Digital future for integrity systems

Key Points:

• Integrity systems give consumers confidence about where their food comes from.
• The eNVD app upholds standards of assurance, biosecurity and traceability.
• A digital future is the way forward for the Australian red meat industry.
• Integrity systems ensure animal welfare is a priority.
  
  

Integrity systems – the heart of Australia’s red meat industry

At the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets (DRLM) in the Central West of NSW, sheep and cattle are being traded at a fast pace.

Dubbo local Emma Nixon is in the crowd. In these parts, she’s known for wearing two hats. Not only is she a producer of dorper sheep, but Emma also works for one of the 13 licensed stock and station agents operating at the DRLM.

The DRLM is one of Australia’s largest saleyards facilities when combining sheep and cattle. It’s been operating for more than 70 years, and more than 1.3 million sheep and 200,000 cattle are sold here each year.

For Emma, a lot of her world revolves around these saleyards. She’s thankful for Australia’s robust integrity systems, which she says ensure that the future of her world, is bright.

“We can guarantee quality red meat products for our domestic and international consumers because of the integrity, assurance and traceability systems we have in place, all of which are managed by Integrity Systems Company (ISC),” she said.

This includes National Vendor Declarations, or NVDs, as well as electronic NVDs, or eNVDs. They play a key role in upholding integrity systems, recording food safety measures and treatments of every animal on its journey through the red meat supply chain.

All producers accessing NVDs or eNVDs must be Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accredited which requires their livestock management to meet Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines.

Then there is the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) – which uses an accredited tag or device that captures every movement by an animal during its lifetime.

Emma says without these systems a disease outbreak would cripple the industry and have serious knock-on effects to consumers.

“It’s critical we have this level of traceability of our livestock, especially coming through the saleyards here, because we are at the beginning of the red meat supply chain. Everything from this point on needs to be kept up-to-date and accounted for,” she said.

Connectivity problems are no problem with eNVD app

Emma says being able to update eNVDs via the electronic National Vendor Declaration app has been a game changer and resulted in far reaching benefits across the industry.

The eNVD Livestock Consignments app is an effective mobile and offline solution for livestock consignments. Connectivity issues are no barrier for users because it relies on QR codes to transfer consignment details from producer to transporter, saleyard, feedlot and to the processor, saving time and preventing errors.

“Producers can access the app anywhere and anytime, which just makes life easy. The boxes are self-explanatory, you enter your information just once, the data is uploaded straight away and it’s there for good. It’s a no brainer,” Emma said.

Emma said a highlight of the app was that data entered on animal sales is updated in real time.

And from both a producer and agent’s perspective, the traceability it provides is invaluable.

“I get my stock ready, sell them at the saleyards and immediately upload all the details on their next destination. As an agent, the traceability feature means there’s no need to use paper copies or chase producers up for the necessary details, which saves time,” she said.

Streamlining the industry through digital

According to Emma, for the best level of detection and protection – the future of the red meat sector is digital.

“There’s a real commitment to take advantage of apps and other digital technologies in the industry, particularly by the younger generation. There is more work to be done, but I think eventually everyone in the red meat supply chain will be on board,” Emma said.

She says those who have already adopted on-farm digital systems are not only reaping the benefits for their business, but they are also strengthening Australia’s integrity systems and reinforcing its position as a world leader in red meat production.

“Digital is the way of the world. If we are going to keep up with our international competitors, we need to keep this front of mind. We're all going to have to go digital eventually, so the sooner everyone jumps on board, the better,” she said.

Integrity systems ensure animal welfare is a priority

Emma can see how important integrity systems are to assuring customers they are buying an ethical and high-quality product.

She said the LPA program especially, plays a key role in making this a reality.

“The LPA program ensures products from the Australian red meat industry are consistently maintained at a high standard. It guarantees that stock which do not meet that standard won’t be processed and then sold commercially,” Emma said.

As well as helping customers, she says the LPA program creates significant confidence within the industry.

“As an agent, the LPA program means improved compliance and less chance of having to deal with stock that are not fit to travel. For producers, meeting the requirements of the LPA means we all know we’re treating our stock safety and responsibly. It’s a win-win,” she said.

Integrity systems the backbone of the industry, from paddock to plate

Back at the DRLM, the action has subsided, and Emma is packing up for the day.

The more time she spends at the saleyard, the more she values the impact integrity systems have on her industry.

With her two hats firmly on, she’s in a unique position to see exactly how they shape and influence each stage of the red meat supply chain, from paddock to plate.

“Simply put, our integrity systems give the consumer confidence about where their food has come from, that it’s ethically produced, clean and safe, and from animals who’ve been cared for on their journey through the system,” she said.

“As an industry we can truly stand by what we sell – and that’s a great achievement.”