As tough seasonal conditions continue throughout much of the Western region, there is a high rate of movement of stock and products both on and off farm.
With this in mind, Western Local Land Services District Veterinarians are reminding all red meat producers of the importance of keeping good records and ensuring that the appropriate paperwork accompanies these transactions so they are well placed for recovery once the drought breaks.
“We are seeing producers under a lot of strain with the increasing difficulties and expense of sourcing good quality feed for livestock, and the stress and realities of offloading stock,” District Veterinarian, Charlotte Cavanagh said.
“As fodder supply declines and demand increases, producers may be tempted to take what they can get to get them through this stressful period.
“This may have impacts down the line when stock is sold or the drought eventually breaks.
“The last thing producers need at a local level is to jeopardise their Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accreditation status.
“More broadly, the marketing of Australian products is reliant upon our ‘clean and green’ reputation.
“Red meat producers will benefit from bringing strong, residue and disease free stock through the drought to form the basis of their breeding program when conditions improve.”
Dr Cavanagh is reminding all landholders buying in stock feed of the importance of obtaining Commodity Vendor Declaration (CVD) and keeping good records of inputs.
“There have been reports of vendors refusing to supply CVD’s, particularly when the feeds are from multiple sources, for example with cottonseed,” Dr Cavanagh said.
“The recommendation is to supply the vendor with the SafeMeat branded CVD and have them fill it out to the best of their ability.”
The Commodity Vendor Declaration and National Vendor Declaration (moving stock) forms can be found on the Meat and Livestock Australia website.