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What a year 2020 has been. Droughts, bushfires, a pandemic, international tensions, protests… and all throughout, Australian agriculture has gone from strength to strength. While many will be happy to see 2020 behind them, it is important to remember the opportunities it has presented us.
Our industry has played an important role in providing the food we require, employment, income, and regional and community wellbeing. While other industries were brought to a halt, agriculture continued on as always, and its importance was recognised when classified as an essential industry, allowing for many (unfortunately not all) organisational practices to continue. |
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We have provided a consistent foundation for many to rely on, and were rewarded with a record-breaking number of events registered for National Agriculture Day on 20 November.
On behalf of the Sustainability Steering Group, I want to thank all our stakeholders for their ongoing support of the Framework and what we are aiming to achieve. We remain committed to increasing our engagement to both internal and external stakeholders, and we hope to catch up with you all early in the new year, at either our Consultative Committee or Industry Forum (more details to come). 2021 will see the finalisation of the materiality review, a release of digital mapping tools, a refreshed website allowing for more fluid reporting, and an annual update which our industry will be proud of as we keep promoting the continuous improvement of the wellbeing of our people, animals, and environment.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas, Tess Herbert Chair, Sustainability Steering Group of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework |
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(Image: AgForce Queensland) |
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"There’s no doubt the world, and with it the animal welfare and environmental sustainability expectations for agriculture, is changing, and I for one don’t have a problem with that” says AgForce General President, Georgie Somerset, as she stipulates why Australian agriculture is already where it needs to be. |
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The next biannual Consultative Committee will be held on Wednesday 24 February, 2021. The Sustainability Steering Group is beginning preparations to hold this meeting in Brisbane, with a virtual option for those unable to travel. A final decision on the location will be made in January.
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Rebecca O’Leary (Trees for Life) & Aleesha Lesiuk (Livestock SA) Heritage Agreement Outreach Officers |
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Livestock SA, in partnership with non-government conservation organisations have welcomed the $3million Revitalising Private Conservation in South Australia program for farmers and landholders who protect wildlife habitat on their land.
The groups have been working with the SA Government to deliver much needed technical and financial assistance to existing and aspiring native vegetation heritage agreement holders. The first round of grant funding is soon to be rolled out. |
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Big sustainability results only come from having big goals – and when it comes to goals they don’t get much bigger than the red meat industry’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.
Carl Duncan, Group Manager Resource Efficiency & Sustainability, explains why this goal is not only achievable but important for Teys. |
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Producers recognise that animal health and animal welfare go hand-in-hand and because of their regular interaction with their animals, are best equipped to monitor the wellbeing of the livestock within their care, and to summon veterinary input when needed.
The Cattle Council of Australia have updated their Animal Welfare Statement to reflect this. |
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The latest edition of Meat & Livestock Australia’s Feedback magazine takes an up-close look at a critical factor impacting the longevity of our industry − sustainability. Mick Crowley, MLA General Manager of research, development and adoption, and Tess Herbert both discuss the importance of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework. |
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