BEEF’s pioneering sustainability framework is one of the most valuable ventures the industry is pursuing at the moment, according to the producer and lotfeeder who has just taken up the reins as steering group chair.
NSW’s Tess Herbert said the great strength of the framework was in the genuine engagement with customers and consumers and also with producers - it was demonstrating to farmers just how much work actually happens in the sustainability space.
Launched last year by the Red Meat Advisory Council, the framework is designed to meet the changing expectations of customers, investors and other stakeholders. It defines sustainable beef production and tracks performance over a series of indicators annually.
This happens over six priority areas: animal husbandry techniques, profitability across value chain, balance of tree and grass cover, antimicrobial stewardship, climate change risk and health and safety of people in the industry.
Mrs Herbert takes over from Queensland’s Bryce Camm to chair the seven-member group of business leaders from across the beef value chain, including grass and grain-fed production, processing, marketing and live export.
Wither her husband Andrew, she operates two feedlots with a combined 12,500 head capacity at Gundamain, Eugowra and Ladysmith, Wagga Wagga. Their business also includes fat lambs, wool growing, breeding Angus cattle, cropping and hay and silage production.
She said the framework was already being used by beef businesses, particularly those with direct customer interaction, as a thorough and comprehensive referral point.
“Many are absolutely getting the questions from their customers the framework addresses and they are able to provide the answers clearly and consciously because this work been done,” Ms Herbert said.
“Another of its strengths is that this information is now all in the one place, easily accessed.”
Further, where particular priority areas for industry focus are identified, that feeds into research and development, Ms Herbert said.
“We can identify gaps and determine what we do next in R&D,” she said.
The framework received solid industry traction at Beef Australia in Rockhampton, Queensland, this year, where overseas experts declared Australia was at the front of global sustainable beef work.
Mrs Herbert said Australia’s reputation for producing high-quality beef should not be taken for granted.
“Consumers, customers, investors and other stakeholders, and even members of the public, increasingly want proof that our product is clean, green and sustainable,” she said.
“The framework helps provide proof we’re meeting the promise that our animals are cared for and that our product is safe, nutritious and consistently high quality.”
RMAC chair Don Mackay said expressions of interest for the role of chair were very competitive.
“It’s great to see grassroots support for the project that shores up the longevity and prosperity of the Australian beef industry,” he said.
“By defining sustainable beef production and tracking performance each year, the Framework helps to protect our market access and ensure we remain in the driver’s seat on issues that impact our industry.”
Shan Goodwin
Shan Goodwin steers ACM’s national coverage of the beef industry. Shan has worked as a journalist for 30 years, the majority of that with agricultural publications. She spent many years as The Land’s North Coast reporter and has visited beef properties and stations throughout the country and overseas. She treats all breeds equally. Contact 0427686187. E: s.goodwin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Shan Goodwin steers ACM’s national coverage of the beef industry. Shan has worked as a journalist for 30 years, the majority of that with agricultural publications. She spent many years as The Land’s North Coast reporter and has visited beef properties and stations throughout the country and overseas. She treats all breeds equally. Contact 0427686187. E: s.goodwin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
