Q&A with three producers who attended the 2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposium

Earlier this year, the Farm Biosecurity program sent three producers from across Australia to the 2^nd Australian Biosecurity Symposium. We sat down with those producers on day two to get their insights and experiences about the event so far.

Hannah Greenshields, The Food Farm Central Coast New South Wales

What are you hoping to get out of attending today?

I’ve really enjoyed connecting with people and finding out what the broader industry is doing as a whole from a science level through to research and government policy. I think it’s really important as a farmer to understand that.

What have you learnt so far?

I’ve learnt that there’s a lot happening in research and policy working towards preventative measures within biosecurity. We have such a vibrant research base so it’s really exciting to make connections with people in this field.

What does Biosecurity mean to you?

Biosecurity means everything! It’s the livelihood of your farm, it’s access to fresh and safe food for everyone. Without biosecurity we don’t have an industry.

Pictured L-R: Martin Rhode, Hannah Greenshields, Alys McKeough

Martin Rhode, Rhode Eggs, Tarlee South Australia

What does Biosecurity mean to you?

It’s the protection of animals and plants, which is very important and I’m learning more and more about it.

What are you hoping to get out of attending today?

Getting an overview of biosecurity practices as well as hearing different ideas we can translate back into the day-to-day business into the future.

What have you learnt so far?

A lot! Primarily the easy few steps you can take by being preventative and taking action with your response. Having good measures in place to begin with mean if something happens you can be quick to react.

Alys McKeough, Carey Downs Station, Gascoyne Western Australia

What are you hoping to get out of attending today?

I’m hoping to get a deeper understanding of biosecurity. Some of the conversations I’ve had so far and some of the research I’ve seen has been great because there’s been no disconnect between a producer and what they do. There have been some great sessions.

What does Biosecurity mean to you?

Our responsibility to protect the animals and plants on our property and being part of that process as producers.