With the new biosecurity laws that are coming into place in the coming months, it is very important that agents and producers are well aware of the changes.
Even though the date for the completion of the biosecurity plan has moved, it is still a priority and needs to be completed sooner rather than later.
Getting clients to fill out the relevant biosecurity template and file it ready to produce on request will be important preparation for the upcoming changes to LPA as well as satisfying J-BAS 6.
When renewing LPA accreditation after October 1, producers will be required to complete two more online modules one of which will include a requirement of a biosecurity plan and the other an animal welfare module.
These declarations are very important as both a risk assessment tool and as a management tool for the purchaser.
Many questions have also been raised about biosecurity plans. Some key points include; no is not a wrong answer, n/a may also apply; audits for LPA will increase going forward, with the opportunity to address issues if needed; the template is a starting point, with additional documents required to complete the form to its entirety; if your cattle are on agistment, it is your herd therefore your responsibility.
There are workshops for biosecurity and J-Bas being run around the states and the calendar of events can be found at www.lbn.org.au.
The use of Animal Health Declarations (AHD) will increase in coming months.
These declarations are very important as both a risk assessment tool and as a management tool for the purchaser. The NVD captures the management of livestock as at the date of sale, where the AHD captures the past history of the mob back for up to six months.
Noting the health status and history for vaccinations for 5 in1, Pestivirus, Botulism etc may increase the price that the buyer is willing to pay. Buyer education will be one of the most important next steps for J-BAS scoring particularly at stud sales.
There is a lot of concern from seed stock producers that the J-BAS scores will be seen as a mark of quality rather for what it really is.
The ALPA Young Auctioneers dinner will be held on Sunday, September 10. RSVP’s close August 30, while the competition will be at Victorian Livestock Exchange, Pakenham, on Monday, September 11.
