Livestock Production Assurance: What 1 October 2017 means for producers

Over the past few months, the introduction of the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS)and the addition of biosecurity and animal welfare requirements to the Livestock Production Assurance program (LPA) has seen on-farm biosecurity planning become the subject of many discussions, forums, workshops and articles.

With the changes to LPA taking effect from 1 October, many producers are wondering what they need to do next.

It’s a fairly simple process:

• Put your biosecurity plan together and keep your plan with you on farm. Remember that this is a living document; it should reflect your current biosecurity management practices, help you identify new practices or procedures to put in place and be updated accordingly.
• Download copies of the relevant animal welfare Standards and Guidelines. You will need a copy of this document handy for each livestock species on your farm.
• Ensure your records and documentation are in order.
• Familiarise yourself with the LPA Learning content. The more you know and understand, the easier the assessment will be to complete.

Part of the enhancement of the LPA program is the introduction of a three yearly reaccreditation. This involves completing a short assessment – to demonstrate you understand the requirements of LPA – and paying a $60 (plus GST) accreditation fee.

While you’re welcome to log on and complete the assessment and reaccreditation now, it is not necessary to do so until your accreditation falls due. The Integrity Systems Company will send you a letter at least two months prior to your renewal date, and for some that won’t happen until 2020.

The new requirements will be considered in random LPA audits from 1 January 2018, however, sanctions will not be enforced until July 2018.

You’re encouraged to make the most of the online LPA Learning tool which now includes modules on both biosecurity and animal welfare. Its seven learning modules spell out how producers can meet each of the seven requirements of the LPA program. Producers who are unable to access the LPA Learning tool should contact the LPA hotline on 1800 683 111 for more information.

For more information on completing an on-farm biosecurity plan, begin by building a profile unique to your farm via the Farm Biosecurity website.