Beef Only opens market options
The North Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authority is encouraging local beef producers to adopt the Beef Only program.
The introduction of Beef Only five years ago delivered greater market access for Casino and Lismore district beef cattle.
Phil Kemsley, North Coast LHPA district vet based at Casino, says it has enabled beef producers in this district to trade with the rest of NSW and into Queensland without the effort and expense of Bovine Johne’s Disease (BJD) testing.
"In the past, being in a Control Zone for BJD meant that beef producers had to be on the Market Assurance Program (MAP) for Johne’s to sell store cattle outside the district. Extensive testing found that beef cattle in this district are an extremely low risk for BJD. Therefore buyers from outside our district can buy North Coast beef cattle with confidence," he said.
"All that is required now is an owner declaration, called an Animal Health Statement. Local vendors are encouraged to use the declaration when they sell store cattle. Likewise buyers should look for the declaration when they buy."
To qualify for Beef Only cattle must not have grazed with adult (over 24 months) dairy cattle or dairy-cross cattle in the previous five years. They also must not, at any time in the past, have grazed on land that had during the 12 months before the arrival of the beef herd been grazed by adult dairy cattle. In both instances there is an exception for dairy cattle from a herd enrolled in the MAP.
Beef Only herds should only buy from Beef Only or MAP herds and keep the declarations for audit purposes. Herds that are infected or suspect to be infected with BJD cannot claim Beef Only.
Since the introduction of the Beef Only scheme, audits conducted by LHPA staff at both saleyards and on farm have found high levels of compliance.
North Coast agents and LHPA staff actively encourage beef producers whose cattle qualify for Beef Only status to declare them at store sales.
"The greater the number of vendors who declare, the more incentive there is for buyers from outside the district to attend store sales, resulting in greater competition," Mr Kemsley said.
The Animal Health Statements and further information are available from LHPA offices, Stock and Station agents and from the Animal Health Australia website http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378