It’s in everyone’s best interest to get it right!

Beef Only is a vital means for the South Australian beef industry to access NSW and Qld cattle markets

With the interstate cattle markets picking up in recent times, more NSW and Qld buyers are accessing South Australian cattle markets and are relying on accurate Beef Only declarations to buy SA cattle.

Beef Only guarantees buyers that the cattle sold have not had any history or contact with dairy animals in their lifetime, and are therefore at a low risk of having BJD. 

Cattle that qualify as Beef Only are considered very low risk of being infected with BJD. BJD in the beef industry is very rare.

Cattle can qualify for BO if they meet all of the following:

1. Are not from a herd that is classified as Infected, Suspect or Restricted for BJD
2. Have not grazed with dairy or dairy cross cattle in the past 5 years
3. Have not grazed on land that had been grazed with dairy or dairy cross cattle
4. Are NLIS tagged
5. If not vendor bred, must have a Beef Only declaration from the previous owner of the cattle

If any of the criteria are not met – the cattle can not claim Beef Only!

Producers are encouraged to request a BO declaration for any cattle bought onto their property so that they can later sell these cattle and progeny as Beef Only.

Beef Only is an easy and simple system to use – but it needs vigilance to remain credible in the eyes of our buyers.

We must ensure this program remains credible. Without BO, these vital interstate markets are lost!

PIRSA Animal Health Officers are at sales to check any BO sale lots.

No BO declaration = No Beef Only.

For more information on Beef Only or to obtain a Beef Only Declaration form, contact your local PIRSA office. 

AUTHOR: Jane Mc Bride, PIRSA Communications, Telephone, 08 8207 7942 Mobile, 0423 296 579

CONTACT: Your local Rural Solutions SA/ PIRSA Office 1300 364 322