Transport, biosecurity and live exports were among the hot topics discussed by the AgForce Cattle Board during our first meeting of 2017.
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![Transport, biosecurity, live exports key priorities Transport, biosecurity, live exports key priorities](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/Fjc97JFBmLYW9DSUSgjdD/8c836eb0-c7cc-4f9a-bb1e-c40996f57e8f.jpg/r24_77_847_1374_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The Board is considering election priorities for transport including first and last mile issues, intersection improvements and opportunities to improve network connectivity, and we’ll have more to say about this in coming months.
The Board also discussed the need for effluent dumps in coastal, populated high risk areas. We will work with rural transporters, councils and State Government agencies to pinpoint the best location for an effluent dump to service the Second Range Crossing and address concerns in the Kingaroy region.
Biosecurity is always high on the agenda, with the Biosecurity Act 2014 providing the potential for productivity gain through reduced regulation. The Cattle Board is looking to develop a biosecurity road map for the future, which considers all sectors of the beef supply chain and their biosecurity needs.
The Australian Lot Feeders Association also joined the meeting to discuss common goals, including in principle support for DEXA technology and the benefits of objective carcase measurement. The use of this technology offers exciting opportunities for the Queensland seed stock industry as the production outcomes of different genetic traits become clear.
Live export is another key area for the Cattle Board as northern Australia’s development will not happen without an efficient and productive northern cattle industry. AgForce is examining the potential to streamline supply chains across the north, as well as options to work with Vietnam on market development through relationship building and skills sharing.
And finally, AgForce Cattle Board members spent some time last week benchmarking their practices via the Grazing BMP program. The Grazing BMP is a proactive and voluntary program designed to help farmers improve their management practices and environmental stewardship. The Board is keen to develop pathways to ensure the program continually improves and delivers for industry.
It’s certainly an exciting time to be in the Queensland cattle industry right now and the AgForce Cattle Board is willing and eager to play our part in ensuring the industry continues to thrive and prosper.