Feedlot Guidelines and BMP Handbook

Summary

In 2018-19, the feedlot industry experienced an increased number of campaigns, protests and incursions by animal activists targeting feedlots and the grain fed production system. In response to this increased public scrutiny, Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA) formed an industry Working Group, which identified several initiatives required to enhance industry’s ability to prepare for and respond to activism events; plus the need for mitigation strategies for certain feedlot practices that present high targets for activism.

This project developed guidelines to assist industry to manage interactions with activists, plus a best management practice handbook that aligns with the principles of the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme addressing feedlot practices that are likely targets for activists.

Objectives

The main objective of this project was to develop a suite of documents that can be delivered to industry to enhance capability, capacity and knowledge in promoting improved practices to deal with feedlot activism. This was acheived through developing:

• a guideline document for feedlot operators to initiate strategies to deal with trespassers and antagonists
• a guideline document for feedlot operators to initiate strategies to continually improve actions and outcomes in relation to animal welfare and community perception
• a best management practice handbook in alignment with the principles of the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) over a number of phases:
  • livestock management
  • quality management system
  • food safety management
  • environmental management
  • product integrity
  • administration.

Key findings

The project developed key documents to assist feedlot operators to manage interactions with activists and persons that trespass on feedlot premises, together with a handbook of best practice management for feedlot activities that are likely to be targeted by activists. These include:

• Trespass Advice: What To Do If You Find Someone Illegally Trespassing On Your Property
• Guide For Feedlot Owners & Managers: Trespass Advice Checklist
• Guide For Feedlot Owners & Managers: Best Practice Feedlot Activity Checklist
• Feedlot Guidelines and BMP Handbook.

Benefits to industry

This project will assist industry operators to better prepare for and manage interactions with activists. Additionally, implementation of the best management practices outlined in the handbook will ensure that, should an activist access the feedlot, they will find the operation, and animal welfare in particular, being managed to a high standard. The outcome will be an improved public image for the industry and maintenance of its social licence.

MLA action

MLA supplied the materials developed by the project to ALFA, and these are now available for download from the ALFA website.

Related resources

• Trespass Advice: What To Do If You Find Someone Illegally Trespassing On Your Property
• Guide For Feedlot Owners & Managers: Trespass Advice Checklist
• Guide For Feedlot Owners & Managers: Best Practice Feedlot Activity Checklist