Sub-project 2 – Sept 2019

Typology

• The beef, sheep and goat vulnerability models are currently being analysed. Over the coming months the models will be tested with different data to see how well they work in a range of circumstances.
• This is a great opportunity to test our ideas about vulnerability of producers to an emergency animal disease incursion using the concept of response capacity and exposure.

Pilot groups

• The Sheep pilot group in Esperance is meeting on 25 September 2019 to look at how the abattoir feedback software tools being developed will work. The meeting in May resulted in excellent feedback from producers to assist in further development. The flyer developed for smallholders to help them manage their animal responsibilities has been completed and is being prepared for printing and distribution.
• The Beef pilot group met at Durong on 24 July 2019 for the fourth time. The group progressed the development of a chain of response for animal health and biosecurity incidents, discussed recent changes to the Anthrax zone in Queensland and reviewed activities to increase awareness of biosecurity risks among saleyard managers and agents. A mOOvement company representative provided information and sought feedback on their electronic ear-tags for GPS tracking of cattle which are currently being trialled in the area.
• The Dairy pilot group in Maffra met on 24 May 2019 and again on 14 August 2019. The smallholder flyer on animal ownership requirements, developed by the pilot has been completed and will be prepared for printing and distribution.

The pilot group emailed four motions to the minister for Agriculture, looking at

• support for a government driven Knackery Project
• resources for assisting smallholders in understanding their animal management responsibilities
• resources for improving partnerships between government staff, private vets and producers
• provision of online tools to help producers keep their NLIS requirements up to date.

The pilot group has started exploring opportunities for engaging with the “on-farm Internet of Things (IoT)” Trial Program by Agriculture Victoria. The IoT program also has a pilot with dairy farmers in Maffra.

• The third Pork pilot group meeting took place at the Hagley Farm School, Tasmania, on 31 May 2019. Topics covered in the meeting included a discussion on the draft reporting guide produced by the Tasmanian Government Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment representative and building awareness around producer and agent practices in relation to disease and biosecurity at the saleyards. In response to interest from the group, an educational evening session with a pig nutrition expert was held in Launceston on 29 June 2019. Attendees had the opportunity to hear information on biosecurity and African swine fever, as well as network with other participants. The fourth pilot meeting is planned for 30 August 2019 in Launceston.
• The Goat pilot group met in Roseworthy, South Australia on 18 June 2019 for their second meeting. Participants at the meeting included representatives from meat, dairy, fibre, rangeland and miniature goat producers, private veterinarians, government biosecurity representatives, industry bodies and exporters. John Falkenhagen, President of the Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) gave a presentation on how the various meat industry governing bodies relate to GICA and one another, particularly in terms of animal health management. John also presented an overview of the fundamentals of farm biosecurity management, including the role of the National Livestock Identification Scheme and associated instruments such as the Property Identification Code, National Vendor Declaration, etc. Participants discussed preparations for the upcoming kidding season and commenced planning the development of goat health management resources and training events. The next pilot group meeting is planned for 23 October 2019.

Team training and presentations

There have been numerous opportunities for the team to learn and share about the project this year including:

• Graham Centre Livestock Forum – July
• Agribusiness Today Forum – August
• FMD Ready subproject team meeting – August

Upcoming meetings:

• FMD Ready reflections workshop – September
• FMD Ready annual stakeholder workshop – November