A NEW organisation dedicated to providing accurate and factual information on the live export industry has been launched at the LIVExchange conference in Townsville.
The Cattle Collective is a way for cattle industry stakeholders, including producers, truck drivers, stock people, industry bodies, exporters and importers to share accurate information and personal stories about the livestock export industry with the broader community.
Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie commended the industry for seizing the initiative and explaining how animals are cared for and how the trade works to the wider community.
"There's a growing divide in understanding between people in the city and those on-farm," Ms McKenzie said.
Australia leads the world in livestock export animal welfare so our industry has every reason to be loud and proud about that.
- Bridget McKenzie
"This divide makes it more important than ever that people involved in the industry are out there explaining how animals are reared, how they're handled and how they're cared for.
"Australia leads the world in livestock export animal welfare so our industry has every reason to be loud and proud about that."
Co-founders of The Cattle Collective, John Cunnington and Dr Holly Ludeman, are both dedicated to empowering young professionals in the industry to use their voices and demonstrate leadership.
Veterinarian Dr Ludeman said achieving good animal welfare outcomes was a daily responsibility for those involved in the industry.
"Strong animal welfare systems are something our critics, the wider community and our industry demands," Dr Ludman said, who has experience in Australia and in importing countries.
"Providing real stories and voices is absolutely essential to establishing trust with the community and we can make lasting change when people share a vision and work together.
"I'm proud to be working in an industry that is constantly improving."
John Cunnington, a director of Australian Livestock Exporters Council, said The Cattle Collective would provide information from real people working across Australia and the world to help provide accurate insights about the care and systems that underpinned the live export industry.
"I'm passionate about showcasing the professional logistical supply chain that is the real live export industry, Mr Cunnington said.
"This industry has so much to be proud of and has a bright future."
The Cattle Collective is at: thecattlecollective.com.au, as well as being on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
