Have your say on SA livestock biosecurity priorities

Livestock SA is calling on all members of the red meat and wool supply chains to have their say on South Australia's biosecurity priorities through a new survey.

Survey responses will be used to develop a Biosecurity Blueprint which will be developed at the inaugural South Australian Livestock Biosecurity Summit to be held in Murray Bridge in April this year.

The Summit, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions’ Red Meat and Wool Growth Program and the South Australian Sheep and Cattle Industry Funds, will bring together key stakeholders from across the value chain to contribute to the development of a strategic plan to drive improvements to the state’s biosecurity.

Livestock SA President Joe Keynes says the Summit provides a great opportunity for industry collaboration.

“South Australia is the envy of other states due to the strong relationships we have built across the industry through the development and implementation of our Sheep and Cattle Industry Blueprints,” Mr Keynes said.

“Using these relationships to develop strategic direction for biosecurity across the livestock industry will help to boost the health and welfare of our livestock, increasing productivity and profitability.”

Sheep and Beef Industry Blueprint Manager Libby Tedstone says its crucial for all of industry to be actively involved.

“The achievements of the industry targets outlined in the Sheep and Beef Blueprints are only going to be reached if the whole industry actively contributes within the supply chain,” Ms Tedstone said.

Livestock SA Program Manager Pene Keynes says the outcomes of the summit will act as an appendix to the sheep and beef blueprints and help drive investment into South Australia’s biosecurity.

“Managing livestock pests and disease through the implementation of strong biosecurity practices across the livestock industry is critical in maintaining product quality and ensuring our market access,” Ms Keynes said.

“Developing a plan which outlines where we want the industry’s biosecurity status to be in 10 years’ time will help Livestock SA to advocate for investment from industry and government.”

To have your say on South Australia's biosecurity priorities, please complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/G8WQZLQ.

The Biosecurity Summit will be held at the Bridgeport Hotel on 7 April 2022. Registrations are essential. To register, please visit Eventbrite.

To find out more about the survey or about the Biosecurity Summit, contact the Livestock SA office on 08 8297 2299 or email admin@livestocksa.org.au.