Veterinarian Dr Matt Makin has been appointed to head the next phase of an industry-led framework to demonstrate the high standards of animal care across Australian dairy farms.
Dr Makin has been appointed as Independent Chair of the Dairy Animal Care Assurance Program (DACAP) – a dairy industry program developed by farmers and processors, veterinarians, animal welfare experts and key supply chain partners – to provide a practical and credible assurance pathway.
Dr Makin, founder of Reach Veterinary and Advisory, brings more than 25 years of experience in animal health, herd performance and farm systems to the role. He has worked closely with dairy businesses across Australia to improve productivity, profitability and animal welfare through practical, data-driven solutions.
He said the industry’s decision to appoint an Independent Chair demonstrates its commitment to progressing a practical, effective and transparent animal care assurance framework for Australian dairy.
“High standards of animal care have always been a priority for Australian dairy farmers. What’s changing is the way that commitment is demonstrated,” Dr Makin said.
“Consumers increasingly want to understand how their food is produced, while customers, retailers, governments and trading partners are seeking greater transparency and credible assurance. DACAP is designed to provide that confidence while recognising and building on the strong animal care practices already in place across the industry.”
As Independent Chair, Dr Makin will provide strategic oversight as DACAP moves through its next phase of development, supported by industry and technical advisory groups comprising dairy farmers, processors, veterinarians and animal welfare experts.
Chair of the Australian Dairy Industry Council, Ben Bennett, said independent governance was a critical component of DACAP and would help ensure the framework was robust, science-based and practical to implement across Australia’s diverse dairy farming systems.
“Under Matt’s leadership, DACAP will become the trusted, nationally consistent animal care assurance framework for Australian dairy – one that is practical and workable on farm, while giving farmers, processors, customers and the community confidence in how dairy animals are cared for today and into the future.”
DACAP will build on, rather than replace, existing quality assurance systems. The program is being designed to work with existing assurance programs wherever possible to minimise duplication, while establishing a nationally consistent, credible, framework for animal care assurance.