Cattle producers are invited to attend a series of free information sessions over coming weeks to help ensure their farm is ready for the new Farm Biosecurity Planning requirement.
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Hunter Local Land Services is offering advice to assist livestock producers to be prepared for the new Johne’s Beef Assurance System (J-BAS) and changes to the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) system, both of which require producers to have a documented Farm Biosecurity Plan.
From 1 October, producers will need to complete a Biosecurity Plan for accreditation under the Livestock Production Assurance program (LPA). Accreditation with LPA is a crucial part of Australia’s red meat food safety system and is required for continued use of National Vendor Declarations (NVDs).
The need for a farm Biosecurity plan is also a part of the new industry-driven approach to managing Bovine Johne’s Diseases in Australia. Producers who opt to have a J-BAS score will need to have a farm Biosecurity plan in place. The JBAS is an important tool to help producers manage the risk of introducing Bovine Johne’s Disease into their herd and to communicate their herd’s status to buyers of their cattle.
As a third incentive, a farm Biosecurity plan will also help producers fulfil their General Biosecurity Duty under the new Biosecurity legislation that came into force last month. The workshop will explain these three changes and help producers to find and use available biosecurity planning resources.
Most producers already practice good farm biosecurity by selecting where they buy stock, drenching new stock on arrival and quarantining these animals in yards for a period of time. These, along with other steps, are important Biosecurity practices used by farmers as they recognise it makes sound farm business sense to prevent the entry of pests, disease and weeds onto their farm.
“This biosecurity approach now just needs to be put on paper in a plan,” said Dr Lyndell Stone, District Veterinarian with Hunter Local Land Services.
“Producers will leave the information session with all the resources needed to complete their own farm biosecurity plan.”
Dates and locations as follows. RSVPs are essential as places are limited:
UPPER HUNTER:
Gundy Hall 5th September 2-4pm
Denman RSL Hall 7th September 2-4pm
Murrurundi RSL Hall 12 sept 2-4pm
Numbers are limited, RSVPs essential please call 65402419
LOWER HUNTER:
Bellbird Community Hall - August 30 10am-12
Gresford Bowling Club -4th September 2-4pm
Wallarobba Hall - 6th September – 10am-12
Numbers are limited, RSVPs essential please call 49328866
MANNING-GREAT LAKES
Nabiac Showground Hall, 21 August 1.30-3.30pm
Gloucester Golf Club - 19 September 10.30am-12.30
Cooloongolook Hall - 23 September 10.30am-12.30
Wingham RSL Club - 26 September 10.30am-12.30
Hannanvale Hall - 28 September 10.30am-12.30
Caffey's Flat. date TBA. Please register interest
Numbers are limited, RSVPs essential please call 6553 4233
