Farmers know all too well the impact biosecurity breaches can have on farm.
Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) wreaked havoc on properties across the country and was estimated to have cost around $1.3 billion in lost production over a decade; and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), can be a menace on herd health, impacting reproductive and production performance, and reduced growth in young stock.
The Co-op has always taken a proactive approach to biosecurity and is encouraging farmers to take a closer look at their practices on farm.
Biosecurity Business Pledge
The Co-op is a proud partner of the nationwide Biosecurity Business Pledge. All businesses in New Zealand are eligible to join the organisation and pledge to play their part in the efforts to prevent pests and diseases from getting to New Zealand and stopping their spread, should an incursion occur.
A founding member and active in the Reference Group that works in partnership with Biosecurity New Zealand, the Co-op helps to oversee and deliver the programme of activity for the year. It is the first initiative of its kind aimed at equipping businesses to proactively manage biosecurity risks effectively.
Co-op Programme Lead Sue Fowler says everyone has a role to play when it comes to biosecurity.
“It not just protection at the border or pre-border, it’s identifying anything unusual and reporting it. The Biosecurity Business Pledge encourages businesses to take responsibility for their own practices. It’s a voluntary initiative but we’ve had great interest. Fonterra was one of the original signatories to the pledge,” she says.
“One of the great benefits is the knowledge sharing. We have businesses of all sizes from small to large like Fonterra. The Co-op has shared our biosecurity practices such as traveller policies, wallet cards and training.”
Incorporating best practice on farm
Biosecurity risk management is part of everyday life on farm but few farmers have formal policies in place.
“If farmers look at their practices on farm using a biosecurity lens, they’ll realise they’re already doing a lot of great stuff. Identifying illness early, separating sick animals, and managing herd health e.g., Animal Wellbeing Plans, vaccinations, treatment records, are all examples of biosecurity risk management. Eradicating weeds and pest management is also a big one. Our farmers already deal with rodents, possums, fall army worm and velvet leaf. They’re dealing with unwanted pests and diseases all the time,” Sue says.
“When it comes to movement on and off farm it gets a bit more difficult, particularly movement of vehicles. Fertiliser, non-traditional fertilisers, brought in feeds effluent trucks, import of bulls, returning cows from winter grazing or heifers – all carry risks. Some other actions are easier to implement, animals should not have access to the tanker roadway, since it is frequently used by vehicles that may visit other farms, keep it free from animal manure that can be a source of disease. Damaged boundary fences allow livestock and feral animals to stray which can spread disease, prevent nose-to-nose contact between animals across boundary fences.”
There’s always room to improve and the Co-op encourages farmers to start considering biosecurity and be more curious about how it can support all of the other efficiency gains that you’re after on farm. Best practice biosecurity risk management improves the health and welfare of your animals, pastures and crops, protecting the land, and your business.
To report suspected exotic land, freshwater and marine pests, or exotic diseases in plant or animals, call: 0800 80 99 66
For farmers eager to learn more
DairyNZ’s biosecurity support: dairynz.co.nz/biosecurity
Biosecurity New Zealand: mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity
Prepare a Biosecurity Farm Plan: NZ Landcare Trust - landcare.org.nz
Support for farmers
Farm Source has a range of support for farmers eager to formalise their biosecurity practices and implement on farm plans, and establish disinfection protocols on farm for people and equipment. The Farm Source stores stock a range of biosecurity products for farmers to use on farm. Talk to your local TSR or visit your local Farm Source Store to find out more. Learn more about the Biosecurity Business Pledge at thisisus.nz