Issue Various Agricultural Inputs From Stores

Issue various agricultural inputs from stores timely to prevent deterioration, spoilage and waste.

Dispatching Stock

Agricultural inputs, as you now by know, are kept as stock in a store. When these inputs (pesticides for example) are needed for spraying a crop, somebody must withdraw it from the store before it can be dispatched to the spraying team. In conquering this problem some form of control must be in place. (It must be stressed that each farm is likely to have its own procedures and systems in tact). Now, according to the system, everybody knows who is doing what and how. There is a system in place that will track the requisition, dispatch, use and return of unused items to the store as different forms will be completed at different stages.

A system is likely to consist of a requisition form, completed, approved and taken to the store.

The requisition will request:

• • Identity of the person requesting the input
  • The volume of the input required
  • The reason why it is required
  • The field or orchard that it is to be used on
  • The size of the field and intended application rates
  • Possible approval from the responsible person (farm manager of field (block) manager).
• The input required, as well as the volume required is noted in a log.
• The person requesting the input, verifies that it has been collected.
• The person makes use of the input.
• The remaining input is returned to the store.
• The remaining (unused) input is recorded in the log system.
• A note is made of containers that have been opened and the containers duly labelled and sealed.
• The empty containers, which had been used, are also returned to the store
• The empty containers are disposed of in accordance with national legislation.

Stock rotation Rotating stock implies the moving of old stock to the front of a shelf to make way for fresh stock, which will now be stacked at the back of the shelf. Using this system means that the old stock is used firstly preventing the build-up of out of date stock. This principle is called First In First Out (FIFO).

When rotating goods that may expire, the expiry dates must be monitored to ensure that outdated stock is not placed in with the current stock. When collecting stock from the storage area, the oldest stock should always be issued. This ensures that there is a constant turnover of stock and reduces waste resulting from an accumulation of outdated items.

Excess stock should be placed in the storage area, or it should be disposed of correctly. The store should have a disposal policy, which takes into account the relevant legislation and industry codes of practice, particularly when dealing with dangerous goods such as chemicals. Stock should be regularly rotated and the storage area should always be kept clean and tidy. This is particularly important for items such as seed as it reduces the incidence of mice and other vermin. Vermin and insect control should always be carried out to comply with the legal requirements of the relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Health legislation, industry and site-specific policies and national legislation on agricultural inputs. Safe lifting and carrying techniques must be used at all times and should be in line with the stores OHS policies and legislative requirements.