All livestock producers who sell through saleyards and abattoirs will need to have a biosecurity plan for their farms in place from October 1 this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Producers without a biosecurity plan will not be able to obtain the vendor declaration forms required to complete any sales.
A biosecurity plan records how livestock producers protect their farm and livestock from diseases and pests, and how they ensure the welfare of their animals.
South East Local Land Services is running a series of information sessions to help producers develop a plan for their properties.
These short sessions introduce producers to the concept of a biosecurity plan, and provide them with a template for meeting their obligation.
“There are no wrong answers to the questions in the template” District Veterinarian Bill Johnson said.
“And no-one is going to give you a score out of ten for your plan. If you were able to answer ‘Yes’ to all questions, it would be world’s best practice, but few enterprises are able to run with that level of biosecurity.”
“Biosecurity and animal welfare are increasingly important considerations in livestock trade. Any publicity so far has mainly been about cattle.
“I doubt many sheep and goat producers yet realise they also require a farm biosecurity plan.”
A Biosecurity Awareness Workshop at Yass will be delivered by Cattle Council of Australia (CCA) and Sheepmeat Council of Australia (SCA) with the help of South East Local Land Services.
The workshop will take place on Monday, September 4 at Yass Soldiers Club, 86 Meehan St, Yass from 10am till 4pm and includes morning tea and lunch.
To register to attend the session in Yass go to http://www.lbn-yass.eventbrite.com.au For further information please contact the Yass Local Land Services office on 6118 7700.