What Does It Take?
Becoming an Australian Certified Humane producer is not for everyone, nor is it intended to be. However, for those who chose to participate in this standard, the benefits are tangible. Not only will you receive a premium for your product, you will also be recognised in the market place for practising change, promoting sustainable livelihoods in our communities and being a steward of the rich and bio diverse agricultural and cultural heritage you oversee. Whether it be financiers, offtake partners or advocates, the Australian Certified Humane standard declares that a producer’s credentials around animal welfare, land care, water and business management are at or above consumer expectations.
Traceability
Have lifetime traceability of animals
Raised Right
Raise animals in a non-sedentary open range land system
Treated Humanely
Use pain relief for any surgical animal husbandry procedure
Fed Right
Monitor and manage pastures to promote animal growth and maintain soil biology
Bred Right
Use a % of polled genetics (Beef Cattle) in their breeding program, moving towards a polled herd
Interested in becoming a supplier?
Below are the core requirements needed, and an outline of the practicalities of consigning animals into the ACH supply chain.
1.
Purchased off farm at a dressed weight c/kg price
2.
Australian Certified Humane certification to accompany each consignment, along with MSA (if applicable) and LPA declarations
3.
Beef Cattle - must be P8 scanned of farm, and meet a minimum fat score
4.
Beef Cattle - Quarter or month of birth data available with consignment
ACH animals are consigned direct to slaughter with the following parameters around each consignment:
P8 - Measuring On Farm
Animals consigned to the Australian Certified Humane supply chain are required to be offered with an on farm P8 measurement. This must be completed by an accredited individual using appropriate technology.
We see several benefits arising from this practice.
To get an animal to the point of slaughter often takes years. It is the culmination of human travail, successive weather events, mixed seasonal responses, and pivotal decisions along the way. For a producer to then consign an animal to the point of slaughter and it ‘fail company specifications’ is the most inefficient (and frustrating) culmination of this process.
Technology is available to measure the P8 fat depth of a beast on farm with a high level of accuracy. This gives the purchaser the final piece of objective data (combined with verified raising claim / weight / age / breed) to make an informed decision on purchasing a beast direct out of the paddock.
This also gives the producer the same data set, which assists in making proactive management decisions. Whether it be around selling, feed budgeting, or considering an alternative market.
P8 measuring on farm is the final step to maximising efficiencies around the financial, human & natural capital dedicated to raising animals. It promotes animal welfare outcomes and is a valuable management and marketing tool.
