A grant worth $200,101 looks at smart tags to improve meat traceability
Central Queensland University has been awarded a $200,101 traceability grant to improve meat traceability through the existing National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). The research will look at ways to improve meat traceability, animal welfare and meat quality. On-animal sensors or smart-tags is an emerging technology and may be ideal to adapt into the red meat […]
Lumpy skin disease high on threat list for cattle and buffalo
Lumpy skin disease (LSD), a significant animal disease which affects cattle and water buffalo, could have a devastating impact if it arrived in Australia. Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, said the disease was moving closer to our shores, further demonstrating the significant risks we face, and why biosecurity is so important. “LSD is a […]
A US bred Mammoth donkey named Moonwatcher checks into quarantine
An American Mammoth Donkey has been imported into Australia directly from the USA for the first time in over 20 years. Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Andrew Tongue, said that the department had issued the import permit for Diamond Creek Moonwatcher, an American Mammoth Donkey jack. “Before Diamond […]
Ideas wanted to automate monitoring of export livestock health and welfare
The Australian Government is seeking new and innovative solutions to improve the monitoring and reporting of livestock health and welfare at critical points in the export supply chain under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) Applications are now open for the challenge, which seeks to find innovative technology solutions that deliver efficiencies at one […]
Increased shelf will also increase markets for beef and sheep meat exporters
The Saudi Food and Agriculture Authority (SFDA) has agreed to increase shelf life for chilled vacuum-packed beef and sheep meat in response to Australia’s submission on draft technical regulations. This is a valuable outcome in adding volume for Australian meat producers and exporters to Saudi Arabia as it will allow them to ship their product […]
Research method reveals significant reduction in carbon footprint of pig farms
The carbon footprint of pig farming has reduced by almost 40% over the last 20 years, according to a study, using a new methodology, led by the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland. The independent research, funded by the EU, drew its conclusions from historic data on livestock […]
High Productivity Vehicles transporting primary products to and from rural properties gets a red tape cut
The Farm Gate Access Network was developed in partnership between the NSW Government, Livestock Bulk and Rural Carriers Association, NSW Farmers and local government. It introduces conditional area-wide access for Higher Productivity Vehicles transporting grain or livestock in participating council areas. Supported by the NHVR, the pilot will reduce red-tape for farmers and transport operators […]
Livestock exports expected to increase backed by high industry confidence
Research showing that a large section of the Australian community knows very little about livestock exports highlights the importance of participants in the industry being willing to have conversations with people interested in finding out more. Recent research shows that people working in the livestock supply chain are proud of their role in the industry […]
African swine fever variant ‘perfect storm’ of risk
The Australian Government is urging heightened biosecurity vigilance following reports of new variants of African swine fever (ASF) emerging in our region. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the next few weeks in particular were critical to keeping the deadly disease out. “The reported emergence of new variants of the ASF […]
Assurance program is expected to move dairy exports forward
· A new project, the Dairy Export Assurance Program has launched. · It will help more dairy manufacturers to become export ready. · The program will identify regulatory hurdles, align food safety regulatory and commercial assurance and reduce compliance burdens. A new partnership to deliver the new Dairy Export Assurance Program has launched to cut […]