An on-farm biosecurity plan secures your farm against diseases, pests and weeds

Dr Colin Taylor uses the FarmBiosecurity app on his Snowy Mountains property.

District Veterinarian with Riverina Local Land Services, Dr Timothy Biffin, says many producers contacted him seeking further information on how to create a biosecurity plan for their property ahead of the 30 June deadline for the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS).

“I have found that many producers are uncertain on how to answer sections of the biosecurity plan template. However, I often know their properties and I am confident to say they have the right systems in place,” said Dr Biffin.

Dr Biffin believes most producers are already managing diseases, pests and weeds effectively on their properties and changes to Johne’s disease management and the Livestock Production Assurance program are simply putting written plans in the spotlight.

“It’s been valuable in getting producers to consider on-farm biosecurity planning – I certainly think that’s a good thing,” said Dr Biffin.

Dr Colin Taylor is a cattle farmer and vet based in the Snowy Mountains, NSW, and he has been using the FarmBiosecurity app to create biosecurity plans both at home and with his clients.

“I found the app brilliant,” said Dr Taylor. “It’s very simple to use and guides the user through each step of the process.”

Dr Taylor explained that he has not had as many enquiries about biosecurity planning as he would have expected, suggesting that many farmers were choosing to ‘go their own way’.

“I would certainly recommend the FarmBiosecurity app for producers looking to put their own on-farm biosecurity plans together.”