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Biosecurity, Farming operations, Policy & Advocacy

ADF seeks change to Australia’s biosecurity system

November 1, 2022

By CRAIG HOUGH, STRATEGY & POLICY DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIAN DAIRY FARMERS
Dairy is working alongside partners in the livestock industry and the Australian Government to transform Australia’s biosecurity system.

As globalisation continues to increase the rates of movement of both people and goods into Australia from areas where pests and diseases are more widespread, the risk to our industry is increasing.

Biosecurity affects the profitability and sustainability of our industry. An incursion, of any sort, lowers production, disrupts trade and adversely impacts animal welfare and the mental health of farmers and stakeholders. For example, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) estimated a widespread FMD outbreak in Australia would have a direct economic impact of around $80 billion.

In August 2022, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) made a submission to the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs’ committee’s Inquiry into the Adequacy of Australia’s biosecurity measures and response preparedness, in particular with respect to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Our submission endorses, and builds on, the Australian Government’s National Biosecurity Strategy, which provides a 10-year roadmap for significant change to our biosecurity system.

An analysis of various reports from the Inspector General of Biosecurity, the CSIRO, independent reviews and consultation with ADF members and stakeholders informed this submission. For example, the CSIRO report Australia’s Biosecurity Future: Unlocking the next decade of resilience in 2020 found that between 2012 and 2017, the annual number of interceptions of biosecurity risk materials at Australian borders rose by almost 50 per cent. Such an increase in threats requires an increase in capability and efficiency in response.

So, ADF is calling on the Australian Government for additional reforms to the biosecurity system to ensure Australia is fully prepared to respond swiftly to the growing biosecurity threats.

Specifically, our submission calls for everyone to ensure exotic animal diseases do not enter Australia. We call for reforms to governance, funding, disease categorisation, surveillance and detection, diagnostics and vaccine development and a review of compliance measures.

The key recommendations in our submission include:

  • Consolidation of the separate governance models into one biosecurity governance model for animals and one for plants
  • More specific details on what actions and outcomes biosecurity funding is being directed towards to improve funding transparency
  • A commitment from Government for ongoing funding at or above 2016-17 levels in real terms, and to work with industry to explore establishing a dedicated industry biosecurity levy
  • Reinstatement of the 80 per cent screening target at the borders
  • A review of biosecurity infringements and penalties issued over the past decade to determine whether enforcement has been adequate
  • Transforming the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness into a centre of excellence for vaccine and diagnostics capability for livestock diseases to enhance our ability to develop better vaccines and biosecurity tools
  • Amending the Biosecurity Act 2015 to drive continuous improvement in the system.

    • An explanation of the rationale of these reforms can be found in the ADF submission. A final report from the Senate committee is due to be tabled in the Senate on 24 November 2022.

    As we know, there are no silver bullets for biosecurity. Biosecurity is everyone’s business – it is a shared responsibility. We need adequate measures in place to protect Australia’s agricultural industry from any threats of pests and disease, and this involves working together to protect our farms, livelihoods and natural environment.
    —–
    ADF’s submission can be viewed at: www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_and_Transport/FMDBiosecurity/Submissions
    For more about the National Biosecurity Strategy:
    www.biosecurity.gov.au/about/national-biosecurity-committee/nbs

    Farming operations

    Backing our farming operations

    October 1, 2022

    By RICK GLADIGAU, PRESIDENT, AUSTRALIAN DAIRY FARMERS

    SINCE 1942, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) has been developing policy, and advocating on issues such as water, climate, biosecurity, energy and animal welfare, to support dairy farmers’ operations.

    To mark ADF’s 80th anniversary it is timely to look back on significant advocacy outcomes.

    One of the great success stories of the Australian industry is the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS), which was set up in 1979 to progress increased herd genetics. ADF was instrumental in the development of the ADHIS.

    In 2011, ADHIS released Australia’s first Genomic Breeding Values. ADHIS became DataGene in 2016. By 2016, it is estimated that ADHIS had generated $200 million in net benefits to dairy farmers at a cost of about $10 million.

    Another achievement is this publication, the Australian Dairyfarmer magazine. Initially set up in 1984 to communicate Australian Breeding Values (ABVs) for production traits to farmers, it quickly evolved into the go-to source of information, learning tools and community engagement, as it still is today.

    In 2018, ADF adopted the NFF climate policy for an economy-wide target of net zero emissions by 2050 (with conditions). One of these conditions is that Australian and state governments must adequately fund emissions reduction programs and research to enable farmers to utilise new methodologies and technologies to lower greenhouse gas emissions across their business while also increasing farm productivity.

    ADF successfully advocated for an independent analysis of socioeconomic impacts of the Murray Darling Basin Plan in the southern basin. ADF has adopted the National Farmers Federation’s position the plan, so long as the water acquired by the Australian Government achieves good environmental outcomes without harming dairy operations and rural communities. ADF believes a smart and efficient implementation of the plan can generate positive environmental and socio-economic outcomes without the need for the Government to acquire an extra 450 gigalitres (GL). ADF continues to advocate for outcomes-based policymaking for water management to sustain dairy production in the food bowl of Australia.

    In 2020, ADF developed a policy framework that addressed issues for dairy farmers in bushfire management e.g. land clearing, consultation with fire affected farmers and on-the-ground responses to bushfires. The framework considers findings and the implementation of recommendations from bushfire inquiries, including the 2010 Victorian Royal Commission. The framework was shared with the Australian Government to support the nation’s bushfire recovery effort.

    A new approach for managing animal health, welfare
    A fresh approach to the management of Bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) in cattle emerged in 2016 with the release of a framework by Animal Health Australia.

    ADF sought revisions to the framework (which were endorsed), including a focus on a program to assess individual BJD farm status and how to eradicate or manage the disease so as not to bring it on-farm. Further, ADF released a revised risk-profiling score to assess and manage the likelihood of BJD in dairy cattle.

    In 2021, ADF formed a skills-based group tasked with recommending a policy for managing surplus calves in the Australian dairy industry. This work follows the ADF Dairy Beef Forum in July 2021. This forum explored current information, research and business opportunities for surplus calves in Australia. Establishing a policy on surplus calves is a priority in the ADF Strategic Plan.

    An end to routine calving induction that generated high animal health and welfare outcomes was achieved in January 2022. Following a decision in April 2015 to phase-out routine induction by 2022, work by ADF, Dairy Australia, farmers, vets, and processors, together with improved herd improvement practices, tools and technologies, achieved this goal.

    Economics & Trade, Farming operations

    Margin risk offsets high milk prices

    July 15, 2022

    By RICK GLADIGAU, PRESIDENT, AUSTRALIAN DAIRY FARMERS

    WHILE high opening milk prices are critical for the viability of the Australian dairy sector, increasingly volatile global markets are taking effect with rising cost pressures through the supply chain.

    There is strong competition from processors in the market, which is fantastic for dairy farmers. ADF recognises that these opening prices for milk at the farmgate are strong, and we believe there is potential for more increases because processors need to meet existing domestic and international contracts with a limited milk supply.

    However, the costs of fodder, fuel, fertiliser and electricity are skyrocketing, eating into the margins of most dairy producers.

    Currently, the biggest cost is grain, with wheat prices jumping 25 per cent in recent weeks. In extreme cases, feed costs can represent one-third of a dairy farm’s turnover.

    In a volatile market, the increase in the milk price paid to farmers is not keeping pace with the unprecedented rises in the cost of farm inputs. Some dairy farmers are under significant pressure.

    It is timely for farmers to review their operations in response to the increasing input costs.

    Real action needed to support dairy recovery

    The next three years is a defining period for the sustainability of the Australian dairy industry. As the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working for dairy farmers, we will be doing our utmost to ensure the reality of this situation is well understood by the Labor Government and consumers.

    The government made pre-election pledges that respond to several issues in our policy statement – which if properly executed – will help the profitability and sustainability of dairy farmers. These include:

    • setting minimum standards for nutrition in residential aged care
    • improving existing regulations that deliver accurate and clear food labelling
    • providing $500m for agriculture in the $15b National Reconstruction Fund
    • protecting the competitiveness of emissions-intensive export industries
    • investing $3 billion from the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund to fund emission reduction initiatives
    • directing financial support to energy efficiency projects under a new Powering the Regions Fund and funding two regional tech hubs

    More money needed for regions, biosecurity, jobs

    Beyond these pledges, ADF is calling on Federal Government to invest more in regional development, biosecurity capabilities and a skilled regional workforce to reduce risks to dairy production, support the adoption of supply chain traceability reforms and reduce the impact of pests and weeds.

    It is heartening to read that 88 per cent of respondents to the 2022 National Dairy Farmer Survey reported an operating profit in 2020/21. With the rising cost of inputs during the past two months, the outlook for some farmers in 2022/2023 is less optimistic.

    For many dairy farmers, the uplift in opening prices will give them the confidence to continue to invest into their farms. For others, however, labour shortages, high beef cattle prices and soaring land values, will see some farmers make a business decision to exit the industry.

    Due to the surging costs of farm inputs, the need for movement in retail prices is critical. A significant upward movement in milk pries at the checkout in the short to medium term is essential.

    The ongoing strength of the dairy sector is crucial to Australia’s future, as we navigate the Covid-19 recovery phase. Resilient and prosperous regional communities need a robust dairy sector.

    We look forward to working with the new Labor Government to deliver on our election platform, much of which seeks to drive profitability and sustainability through the Australian dairy industry. This includes creating even more transparency of prices across the dairy supply chain.

    Farming operations

    On the long road to recovery

    May 15, 2022

    By HEATH COOK, ADF DEPUTY PRESIDENT

    Dairy farmers across New South Wales and South-East Queensland face a long road to recovery after recent flooding. Almost three years of stress from fires, drought, and pandemic-related workforce issues have seen the recent floods place enormous mental and financial strain on farmers.

    At least 290 farms have been affected. Accounts of damage and losses include 200-head herds wiped out, infrastructure and machinery swept away by floodwater, kilometres of fencing ripped from the earth – with winter crops, fertiliser and fodder being collateral damage.

    Stories of heroism abound, of farmers working tirelessly to rescue people and livestock alike. In the aftermath though, it is keeping herds fed that is proving to be a daily challenge.

    There has been a significant toll on animal health, with conditions such as lameness and mastitis becoming prevalent. Exhausted, distressed and undernourished, cows that would usually produce 20-30 litres daily are giving barely a trickle.

    Cold, wet weather has scythed its way through calf populations. Rescuing heifers and cows sunk deep in mud is a daily event. Costs are likely to be in the range of hundreds of millions.

    Many farms are not only experiencing stock feed issues but fuel shortages, phone and internet outages.

    Dairy Australia is working with government, industry bodies and emergency response services to provide aid services. Flood-affected farmers and land managers can call the Department of Primary Industries’ hotline on 1800 814 647 to request assistance for emergency fodder, aerial surveillance and veterinary assistance.

    Emergency fodder distribution centres have been set up in Casino, Alstonville, Grafton and Coraki, and reimbursement for emergency fodder freight has been made available by the Rural Assistance Authority in New South Wales. Need for Feed, a volunteer service coordinated by Lions International is also supplying fodder.

    Farmer welfare and mental health is a priority. After prolonged strain, there is a real risk of farmers leaving the industry. Dairy Australia encourages farmers to make use of recovery centres, as well as grant application support for flood recovery services. Grants of $25,000 are available for small farmers, and up to $75,000 for primary producers. Zita Ritchie at NSW DPI is managing New South Wales support, with Belinda Haddow at Subtropical Dairy supporting farmers from affected areas in Queensland.

    One-off disaster payments have been announced by the federal government, available to farmers from 80 local government areas across New South Wales and Queensland, to help with livestock assessment, veterinary support, euthanasia and burial costs. Funds are also being released to fast-track road repair.

    Norco Cooperative has been severely impacted by the floods, particularly the Norco ice cream factory, feed mill and two rural stores. The federal government, in partnership with the New South Wales government, has announced a business support package to help restore operations and assist with ongoing employment.

    The floods, like other disasters from recent years, have highlighted challenges facing the dairy industry. Not limited to animal welfare and human mental health impacts, increasing instances of fire, drought and flooding could see insurance premiums rise to untenable levels for some farmers. These risks need to be addressed in a long-term manner, as implications carry on long after acute events – as demonstrated by the long tail of mental hardship, cow health issues and financial strain that has followed these floods.

    Any rise in prices for dairy foods on retail shelves at this time may likely be a necessity for ensuring dairy farmers make it through these challenges and stay on their land with their mental health intact.

    Now, more than ever, our beloved northern industry needs to know that we ‘have its back’.

    Moving forward, we recognise that insurance will be a challenge, and let me assure every farmer affected by the floods that ADF will be working on this issue with representatives from the insurance industry.

    At meetings of the National Coordination Mechanism, attended by the Hon Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, and the Director General of Emergency Management Australia, Joe Buffone, ADF has represented the national dairy industry’s interests.

    If retail prices for dairy products increase, one of the reasons will be the floods. If this happens, please tell everyone that the increase is an absolutely necessity to ensure flood-affected farmers survive this disaster.

    Animal Health, Biosecurity, Farming operations

    Policy shifts on live viruses importation

    May 15, 2022

    By DAVID INALL, ADF CEO

    Lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus, identified in March in Indonesia – and Singapore shortly thereafter – is posing a threat to Australian livestock. The proximity of these nations to Australia means the disease could be transferred to Australian cattle or buffalo via windborne biting insects. Currently, the virus is only around 3,000 kilometres from Australia. Once introduced, the virus is very hard to eradicate.

    Australia has restricted the importation of certain live viruses for laboratory purposes, primarily to reduce the possibility for such diseases to escape and spread. However, an exception is being made so that CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, can begin developing vaccines for lumpy skin disease.

    Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) supports the development of safe, effective vaccines for lumpy skin disease virus, in acknowledgement of the significant risk this disease poses to the industry.

    The virus does not affect humans – but has serious implications for animal health. It causes emaciation, damage to hides, a decrease in milk production, fever, reproductive losses and can ultimately be fatal. This can lead to major disruptions to livestock trade and dairy supply. There would also be trade implications for Australian exports if Australia was to suffer a lumpy skin disease detection.

    The disease, identifiable by nodules on animal skin, is usually spread by flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Infected animals can also contaminate products and equipment.

    The federal government is working with its counterparts in Indonesia to stem the outbreak and prevent the disease from making its way to Australia. Current prevention efforts are extensive, with strict import regulations and conditions to prevent the disease entering via traveller, cargo and mail pathways. However, the risk of spreading via insects crossing the ocean is Australia’s primary concern.

    Without local research, Australia would have to rely on sending samples overseas for diagnosis and, if confirmed, importing vaccines. These can be of inferior quality to Australian standards and obtaining adequate quantities could be a challenge. With Australia undertaking development, vaccine supply will not be an issue for Australian farmers. Once developed, the vaccine will also be shared with neighbouring nations.

    Livestock industries as well as the Australian Governmentsupport importation of the live virus. Internal policies have been amended to ensure safety and security. This approach is being echoed across other parts of the industry.

    A taskforce has been set up by Agriculture Minister David Littleproud. The group, led by Dr Chris Parker – former chief executive of the Australian Pests and Veterinary Medicines Authority – will coordinate the federal government’s newly-announced $61 million commitment to boosting northern frontline biosecurity.

    Vaccine development within Australia is crucial to preventing major outbreaks and eventually eradicating the disease, if possible. Most vaccines currently available from overseas have shown capacity to cross with wild strains of the virus, producing virulent variants that transmit more rapidly.

    With such a significant exotic disease on Australia’s doorstep, we must remain vigilant, and farmers are always urged to contact their local veterinarian if they see any signs in their herd, In the case of LSD, after an initial period of high fever (41°C) and swollen lymph glands, the animal may develop large, firm nodules that are up to 5 cm in diameter in the skin..

    An important element of the industry’s response has seen ADF partnering with the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) to form a high-level cross-industry taskforce to ensure coordination and collaboration across all affected industry sectors. The taskforce is comprised of senior representatives of RMAC, ADF, the National Farmers’ Federation, and the relevant industry service providers.

     

    The taskforce’s membership ensures we can seek the requisite skills to undertake appropriate action and establish technical committees as determined by the taskforce to ensure the broader agriculture sector can monitor, manage and work with government to reduce the likelihood and potential impact of any incursion.

    Farming operations

    Collaboration puts dairy levy to work

    March 15, 2022

    by RICK GLADIGAU, ADF PRESIDENT

    As the voice of dairy farmers in your regions, Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) actively provides input on key focus areas for development in Dairy Australia’s Annual Operating Plan (AOP).

    This year, for the 2022/23 operating plan, our consultation with Dairy Australia started earlier, went deeper into discussing the priorities and has lasted longer than the consultations for previous plans.

    Dairy Australia is the national services body for the Australian dairy industry, and is funded by a combination of industry, government and research organisations to advance the interests of dairy farmers. This includes levies paid by dairy farmers and matching payments from the Commonwealth Government for eligible research and development (R&D) activities.

    Together with Dairy Australia, ADF took the opportunity to engage earlier in the consultation to provide meaningful input to the annual R&D activities supported by the plan.

    Strengthening research, productivity

    The consultation process started with a review of recent changes in the operating environment and how these might affect work under each of the seven strategic priorities in the DA strategic plan 2020-2025.

    Several key areas of focus emerged at the workshop, with feed base/pasture identified as the most important area of focus for the next DA annual operating plan. Additional focus areas centred on continued research and monitoring of productivity and dairy’s competitive position with other sectors, as well as increased policy development and support, leaning into more state and regional based issues.

    One of the key directions to emerge from this consultation was a call for the R&D to focus on productivity, growth and reducing farmers’ cost base. Suggestions included building resilience in the dairy industry through scenario planning to ensure farmers can maintain low-cost production and exploring alternative innovative farming methods such as how to use feed to reduce carbon emissions/methane in the value chain as well as build adaptation of feed base and pasture feed to changing environments.

    Strengthening collaboration, best practice

    Critical success factors identified for DA operations and the dairy industry included greater collaboration between ADF and DA, more celebration of the dairy industry’s best practice along with greater engagement of the workforce, industry and emerging leaders, especially the Young Dairy Network.

    To update our members on the progress with development of the next operating plan, ADF will host a briefing session in May. At this session we will report on how our input has been incorporated into the plan.

    Keeping abreast of what is happening in domestic and international markets was important to all members as this helps us identify and explore the future opportunities in agriculture, and better understand our competitive position compared with other sectors.

    Defining dairy’s role in agriculture

    By strengthening the collaboration of dairy farmers with government, industry and research organisations, we increase transparency and build trust, as we ultimately want to continue to play a key role in Australian agriculture.

    Now that we have clear guidance from Dairy Poll 2022 as to the income for research and innovation programs in the future, ADF will keep working with Dairy Australia to ensure the dairy levy is invested in work that delivers.

    Farming operations

    Looking ahead for dairy levy poll

    September 15, 2021

    By TERRY RICHARDSON, ADF PRESIDENT

    For the first time in a decade Australian dairy farmers will get a say on how much money is invested in the industry services managed and delivered by Dairy Australia.

    This is an outcome sought and welcomed by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF).

    In July, the Levy Poll Advisory Committee (LPAC) recommended that a poll of all dairy farmers be held to set the future level of the dairy service levy – a levy that funds Dairy Australia, including its research and innovation.

    This is good news for dairy farmers. We can now consider whether the current dairy levy, or a potential increase in the levy, is needed to ensure the investment in farmer RD&E meets our farmers’ needs.

    The LPAC is developing the voting options which will go on a ballot. This process has included seeking input from dairy farmers to determine the voting options, including an option they prefer.

    As the voice of dairy farmers, ADF is deeply committed to working with our members, LPAC, Dairy Australia and the broader levy payer farmer base to ensure that an effective and engaging consultation process is undertaken prior to the March 2022 vote.

    It is essential this process delivers clear and concise feedback from farmers, because the levy poll should not be taken likely. It will determine how much is invested into RD&E for the coming years.

    We expect that levy payers will be informed of voting options by late September, with the levy poll to be held in March 2022.

    Importance of leadership in levy poll

    While it’s too early for ADF to form a view on a preferred voting option, we know as the national representative body, we need to build consensus among people with diverse views on what levy is best for the industry.

    However, we do anticipate that an option to maintain current levels will be included in the levy poll, together with any options for an increase that LPAC may determine appropriate.

    The levy poll provides dairy farmers with the opportunity to have a say on an important investment that works to benefit their dairy farm businesses and advance the industry as a whole.

    We need to ensure the levy sets the industry up for success, by resourcing Dairy Australia to:

    • deliver on the five-year strategic plan agreed by industry
    • build and maintain the capacity of Dairy Australia to respond to emerging issues (challenges and opportunities)
    • continue to invest in high-returning research and development
    • deliver specific services as prioritised by levy payers
    • collaborate with other agencies to meet ‘head on’ the broader challenges facing the agriculture sector.

    Throughout the levy poll development and voting, ADF and the state dairy farmer organisations will engage and consult with our membership.

    When you vote – via the poll – I encourage you to think about the broader industry and services that benefit everyone, now and into the future.

    To our members, no matter what you vote I have great respect for belief and conviction and urge you to consider the poll carefully.

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