Radio Transcript
(See links below)

Welcome to Agritalk.

This week we will be talking about Beef Only Animal Health Statements

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

Beef Only animal health statements guarantee 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 can qualify for BO if they;
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 a vital means for the South Australian beef industry to access NSW and Qld cattle markets

So just remember

No BO declaration means No Beef Only status.

For more information on Beef Only or to obtain a Beef Only Declaration form, contact your local PIRSA office.  Or go to the Animal Health Australia website.

That’s all for Agritalk this week.  For information on this and any other Agritalk program, simply go to www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au, click on News then Agritalk Radio.

AUTHOR: Jane McBride, PIRSA Communcations & Tarnya Brooksby, Rural Solutions SA
CONTACT: Tarnya Brooksby, Rural Solutions SA Keith Office, Telephone: 08 8755 3166

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