If you’re a livestock producer, you’ve probably been hearing a lot recently about biosecurity plans and it’s possible that you’re wondering what to do next or whether what you’re doing is right. Following the hugely successful Johne’s Disease Information Sessions that saw over 1000 livestock producers attend workshops across the region, North Coast Local Land Services is running a series of workshops during late August and September to help livestock producers through the biosecurity planning process.
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The concept of a biosecurity plan has been around for a while, but has been mentioned more often lately through both changes to the Johne’s disease program and the requirements under the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) Program. Meat and Livestock Australia have advised that from October 1 properties will require an on farm biosecurity plan to maintain LPA accreditation.
A biosecurity plan is simply a document which identifies potential risks from pests, diseases and weeds and identifies management practices that can help minimise those risks. Many of these are things that producers will already be doing.
Under the new Biosecurity Act everyone has a “general biosecurity duty” – which means doing whatever is practical on your property to minimise biosecurity risks – a biosecurity plan is one way that producers can demonstrate they are fulfilling their general biosecurity duty.
Developing a plan need not be an onerous task, and preventing diseases or pest issues before they occur could save you money and headaches in the future.
At the Biosecurity Planning Workshops your LLS District Vet and Biosecurity Officers will guide you through the development of your own biosecurity plan based on your own circumstances.
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Workshops will be held:
- 29 August Wauchope Country Club, Wauchope
- 31 August Dorrigo Indoor Sports Stadium, Dorrigo
- 1 September Kempsey RSL, Kempsey
- 5 September Macksville Ex Services Club, Macksville
- 6 September Nana Glen Community Hall, Nana Glen
- 7 September Bellingen Golf Club, Bellingen
The workshop fee is $20 which includes lunch and there are only 20 places at each event. You must prebook and pay for your ticket in advance to secure your place. To register to attend and pay your registration fee please call 1300 795 299.