Victorian dairy farmers are invited to join Agriculture Victoria's upcoming workshops to learn about developing and updating their on-farm biosecurity plan.
The dairy industry is one of Victoria's largest agricultural industry employers, with almost 13,000 Victorians working in the sector in 2021-22.
It is critical that dairy producers have an updated on-farm biosecurity plan, to safeguard their businesses, industry and our state from emergency animal diseases and pests.
With many dairy farmers currently active in building or upgrading feeding and housing infrastructure, there are more people than usual, such as contractors, visiting farms.
There are practical steps dairy farmers can take for high standard biosecurity to protect their property and livestock, including:
- ensuring visitors clean and disinfect their boots and wear clean clothing before allowing them onto the property,
- minimising the level of contact visitors have with livestock,
- ensuring visitors wash down equipment and vehicles before entering the property where livestock are kept,
- and importantly, making sure there is a biosecurity plan in place and reviewing it regularly with employees so it stays up to date.
Agriculture Victoria Regional Dairy Manager Brett Davidson said having a biosecurity plan would help dairy farmers identify and prioritise important biosecurity practices on-farm, including the movement of livestock, people and equipment onto properties and record keeping.
"If you have contractors on and off your property, it is vital you have a biosecurity plan in place that you and your visitors are following," Mr Davidson said.
"Another great way to ensure your farm is protected is to use biosecurity signage at your property's entry and exit points with clear instructions."
Three workshops will be held on 14 and 15 June at Tallangatta, Rochester and Numurkah.
During these workshops, participants will learn how to understand the emerging biosecurity threats to agriculture, identify potential biosecurity risks, and develop a property specific plan tailored to individual farm needs.
Mr Davidson said these workshops are being delivered to ensure Victorian dairy farmers are equipped with the information and skills they need to develop an effective on-farm biosecurity plan.
"These workshops are valuable so be sure to register to secure a place."
