators. The tests are conducted on an annual
basis across a number of soil sample sites. This
is a good example of how you might go about
developing data collection, including; instructions,
data collection templates and how to validate
or grade the results based on ranges, to give
feedback to operators quickly.

NSW Agriculture,
Tuckombil Landcare,
Natural Heritage Trust;
Northern Rivers Soil
Health Card
WE
B
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/resources/soils/
testing/health-card
The aim was to develop a practical tool that all
landholders in the Northern Rivers Region can
use to monitor the health of their soils. The soil
health card lists the 10 tests and provides space
for you to rate your own soils after carrying out the
tests. By testing regularly and keeping the cards,
you can build up a record of your soil health, and
understand the effect of management practices on
soil health. Regular testing will show improvements
in response to more sustainable management
such as use of mulch in orchards, or minimum
tillage in crop rotations, and allow early detection of
developing soil problems.

11

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 3

Copy the data from your previous activity into the following table. Now update the table with the following
information: data elements, extent of data, frequency of collection, who will collect the data and how it will be
collected (methods and techniques). An example has been provided to illustrate how to complete this table.
Remember, this activity should be of use to your business (now or in the future). Only include those data
collection activities that you have or are likely to implement.
Data To Be
Collected

Source
of Data

What Data Will

Be Collected?
(Data elements)

Extent of Data
(i.e. sample,
census, one year
of data only,
specific areas)

Frequency
of
Collection
(i.e. daily,
weekly)

Who
will
Collect
the Data?

How will the Data

be Collected?
(Methods/
Techniques)

Paddock
Treatment
Record

Farm
operator
MLA
website

Date
Paddock ID
Area
Product
Batch No.
Application rate
and method
Expiry date/ Date
of Manufacture
WHP/ESI/EGI
Date paddock
safe to graze

Records to be kept
for every treatment
event

Same day
as paddock
treatment

Operator

Operator will complete

a hardcopy paddock
treatment record at the
end of the treatment. This
is kept in the chemical
shed for ease of access.
There is a sign on the
back of the shed door
that reminds operators
of the need to update
the paddock treatment
record before leaving.

12

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Data To Be
Collected

Source
of Data

What Data Will

Be Collected?
(Data elements)

Extent of Data
(i.e. sample,
census, one year
of data only,
specific areas)

Frequency
of
Collection
(i.e. daily,
weekly)

Who
will
Collect
the Data?

How will the Data

be Collected?
(Methods/
Techniques)

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

OHS Hazards Associated with Data

Collecting are Identified

University of Sydney
Australian Centre for
Agricultural Health and
Safety; Resources Hazard
Checklists with Action
Plans; Australia; 2012.

WE
B

University of Sydney
Australian Centre for
Agricultural Health and
Safety; Factsheet 6
Ergonomics and Manual
Handling on Farms;
Australia; 2012.
www.aghealth.org.au/index.php?id=5030
Nearly all tasks on farms involve ergonomic
problems. The common ones which should always
be assessed include:
Machinery Operation
Using workshop tools
Using equipment for example, a wool press or
hammer mill
Manual Handling
Stock Handling

Lyn Fragar and James

Houlahan; AUSTRALIAN
APPROACHES TO THE
PREVENTION OF FARM
INJURY; NSW Public Health
Bulletin; Vol 13; No 5; pp
103-104.
W

WE
B

An important aspect that must be considered in

data collection activities is workplace and personal
safety. Look at the following extracts and links that
demonstrate typical OHS issues that may apply
during a data collection activity.

www.aghealth.org.au/index.php?id=5030
If you go into the above link and click on the tab
Farmer Resources you can download practical
guidelines and resources to get started with a
safety program for the farm. (THESE RESOURCES
ARE FREE TO DOWNLOAD AND USE.)
The resources that are available are:
OHS Introduction that introduces you to the
key principals of farm safety programs.
Hazard Checklists with Action plans that
provides help to find the common safety
hazards on all farms, with plans for making the
farm safer.
Safety Induction Templates these provide
guidelines for safety induction for workers and
contractors.
Training Register help to keep your records of
training for your workers.
Injury Register this will help you learn
from injuries that occur and put in place the
necessary improvements.
Safety Guides there are a number of safety
guides to help you find the right solution to just
about all the common safety risks on farms.
Have a look at all the headings, these are really
useful and are industry endorsed.

EB

www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_
id=NB02044.pdf

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 4

Consider the risk of injury associated with the collection of the data you have specified for your business.
What are they and are they likely to occur?

What measures will you implement to mitigate these risks?

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

ACCESS AND
COLLATE DATA

Now that you have planned your data collection it

is time to develop the forms you will use to record
and collate the information. These may be paper
based or electronic processes. When deciding
which format to use, consider the person who will
be collecting the data and what will work best for
them, at the point of data collection. For example,
there is no point having a sophisticated computer
program if the operator has to spend 20 minutes
walking to and from an office every time they need
to enter data. For this reason, many farm based
data collections are initially done on paper and
then data can be entered into a computer program
at the end of the day/week/month. Even if data is
initially collected in a paper based format there
are many advantages in transferring to a computer
program such as Word, Excel or an industry based
software program. The advantages are:
Data can be more easily aggregated and
analysed
Data can be reported in many different formats
e.g. graphically displayed to identify trends
Data is easily distributed (e.g. via email).
You will find many examples of data collection
forms online across a range of industries. Have a
look at the following examples to get you started:

NASAA Certified
Organics; Resource Centre
Forms and Templates;
Australia; 2012.
W
www.nasaa.com.au/resource2.html#

EB

Effective records management is a fundamental

requirement of certification ensuring the
demonstrated existence of a transparent, traceable
and auditable system of organic management.
NASAA has a number of template sheets required
for completion to ensure consistent record keeping.
Look at the links on this website for Data Collection
Forms Available for Download:

MLA; Guidelines and

Tools; Australia; 2012. W
www.mla.com.au/meat-safety-and-traceability/
on-farm-assurance/lpa/guidelines-and-tools

EB

Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) is the

system that underpins Australias reputation as a
global source of safe red meat. Given that there
is so much at stake, MLA is working to make it as
easy as possible for producers to comply with LPA
through a number of helpful guidelines and tools.
It is important producers remember that if they are
audited they will need to prove compliance with the
elements of LPA and the best way to do this is by
keeping good records. Tools to help:
Guide to LPA NVD/Waybills
Sample record templates and sample
completed record template and property risk
assessment flyer
LPA Audit Checklist
Property assessment and property risk
assessment map
Export Slaughter Intervals (ESI)/Withholding
Periods (WHP) information list for products
used in cattle and sheep
Export Slaughter Intervals (ESI)/Withholding
Periods (WHP) information list for agriculture
chemical products used in Australia

16

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

PAM QA Plus is a complete primary

production recording system which
will store and analyse all paddock
records simply and efficiently.

Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry; About EXDOC
the Electronic Export
Documentation System.
www.daff.gov.au/aqis/export/exdoc/about
EXDOC is a software application developed by the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
for the purpose of managing export documentation
for primary produce. EXDOC replaced manually
generated permits and certificates.

Fairport Farm Software;

PAM QA Plus; Australia;
2012.
www.fairport.com.au/Pam/
PAM QA Plus is suitable for all broad acre and
livestock farming and is a complete primary
production recording system which will store and
analyse all paddock records simply and efficiently.

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 5

e.g. Paddock
Treatment Record
(see this template
provided below)

Initially recorded on
a paper register and
then entered into an
excel spreadsheet

If No, develop a
template for your
business. Briefly
describe what will
be included in the
template

If Yes, is it working
for you? Are there
improvements that
could be made?

If Yes, is it
electronic, manual
or a combination of
both?

Do you already have

a data collection
form for this? Y/N

Data To Be Collected

In Activity 3 you identified your data collection requirements. Copy these to the following table (Data to be
Collected). Now update the remainder of the table for each data collection.

Y. Working well.

Please attach at least one example of a data collection form that you currently use within your enterprise, to the
end of this workbook (or insert an electronic copy if possible). Reference this attachment as Attachment 5.1.
In the last column of this table, did you identify a data collection form that you believe will be beneficial to
develop/implement? If so, please select one of these and develop the template. Attach or insert this at the end of
this workbook. Reference this attachment as Attachment 5.2.

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

REPORT TEMPLATE

Insert Company Name

Insert Report Title
Insert Company Details
Address, Telephone and Email

Current Version
No.

Date Amended

Amended By

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Version History
No.

Date Created

Sections Changed

Distribution History
No.

Date Distributed

Acronyms

Sections Changed

Distributed To

Definitions

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

CONTENTS
01

Executive Summary

22

02

Introduction

23

03

Type and Extent of Data Used

24

04

Methodology

25

05

Issues and Constraints

26

06

Results

27

07

Discussion

28

08

Conclusions

29

09

Appendices

30

10

References

31

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 page summary including

Introductory statement
Scope and objectives of the data collection
Type and extent of data used
Data collection methodology
Issues
Results
Conclusions

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

INTRODUCTION

Details of the data collection, why it is required, who conducted it and the timeframe in which it was conducted
Data Collection Scope
Purpose
Aims and Objectives
Background information

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

TYPE AND EXTENT OF DATA USED

24

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

METHODOLOGY

25

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS

26

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

RESULTS

27

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

DISCUSSION

28

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

CONCLUSIONS

29

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

APPENDICES

30

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

10

REFERENCES

END OF TEMPLATE

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

This study represents

an industry driven
initiative to improve
understanding of
the complex animal/
journey interactions

Data is Researched, Collated,

Monitored and Reviewed
Now that you have planned your data collection
(what, when, where, how and who), it is time to
start the data collection. This might involve one or
more of the techniques we discussed earlier (e.g.
research, laboratory testing, on the job field work,
interviews, surveys etc.)
As with all processes, there is room for error. It is
important while you are in the process of collecting
data that you consider:
The use of standard research approaches (e.g.
appropriate methods and technologies) when
researching data
Progressive monitoring of data for
appropriateness
Regularly reviewing sources of information for
usefulness, validity, reliability and cost.
Lets have a look at some industry examples
to expand on these points. The first example
demonstrates a staged approach to the collection
of data; researching retrospective information, then
implementing a pilot study to collect data within a
single state, and then the development of a project
proposal to expand the coverage of the data
collection across multiple states.

Example 1
This study represents an industry driven initiative
to improve understanding of the complex animal/
journey interactions which are part of land transport
of livestock in Australia with a particular focus on
animal welfare outcomes (mortalities and injury or
illness) and journeys longer than 6 hours. A staged
approach was used to first examine the usefulness
of retrospective information derived from stored
records on transport events as a way of meeting
the study objectives. The second stage involved a
pilot study in one state to develop and test methods
for collecting data from transport events as they
occurred (prospective data collection). The third
stage for this project involved the preparation of a
project proposal designed to apply the methods
developed in stage 2 to multiple states and
territories around Australia in order to be able to
produce a nationally representative picture of land
transport practices across Australia for journeys
greater than 6 hours. (Source:MLA; Transport
Audit and Data Collection for Current Practices
Project code: AHW.125; 2007)
www.mla.com.au/Research-and-development/
Final-report-details?projectid=12997)

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 6

Using this example, describe the advantages of a staged approach to data collection:

Using this example, describe the disadvantages of a staged approach to data collection:

The second example demonstrates how Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) reviews the accuracy of the National
Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) data. This is a large database that is used by internal and external industry
stakeholders. There are a number of checks and balances that MLA apply to ensure the data is reliable.

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

To ensure that a statistically

valid data sample is being
collected at each sale.

Example 2
The various collection methods are also used as a comparative yardstick to ensure the accuracy of data
collated. Direct sale and wholesale prices are compared to physical market rates, highlighting any anomalies that
may occur, as well as being cross referenced.
To manage the quality of NLRS information, a series of key performance indicators are set in place to measure
daily performance against a predetermined set of requirements. The system, which outlines standards that must
be met, is underpinned by a set of standard operating procedures.
All Livestock Management Officers (LMOs) are regularly assessed to ensure they maintain their national
accreditation as livestock assessors. LMOs are required to meet a consistent standard of accuracy in the
assessment of liveweight, carcase weight, dressing percentage, fat scoring and muscle scoring.
To ensure that a statistically valid data sample is being collected at each sale, LMOs must record a minimum of
70% of the total stock offered for sale. In reality, the introduction of new technologies has allowed coverage to
average closer to 90%.
Finally, the NLRS has a plethora of stringent crosschecking measures to warrant its claim of providing the most
up-to-date and accurate market information available. All reports are double checked before being published,
while our market analysts pride themselves on the integrity of NLRS databases (Source: MLA; National Livestock
Reporting Service (NLRS); NLRS Data Collection;
www.mla.com.au/files/9cf981bd-5d82-48e3-b526-9d660088044f/nlrs-data-collection-process.pdf

WEB

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 7

Using the example above, summarise the quality assurance activities that are used by
the MLA to ensure the NLRS data is accurate.

Explain why a sample size of 70% of total stock offered for sale is a statistically valid data sample.

The third example demonstrates that producers need to keep abreast of changes that might impact the validity of
a data collection. When regulations change, data collections may also need to change.

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

An export slaughter interval (ESI)

is the period that must lapse between
chemical application to livestock and
their slaughter for export.

Example 3
Withholding periods (WHP) and export slaughter
intervals: A WHP is the time that must pass
between chemical application, including through
the feeding of treated feed, and the slaughter,
collection, harvesting or use of the animal
commodity for human consumption. These are
mandatory for the domestic market and are on the
label of all registered products. WHPs can apply
to veterinary chemicals e.g. parasite treatments as
well as agricultural chemicals e.g. herbicides.
An export slaughter interval (ESI) is the period
that must lapse between chemical application to
livestock and their slaughter for export. An export
grazing interval (EGI) is the minimum time interval
between application of a chemical to a crop or
pasture that is continually grazed and slaughter.

Adherence to WHPs and ESIs is the simplest

way to minimise the greatest risk of residues. The
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines
Authority (APVMA) updates WHP and ESI speciesspecific lists on their website regularly, making it
easy for producers to comply. It is vital that these
are adhered to as they form the foundation of
Australias excellent reputation for meat safety
globally (Source: Meat and Livestock Australia;
Residues; Australia; 2012).
www.mla.com.au/Meat-safety-and-traceability/
On-farm-assurance/On-farm-risk-management/
Residues

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 8

Consider the legislative/regulatory requirements that affect what data you collect. What processes do you have in
place to keep up to date with any changes that might impact the data you collect? Please list these:

The fourth example demonstrates sophisticated electronic scanning systems. These systems can have the ability
to capture information at the most appropriate point in the business process, with minimal interruption to that
process and can deliver timely and accurate information by the end of the business process. That is, there are
no delays to transcribe and check data before it is released.
Example 4
Drafting can often be a time consuming and labour intensive task. An Autodrafter has the ability to reduce labour
required, speed up the process and almost completely eliminate error. There are many advantages that can be
gained by setting up an automatic drafting system. Automated drafting allows producers to easily handle stock
and collect information using minimal labour.
Some specific benefits include:
Reduced labour input
Eliminate transcription mistakes
Easily and efficiently record live weight and other production traits such as condition score,
micron etc. and then draft accordingly
Better meet target markets to take advantage of premiums paid
Quickly and accurately identify poor performance animals and remove them from a flock.
This could be particularly beneficial when finishing lambs where tight margins are involved
(Source: Department of Primary Industries Victoria; Reducing Labour and Improving Efficiency with
Electronic Identification (EID) and Automated Drafting; Note Number: AG1318; February 2009.
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/nlis/sheep-and-goats/improving-efficiency-with-eidautomated-drafting).

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 9

Conduct your own research and identify what electronic systems are available that could assist you to collect and
analyse data for your enterprise. What are they?

Would it be of benefit to you/your enterprise to implement such a system? Briefly explain your response:

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

A grower group network may

agree to meet weekly or monthly with
the purpose of exchanging ideas.

Opportunities are taken to Establish and

Maintain Contacts with those who may Provide
Useful Information
Consider all of the organisations and people that
you come into contact with during the course of
your work. These can be valuable resources for
you and your enterprise. Establishing networks and
keeping in touch with people who are like minded
can be of enormous benefit and can present
business opportunities.

on their own time, and build their own one-toone relationships. If you have a good network of
people to contact, you may be able to find what
you are looking for without reinventing the wheel.
Information systems are no exception and if you
ask your peers what they are doing, you might just
find what you are looking for. In addition to grower
groups, attending training courses, workshops,
conferences and field days etc. is another excellent
way of meeting like-minded people.

As an example, a grower group network may

agree to meet weekly or monthly with the purpose
of exchanging ideas, identifying problems that
require a solution or offering business leads and
referrals with fellow members. To complement this
activity, members often meet outside this circle,

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 10

Complete the following table by researching at least 10 information sources that would be useful for your business.
List the link, contact details and
name of the information source

Why is this a useful information

source for your business?

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Measuring equipment whose function affects

quality and safety must be precise and accurate.
When equipment monitoring and a Critical
Control Point (CCP) is out of calibration, the CCP
is considered to have been out of control since
the last documented calibration. The procedure
should address the following:

EVALUATE
DATA

Once data has been collected, it needs to be

evaluated to ensure that it is relevant, valid,
sufficient and reliable.
So what do we mean by these terms?
Relevant: Some data is just noise and it is of no
further use. This data is not relevant and would be
disregarded. Only relevant data would be included
for analysis. If you continue to throw out data then
this is an indicator that the data should not be
collected at all, or needs to be collected in such a
way that it becomes relevant.
Valid: This refers to the correctness and
reasonableness of data. For example, data falls
within an acceptable range, is in the correct format,
has been transcribed correctly, testing equipment
was correctly calibrated etc. If you review data
and find errors that are consistent, then this is an
indicator that improvements need to be made.
Sufficient: There is enough data to be
representative of the situation and to produce a
reliable result. In the previous section we discussed
the need for adequate sample sizes. This is an
example of data sufficiency. Sufficiency might
include metrics of sample size and time/duration
over which the data was collected. If data is
insufficient, then it is likely that you need to collect
more of it.
Reliable: This is the confidence that you have in
the data and is a combination of all of the above
(e.g. it is timely, accurate, valid, sufficient, relevant
and accessible).
This extract from the Tasmanian Dairy Industry,
highlights issues that dairy farmers may have with
data validity if measuring equipment is not properly
maintained and calibrated. If such equipment is not
properly maintained, data may not be reliable and
the quality and safety of milk may be compromised.
Tasmanian Dairy Industry Authority; Dairy Food
Safety:- Guidelines for Tasmanian Dairy Factories;
2007; P11.

A list identifying all inspection, test and

measuring equipment including thermometers,
scales and balances, temperature recorder/
controllers, metal detectors, pH meters,
reference weights, etc.
Identification of calibration equipment and
where it is located
Methods and frequency for calibration and
calibration checking
Acceptable degree of accuracy
Special conditions for the operations, storage
or handling of calibration equipment
Methods for identifying equipment when its
found to be out of calibration
Methods for identification and review of
product produced whilst equipment has been
out of calibration
Can you now see the importance of reviewing the
quality of data before acting on it? If you make
decisions based on poor data, the decision itself
will be flawed.
So what are your options if the data you have
collected is not valid, sufficient, relevant or
reliable? One option is to simply eliminate the
data but if this is not an option because the data
is needed, then you must fix the data/resolve the
problem. This will involve identifying the cause
of the problem (e.g. insufficient instructions,
equipment not calibrated, poorly designed data
collection templates, lack of skills to interpret data)
and working out ways to resolve it.
The level of effort that you go to will depend on
the value the data has for you and your enterprise.
Have a look at the following examples which
demonstrate how some data issues are resolved
by different organisations/producers.

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www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter,nsf/Attachments/
LBUN-75W777/$FILE/Factory%20guidelines.pdf

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Example 1: Members of the Biological Farmers of

Australia must seek clarification from their Certifying
Officer (CO) if they are in any doubt about the
compliance of their products with the Australian
Certified Organic Standard. The operator shall put
in place procedures and operations which shall
establish full control of certified products and stock
on farm, in storage and transport and which shall
enable the traceability of all batches or consignments
of certified materials or stock to the point of sale.
Such traceability shall enable the operator to enact a
product recall from the market place at any time for
a specified group of products or stock produced or
sold on any day or production run.

www.bfa.com.au/Portals/0/ACO_2010_Standard_full.pdf

Example 2: If you are a land owner and conduct

soil tests on your property as part of your data
collection, you may need assistance to interpret
soil test results. This data often requires additional
expertise which may be found online such as cited
in the following extract OR by contracting an expert
to assist you.

Department of Primary
Industries NSW; Agriculture
How to Interpret Your Soil
Test; NSW; 2004.
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Grains Research and

Development Corporation;
Australian Sustainable
Farming Practices Grains
Industry Sustainable
Agriculture Initiatives;
Australia; 2008.
W
www.farmingpractices.com.au/howto.html

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Biological Farmers of
Australia; AUSTRALIAN
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
STANDARD 2010
VERSION : 1.0; Australia;
2010; P22-23.

update with relevant information so that the data

could be obtained, analysed and made available
for future investment decision making processes.
This is an example of industry identifying an
information gap and then seeking assistance
from producers to fill this gap. Note the win win
approach used by the GRDC: If you do this for us,
this is what we will do for you.

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/resources/soils/
testing/interpret
Example 3: In 2008, the Grains Research and
Development Corporation identified a gap in the
information available to the industry to demonstrate
progress in sustainability. To overcome this gap,
the industry developed a database for farmers to

EB

Example 4: In the following example, DAFF

identified limitations with the data collected,
tried to obtain more data via a telephone survey
but acknowledged that the data still had issues.
Regardless of these issues, DAFF determined
that the data was still of some value as it would
generate a better understanding of the organic
industry. So here we have a case where the data
did not meet expectations but was still of some
use, and the limitations of the data were clearly
communicated.

Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry (DAFF); The
Australian Organic Industry
A Summary, 2004; p9. W

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www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_
file/0006/183192/australian_organic_industry_
summary.pdf

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 11

Now that you have reached the end of this section, you should have an appreciation of the data quality issues
that might impact your specific data collections and whether they warrant resolution. Complete the following table
related to data quality and the possible impact on your business/enterprise. What measures/processes will you
put in place to ensure the data you collect is relevant, valid, sufficient and reliable?
Data Quality Issue

Impact

Data Quality Measures

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

10

Fairport Farm Software;

MANAGE
AND RETRIEVE DATA

http://www.fairport.com.au/en/

Throughout this workbook you have undertaken a

series of logical steps to build knowledge about
data collection and management, including:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JaF6d1k2mM

Identifying data collection requirements

Preparing data collection templates and systems
Collecting and collating data
Evaluating and resolving data quality issues

How you now store, manage and retrieve this data

will be dependent upon the information systems
available to you. Paper based systems may often
be the means by which data is collected, but large
volumes of paper are difficult to manage. Often this
data needs to be entered onto a computer system
for subsequent analysis.
Using computer systems to manage data offers
greater flexibility for aggregating, organising,
displaying and reporting data. Office systems
such as Excel and Word are often used as these
are usually purchased as part of a home office
software package. Specialist software applications
may be used to meet more enterprise specific
requirements.
One added advantage of specialist software
systems is that data analysis and reporting options
will most likely be available as a by-product of
the information you enter. These systems may
also allow you to develop ad-hoc reports that are
specific to your needs.
The following extracts are examples of electronic
information systems that enable producers to
generate reports for analysis and interpretation.

This You Tube video provides an overview of

cropping software application (PAM)

WEB

The PAM Precision Data Processor features

enable you to:
Create very sophisticated images of spatially
variable data, such as yield data collected from
a yield monitoring system aboard a harvester.
Automatically generate Contour Map Layers
from the generated images of your spatially
variable precision farming data (e.g. Yield Data,
Soil Samples, EM Survey Data, Elevation Data).
Create representations of soil test data, leaf test
data and any other data you may record along
with GPS coordinates.
Combine data sets to create averaged data
over several years.
Interface with GPS hand held logging devices.
This allows you to log areas (e.g. areas
of weeds) on the ground and transfer the
information to your computer.
Display statistical analysis of data for whole
paddocks or within smaller, digitised areas
within paddocks.
Sub-Set Data to analyse special areas within
paddocks.
Export your data as CSV for importing into
Excel. Import CSV files from Excel.
Create VRT recipe maps for all commonly
used Variable Rate Control Systems (John
Deere, Raven, AgLeader, Topcon/KEE,
Farmscan, Rinex, Flexicontrol, SHP FIle
Systems) for accurate seed, fertiliser and
chemical applications.

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

MyFarm is a mapping application aimed at assisting

farmers with farm planning and management.

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Tasmanian Government
Farmpoint; MyFarm;
Australia; 2012.
www.farmpoint.tas.gov.au/farmpoint.nsf/folder/_
myfarm-computersoftwareforfarmmappingandre
cordkeeping
MyFarm is a mapping application aimed at
assisting farmers with farm planning and
management. It has been developed through
the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water
and Environments FarmPoint project to provide a
suitable, low cost farm mapping application that
will make it easier for farmers to manage their
enterprises.

Agricultural Information
and Monitoring Service;
Guide to Using the Grazing
Plan Calculator, Australia;
Pp104, 112.
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http://aimsag.com.au/software.html

The Graze Plan Calculator is a computer program

to help you develop your grazing plan, record
grazing movements, determine pasture growth
rates and explore future seasonal scenarios.

Displays property related data as the base

map, including property boundaries, rivers,
contours, roads, aerial photography
Mapping functions, including measuring
distance/area, adding paddocks, gates, dams,
fences, and printing a property map
Recording farm management information,
including paddock history, fence details

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 12

What are the advantages and disadvantages of paper based information systems within the context of your enterprise?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of electronic information systems within the context of your enterprise?

46

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

ANALYSE
AND INTERPRET DATA
Now that you have collated the data, you need to put on
your investigative hat and ask yourself a lot of questions
about the data and what it means, for example:
Is a trend evident? e.g. Is yield/net profit/soil
health increasing or decreasing?
Does data fall within an acceptable range for
your product/enterprise performance indicators?
Does the data demonstrate that your business
goals/objectives are on track?
If data has been collected over a number of sites,
is the data comparable at each site and at each
site over time?
How does the data you have generated compare
to other data from similar enterprises/regions?
This is a form of benchmarking.
Does the data identify emerging strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)?
How do the results compare to known guidelines
or targets?
There are a variety of statistical methods and
techniques that you can use to analyse and interpret
data. The following extracts provide some examples
of these. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list
of such techniques and what you decide to use will
be specific to your situation.

AQIS; Guide for the

preparation of the meat
safety quality assurance
system (MSQA) for fresh
meat and processed meat
products second edition;
Australia; 2008; pp40, 47.

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www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_
file/0008/129284/msqa_2nd_ed.pdf

The objective is to define appropriate statistical

methods or sampling plans. Statistical techniques
are utilised where numerical data is gathered and
used to assess a product or process.

Wylde Group and the

Government of Victoria;
Victorian Organic Sector
Action Plan; Australia;
2008; P13.

WEB

www.ofa.org.au/papers/Victorian%20
Organic%20Sector_Action%20Plan_12Dec08.pdf
Have a look at this document for an example of
SWOT analysis.

Australian Government;
Soil Health Knowledge
Bank; Soil Chemistry;
Australia; 2012.
WEB
http://soilhealthknowledge.com.au/index.php?vi
ew=article&catid=16%3Asoilanalysestesting&id
=61%3Asoil-chemistry&tmpl=component&print=
1&page=&option=com_content&Itemid=12
Data recording relating to management of fertilizer
decisions and soil test results is essential for
planning and performance evaluation of a nutrient
management program.

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

A range of reports
are available
to assist in the
monitoring of your
genetic selection.

Once you have experience in data management within your enterprise, you might identify gaps in the existing
systems that need to be filled. These might be gaps in skills/knowledge, gaps in information available or simply that
that the existing information systems have reached their limitations and you need a more sophisticated system.
The following table provides some examples of what producers might upgrade to in the event that their existing
systems no longer meet their needs.
Description

Link

WEB

Genescreen has been developed by Genetics Australia

as a data analysis service for dairy farmers. It uses
individual herd recording data to analyse within-herd
genetic performance and benchmarking, as well as
providing mating recommendations to support your genetic
improvement strategy. A range of reports are available to
assist in the monitoring of your genetic selection, and to
evaluate its contribution to the performance of your herd.
Please contact your local branch or Genetics Australia on
freecall 1800 039 047 for further details on this service.

Genetics Australia; Genescreen.

www.genaust.com.au/services/genescreen

Examples of agricultural software programs that producers

may choose to upgrade to.

Department of Primary Industries Qld; Australian

Farm Software Directory.
www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/
BusinessAndTrade_ServicesAndGeneral/
AFSD-Software-catalogue.pdf

Overview of new technology (portable ultrasound) for

livestock pregnancy testing and associated recording of
test results

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT_DouRM-mQ

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 13

Conduct your own research and identify a range of analysis techniques that would be useful within the context of
your enterprise. List these and explain how you would apply them:

Do you feel that you have the necessary skills to perform the above data analysis techniques with confidence? If
not, what actions/training can you undertake to fill the skill gap?

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Do you believe that you need new methods of data storage and retrieval within your enterprise? If so, what are
they and how would you go about making recommendations for their purchase/implementation?

Now that the data has been analysed and interpreted it is time to report the findings, organise the data into a suitable
report to aid decision making and draw conclusions based on reasoned argument and appropriate evidence.
Throughout this process it is important to keep in mind what the data will be used for, who will use it and what
their needs are. In this way, you will deliver a report that is practical, meaningful and fit for purpose.
First consider what the report will be used for. Some examples are:

Demonstrate accountability
Justify budget or other resource requests
Make operational resource allocation decisions
Trigger in-depth examinations of what performance problems exist and what corrections are needed
Help motivate personnel to continue making program improvements
Monitor the performance of staff/contractors
Provide data for special, in-depth program evaluations
Help provide services more efficiently
Support strategic and other long-term planning efforts (by providing baseline information and later tracking progress)
To convince, educate, document, gain support
To communicate better with industry participants, customers, key stakeholders

Now consider the target audience and what their needs are, for example:
Data should be relevant to the target audience. Only the most important data should be presented.
If there are multiple audiences, the data may have to be packaged and formatted differently according to the
main interests and preferences of each audience.
Large data dumps of information are counterproductive. Know what the decision-makers want and provide
them with the necessary information in the format with which they are most comfortable.
What is needed in a report to aid decision making?
How effective are charts, diagrams and tables as a method to easily convey and demonstrate data rather
than large amounts of text.

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 14

Quickly have a look at the following diagram, Figure 1 A value chain for food in Australia.

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Source: Wyld Group; VICTORIAN ORGANIC SECTOR ACTION PLAN Prepared for Victorian Organic Industry
Collaborative Entity; Victoria; 2008 ;P5.
www.ofa.org.au/papers/Victorian%20Organic%20Sector_Action%20Plan_12Dec08.pdf)
Now describe what this picture is telling you about the value chain for food in Australia. The idea of this exercise
is to demonstrate what information you can see at a glance without having to read its context:

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 15

You have identified a number of data collections that are applicable to your enterprise in the previous activities.
Provide some examples of how you could represent your data diagrammatically i.e. graphs, flow charts.
Insert diagrammatic examples related to data collected from your business here or attach them to this workbook
as Attachment 15.1
Insert Examples Here

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Conclusions Drawn are Based on Reasoned Argument and Appropriate Evidence

Now that the data has been analysed, interpreted and findings have been reported, you can now make informed
decisions. Some advantages of using documented results of data collections (e.g. reports) in this way, is that you
have an increased ability to:
Demonstrate the effectiveness of your decisions through reference to factual records, and
Review, challenge and change opinions and decisions.
Applying the principle of factual approach to decision making typically leads to:

Ensuring that data and information is sufficiently accurate and reliable

Making data accessible to those who need it
Analysing data and information using valid methods
Making decisions and taking action based on factual analysis, balanced with experience and intuition.

The following links provide examples of conclusions drawn from reasoned arguments and appropriate evidence.

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Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australian

Government; Farming for the Future Industry Practice
Baselines; Resource Management Technical Report 342;
Western Australia Agriculture Authority; 2009.
www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/sust/f4findustrypracticebaselinejune09final.pdf

Wyld Group; VICTORIAN ORGANIC SECTOR ACTION

PLAN- Prepared for Victorian Organic Industry Collaborative
Entity; Victoria; 2008 ;P5.
W
www.ofa.org.au/papers/Victorian%20Organic%20Sector_Action%20Plan_12Dec08.pdf

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Biological Farmers of Australia; Agriculture: Chemically

treated Bt corn seed kills honey bees; GM mosquito fears; 2012.
www.bfa.com.au/IndustryResources/BFAPublications/OrganicAdvantage/OrganicAdvantageArchives2011/
newsid742/131.aspx

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Activity 16

Throughout this workbook you have undertaken a series of activities about data collection, management and
analysis relevant to your enterprise. It is now time to pull all of this together in 1 activity that accurately and fully
demonstrates your data collection, management and analysis capabilities. Make sure you use this activity to collate
and analyse data that you also need to use for your business. Your report should include information such as:
Executive Summary
Introduction: Why did the monitoring occur and any contextual background information
Type and extent of data used: Site locations, timeframe, sample size
Methods: List the methods used to collect data, review and validate data, store and retrieve data
Issues/Constraints: List any issues with the data collection that occurred and whether these were resolved
Results: Display your results in the most appropriate way (e.g. graph or table)
Discussion: Here you could compare your results between sites and/or also against guidelines or targets. How do
the results at different sites compare to each other? Do the results at any site vary over time (either seasonally or
between years)? Are the results above or below guidelines? Are the results meeting or failing targets?
Conclusions: Does the data you have gathered answer the questions you originally set out to answer when
planning your program?
References: Be sure to list any documents or sources you have used in preparing the report and
acknowledge any help you may have received throughout the project.
Ideally, you will use the data collection and template example you have been working with in previous activities.
The report will assume that you have actually implemented the data collection process, collated and analysed the
results. You may use your own template or the template provided on page 19 of this workbook.

54

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

12

SUMMARY
OF KEY INNOVATIONS/
OPPORTUNITIES
IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT
OF ADOPTING THESE
SKILLS

The adoption of new opportunities and key

innovations should always be considered from the
perspective of the triple bottom line. However each
producer will need to determine:
What are the most important aspects of each
opportunity and innovation?
How can a new innovation or opportunity
be sustainably applied to your business or
production system?
The summary below is provided as a list of
suggested innovations or opportunities that
could be implemented based on data collection,
management and analysis. It is by no means
complete. It is also unrealistic to assume any single
business can adopt every opportunity.

Staff empowerment resulting from:

Documented procedures and staff training
relative to data collection requirements and
data outputs (e.g. how well are we performing
compared to our peers; what do we need to do
to improve?).
Minimising the incidence of injuries through
the appropriate implementation of OH&S
procedures/training relevant to data collection
operations.
Improved decision making via better
information (quality, timeliness, relevance,
accuracy, completeness).
Ability to monitor performance over time as a
result of collecting, analysing and presenting
data appropriate to the needs of the enterprise
and taking pro-active corrective procedures to
address deficiencies.
New skills acquired as a result of implementing
electronic data recording technology.
Land managers that collect, manage and analyse
data will own the most detailed information about
environmental performance on their property.
They can then choose to provide information to
others such as industry groups, various levels
of government, financiers, catchment groups
or regional bodies. Having clear evidence of
good environmental performance may provide a
producer with market advantage if exporting or
providing to niche markets.

55

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

13
Organisation

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCE MATERIAL

Standard
Legislation

AIMS
Agricultural
Information
Monitoring
System

Contact Details

Web Site

Reason for Inclusion

http://aimsag.com.
au/software.html

http://aimsag.com.
au/contactdetails.
html

Agricultural Information and

Monitoring Services provides an
evidence-based consultancy to
graziers to improve the profitability
and health of grazing businesses.
AIMS works with the concept
of understanding agricultural
ecosystems and relies on sound
underlying principles rather than
particular recipes. AIMS has worked
with graziers in the north-west
slopes, northern tablelands and
northern rivers of NSW and the
mid-north and northern agricultural
districts of South Australia.
This site provides links to a number
of data collection templates
(pasture checklist) and software
(excel based feed budget and
graze planning tools).

ABARE
Australian
Bureau of
Agricultural
and Resource
Economics

http://www.daff.gov.
au/about/contactus

http://www.daff.
gov.au/abares

ABARES is a research bureau

within the Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
which provides professionally
independent, world-class research,
analysis and advice to inform
decision-makers on current and
future policy challenges affecting
Australias primary industries.
Capabilities in multi-disciplinary
research and analysis span the
fields of economics, science
and social science covering the
agriculture, fisheries, forestry and
food sectors.

Australian Egg
Corporation Ltd

Code of Practice For

Shell Egg, Production,
Grading, Packing and
Distribution

http://www.aecl.
org/system/
attachments/362/
original/Code%20
of%20Practice%20
for%20Shell%20
egg%20
production,%20
grading,%20
packing%20
and%20
distribution%20
2009.
pdf?1291694499

Code of practice, including data

collection procedures, templates
and techniques for the egg industry.

56

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Organisation

Standard
Legislation

Contact Details

Web Site

Reason for Inclusion

APIQ
Australian Pork
Industry Quality
Assurance
Program

Code of Practice

http://www.apiq.
com.au/index.
php?option=com_
content&view=articl
e&id=2&Itemid=2

http://www.apiq.
com.au/index.
php?option=com_
content&view=
frontpage&Itemid=1

APIQ is an on-farm quality

assurance system. It is based on
managing farm risks by following
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP),
using the principles of Hazard
Analysis and managing Critical
Control Points (HACCP).

APVMA
Australian
Pesticides
and Veterinary
Medicine
Authority

Maximum chemical
residue limit standard

PO Box 6182
KINGSTON ACT
2604 AUSTRALIA

http://www.apvma.
gov.au/about/
index.php

The APVMA is an Australian

government statutory authority
established in 1993 to centralise
the registration of all agricultural
and veterinary chemical products
into the Australian marketplace.
Previously each State and Territory
government had its own system of
registration.

Export slaughter
intervals
Withholding periods
and export intervals for
pesticide products

T: +61 2 6210 4700

F: +61 2 6210 4813
W: www.apvma.
gov.au

Risk Assessment of
Short-Term Dietary
Exposure to Chemical
Residues

AQIS
Australian
Quarantine
and Inspection
Service

Import and export

inspection and
certification
National Standard
for Organic and
Biodynamic Produce

Pesticides and veterinary medicines

are vital to quality food and fibre
production. Australias primary
production is worth an estimated
$30 billion a year with an export
value of over $25 billion.
Contact to various
AQIS divisions can
be found at: http://
www.daff.gov.au/
aqis/about

A Guideline to
Compliance with the
Export Control (Eggs
and Egg Products)
Orders

http://www.daff.
gov.au/aqis
http://www.daff.
gov.au/__data/
assets/pdf_
file/0019/126181/
haccp_ffp.pdf

A Guideline to
Compliance with the
Export Control (Fish and
Fish Products) Orders

The Australian Quarantine and

Inspection Service (AQIS) is part
of the Australian Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry (DAFF).
AQIS manages quarantine controls
at our borders to minimise the risk of
exotic pests and diseases entering
the country. AQIS also provides
import and export inspection and
certification to help retain Australias
highly favourable animal, plant
and human health status and wide
access to overseas export markets.

Biological
Farmers of
Australia

Australian Certified
Organic Standard;
version 1; 2010.

http://www.bfa.com.
au/ContactUs.aspx

http://www.bfa.
com.au

Provision of industry standards,

data collection procedures, data
collection templates and auditing
tools.

Dairy Australia

Codes of Practice

http://www.
dairyaustralia.com.
au/Standard-Items/
Contact-Us-Content.
aspx

http://www.
dairyaustralia.
com.au/Home/
Standard-Items/~/
media/Documents/
Industry%20
overview/
Food%20safety/
AMRA%20and%20
Chemicals.ashx

Australian Milk Residue Analysis

Survey
Fact sheets
Data collection templates
Audit tools

57

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Organisation

Standard
Legislation

Contact Details

Web Site

Reason for Inclusion

DAFF
Government
Department
of Agriculture
Fisheries and
Forestry

National Residue Survey

http://www.daff.gov.
au/agriculture-food/
nrs

http://www.daff.
gov.au/agriculturefood/nrs

NRS monitors residues of

agricultural and veterinary
chemicals and environmental
contaminants in Australian food
commodities. The cost of this
monitoring is largely industryfunded through levies on the animal
and plant commodities that are
tested

Exdoc Software
Application

Department of
Lands NSW
Government

Department
of Primary
Industries NSW

http://www.daff.
gov.au/aqis/export/
exdoc/about

https://six.nsw.
gov.au/wps/portal
/!ut/p/b1/04_Sjz
QzMje1MDI2
NNKP0I_KSyz
LTE8syczPS8w
B8aPM4oO
dnEJNHQ3ND
A3MnV0MPA3N_
EycQw29Ag
NN9INT8_
RzoxwVAVit2Ic!/
State based policies,
regulations and
legislation for food and
fibre industries

Fairport Farm
Software

http://six.maps.
nsw.gov.au/terms/
acceptTerms.html

Spatial Information Exchange is

available to farmers to map their
properties.

How to interpret soil tests

http://www.dpi.nsw.
gov.au/aboutus/
about/contact

Factsheets to assist farmers collect

data (by industry)

http://www.dpi.nsw.
gov.au/

Ebeef NLIS electronic data

collection software/equipment

http://www.fairport.
com.au/contact/

http://www.fairport.
com.au/Pam

Primary production software

Free Range
Farmers
Association

Code of Practice and

QA Program

http://www.
freerangefarmers.
com.au/contacts.
html

http://www.
freerangefarmers.
com.au/foodsafety.html

Members are required to meet

the standards of the Free Range
Farmers Association Quality
Assurance and Food Safety
Program and the Code of Practice
for Shell Egg Production, Grading,
Packing and Distribution. The
QA program is available from
the Association and the Code
of Practice is available from the
Australian Egg Corporation. It
includes data collection procedures,
examples of data collection forms
and standard operating procedures.

FSANZ Food
Standards
Australia New
Zealand

General food standards

email:
info@food
standards.gov.au

http://www.
foodstandards.
gov.au/

FSANZ is a bi-national Government

agency. Our main responsibility
is to develop and administer the
Australia New Zealand Food
Standards Code (the Code), which
lists requirements for foods such
as additives, food safety, labelling
and GM foods. Enforcement and
interpretation of the Code is the
responsibility of State/Territory
departments and food agencies
within Australia and New Zealand.

http://www.
graincare.com.au/
Contact%20Us.htm

http://www.
graincare.com.au/
index.htm

Graincare is an on-farm program

designed to assist grain growers
produce grain which will satisfy the
quality assurance (QA)

Food product standards

Food safety standards
Primary production
standards

Graincare
Australia Pty
Ltd

Graincare Quality
Assurance

58

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Organisation

Standard
Legislation

Contact Details

Web Site

Reason for Inclusion

ISO
International
Organization
for Standardisation

ISO 9000 Quality Mgt

E-mail: central@
iso.org

http://www.iso.org/
iso/home.htm

ISO is a network of the national

standards institutes of 157 countries
and develops and publishes
International Standards in a wide
range of areas including agriculture.
Documentation standards are
available.

http://www.
kondiningroup.
com.au/static.
ASP?t=1&I=0

http://www.
kondiningroup.
com.au/static.
ASP?t=2&I=19

The Small Landholder Information

Service (SLIS) has teamed up with
Kondinin Group to deliver a series
of technical notes on running a
small farm, or property. This series
of Noteworthy fact sheets provide
practical information from the
Department of Agriculture and Food
WA to help small landholders make
better choices. A number of these
have relevance to data collection
and management.

http://www.mla.com.
au/General/Contact

http://www.
mla.com.au/
Meat-safety-andtraceability/Onfarm-assurance/
LPA

(Livestock Production Assurance)

is a program that underpins the
National Vendor Declaration and
Waybill (LPA NVD/Waybill), which
upholds Australias reputation as a
world leader in meat and livestock
food safety. Tools and templates
are available to assist with the
documentation and analysis of this
data set.

ISO 31000 Risk Mgt

ISO 14000 Env Mgt
ISO 22000 Food Safety

Kondinin Group

MLA Meat
Standards
Australia

NLIS

http://www.
ausmeat.com.
au/auditingaccreditation/
qualitymanagementsystems.aspx
NASAA
Certified
Organics
NSW Food
Authority

Food safety and

labelling
Industry Manuals

RIRDC Rural
Industries
Research and
Development
Corporation

http://www.nasaa.
com.au/contact.html

http://www.nasaa.
com.au/resource2.
html#

Resource Centre Forms and

templates are available for organic
producers.

Email:
contact@
foodauthority.nsw.
gov.au

http://www.
foodauthority.nsw.
gov.au/

The NSW Food Authority is the

government organisation that
helps ensure food in NSW is safe
and correctly labelled. Links are
available to a range of industry
specific manuals (e.g. shellfish,
eggs, dairy, pork and beef) which
include instructions on data
collection and management.

http://www.rirdc.
gov.au/publications/
forms/contact-us

http://www.rirdc.
gov.au/researchprograms

http://www.
foodauthority.
nsw.gov.
au/_Documents/
industry_pdf/NSW_
Shellfish_Industry_
Manual.pdf

The objective of this program is to

deliver R&D to facilitate the organic
industrys capacity to meet rapidly
increasing demand, domestically
and globally. This web site includes
a range of research reports based
on industry specific data capture,
management and analysis.

59

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

Organisation

Standard
Legislation

University
of Sydney
Australian
Centre for
Agricultural
Health and
Safety

Contact Details

Web Site

Reason for Inclusion

http://www.aghealth.
org.au/index.
php?id=7

http://www.
aghealth.org.au/
index.php?id=5030

This website is a useful resource for

Australian farmers to understand,
implement and monitor risk
management strategies for
occupation health and safety
related events. It includes;
Factsheets OH&S requirements
for Australian farms
Ergonomics and manual handling
on farms
Training and educational resources
National farm injury data centre.

Victorian
Department
of Primary
Industries

State based policies,

regulations and
legislation for food and
fibre industries

http://www.dpi.vic.
gov.au/about-us/
contact-us

Victorian
Government

State based policies,

regulations and
legislation for business

A Guide to Dairy Farm

Assurance

Business
Victoria

The WA
Dairy Farm
Assurance
Group

http://www.dpi.vic.
gov.au/agriculture/
horticulture

Series of factsheets on organic

farming, standards, quality
assurance certifiers.

http://www.business.
vic.gov.au/BUSVIC/
FEEDBACK/
FEEDBACK.
html,contextPC=

http://www.
business.vic.
gov.au/BUSVIC/
HOMEPAGE/
HOME.html

Business Victoria is a
comprehensive online resource
designed to help you start, run and
grow your business

Nil

http://www.agric.
wa.gov.au/objtwr/
imported_assets/
content/aap/dc/
dfaguide.pdf

Dairy Farm Assurance has

been developed by the Western
Australian Dairy Farm Assurance
Working group. The group is
representative of the Western
Australian diary industry. It
comprises of representatives from
the farming sector, dairy processing
companies, Dairy Industry
Authority and Agriculture Western
Australia. This document includes
data collection procedures and
templates for the dairy industry.

http://www.dpi.vic.
gov.au/agriculture

60

AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

14

BEING CONFIDENT ABOUT YOUR SKILL LEVELS

Before commencing on your summative assessment take a few minutes to review this workbook and ensure you
feel that you are confident about your skill levels related to this topic.
Use the table below to help you check your skills. Before commencing your final assessments it is important to
review any sections in which you feel unsure. Remember: it is always OK to ask your assessor/lecturer questions.
In the table below, read the list of skills and knowledge you should have after completing this workbook.
1. Put a tick in the column if you can do this now and a brief comment re why you believe you have this skill.
2. Put a tick in the next column if you feel you need more practice and must review the work before completing
final assessments also a brief comment as to why.

Yes

Skills/knowledge you should have

Need
Practice

3. If you require further training, complete the third column listing what training is needed. Show this list to your
supervisor or assessor and ask for more time or training before completing the summative assessments.
Comment on why

What additional
training do I need

Determine the type and extent of

data to be collected
Access and collate data
Evaluate data
Manage and retrieve data
Analyse the data
Interpret the data
Follow safe work practices
Data collection techniques and procedure
Data recording and evaluation techniques
Data analysis and interpretive techniques
Data storage and retrieval methods
Data reporting methods

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AHCWRK502A Collect and Manage Data

15

ASSESSMENT

You have now reached the end of this workbook. All of the information and activities you have covered have
developed your skills to collect and manage data in your workplace.
Your competency may be assessed through your successful completion of all formative activities throughout
this workbook. Alternatively, your RTO may require completion of a final summative assessment. You will need to
discuss this with your RTO.
FEEDBACK
This workbook has been developed to guide users to access current information related to gaining skills appropriate
to their workplace. Please complete the following table notifying us of any errors or suggested improvements.
Subject Name
Book Number
Page

What is the error

Suggested improvement

10

You tube video is not accurate

Better websites / You Tube example

Is there a link to your suggested improvement

Additional comments

Click here to email your feedback form to RST

62