20112 version 2
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Machine shear fine wool sheep at a sustained output
Level
3
Credits
70
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: select a comb, and set up
and monitor gear for shearing fine wool sheep; and adjust shearing style for
fine wool sheep to meet variables, to maintain a sustained output.
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
1
The 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.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
20112 version 2
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2
Definitions
Minimum industry output requirements – 18-24 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.
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.
On-farm procedures – the verbal or written procedures for comb selection.
Fine wool – merino wool less than 23 microns.
3
Performance 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.
4
To 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.
5
Legislation 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
Select a comb, and set up and monitor gear for shearing fine wool sheep.
Performance criteria
1.1
Comb is selected in accordance with evaluation of sheep variables and on-farm
procedures.
Range
1.2
sheep variables – fibre density and length, sheep condition,
temperature;
comb thickness – new, half worn, thin;
bevel – short, medium, long;
evidence is required for at least one of – winter comb, lifter.
Gear is selected and set up based on the assessment of shearing conditions to
ensure optimum yield and shearing output.
Range
combs, cutters.
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20112 version 2
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1.3
Gear performance is monitored and adjustments are initiated to maintain
optimum yield and shearing output.
Range
combs, cutters.
Element 2
Adjust shearing style for fine wool sheep to meet variables.
Performance criteria
2.1
The pattern is adjusted to meet individual sheep requirements.
Range
pre-lamb belly, cotts, wool pull.
2.2
The number of blows is tailored to meet individual sheep requirements and
maximise shearing output.
2.3
Footwork and body positioning are timed to achieve shearing rhythm consistent
with the shearing pattern.
2.4
Shearing output and quality are maintained in terms of commercially
sustainable output and minimum industry quality requirements.
2.5
Gear performance is monitored and adjustments are initiated to maintain
optimum yield and shearing output.
2.6
Sheep are handled during shearing in accordance with the Code of
Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Sheep.
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 standards@primaryito.ac.nz if
you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016