Australian red meat producers now have a practical new tool to showcase their commitment to animal welfare, and for Guyra cattle producer Sam White, it’s a welcome step forward that reflects the modern values of farming today.
White, a sixth-generation farmer and owner of Bald Blair Angus, has long considered animal welfare to be central to his operation’s success. Now, with the introduction of the Animal Welfare Management Plan (AWMP) as part of Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accreditation, he says the industry is better equipped to meet rising expectations.
“Over the years expectations have changed socially. As expectations grow, the quality of animal welfare management has evolved to meet that.”
“Saying ‘we didn’t do it that way before’ is no longer an argument,” Mr White said.
The AWMP is now available through producers’ LPA accounts and provides a self-assessment framework that guides farmers through the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. It enables them to document the ways in which they care for their animals, giving customers – both here and overseas – the confidence that Australian livestock are raised with the highest ethical standards.
“Our mechanism in documenting and placing the onus on the producer to demonstrate high levels of animal welfare through LPA is one of Australia’s differentiating factors in ensuring that not only are our animals cared for, but our customers can be reassured that standards are met and expectations exceeded,” White said.
“In order to maintain ethical and marketable production, we need to utilise the tools available to make our job more efficient.
“Livestock health and wellbeing are fundamental to the success and sustainability of every farm. Red meat consumers, both here in Australia and overseas, seek reassurance that livestock are cared for humanely and ethically.
“Any LPA accredited producer should feel comfortable documenting their animal welfare reporting requirements because it is already a part of daily operations.”
The new plan is part of a broader effort led by the Integrity Systems Company (ISC), a subsidiary of Meat & Livestock Australia, to support transparency and strengthen Australia’s animal welfare credentials in the global marketplace.
ISC CEO Jo Quigley said the AWMP makes it easy for producers to show how they meet the welfare standards for the species they farm, and reinforces the red meat industry’s ongoing commitment to best-practice animal care.
“Animal welfare is one of the many things that Australia’s red meat and livestock industry stand behind – with an ongoing commitment to showing our leadership when it comes to looking after livestock in our care,” Ms Quigley said.
“By completing an Animal Welfare Management Plan, producers and livestock handlers will gain a more detailed understanding of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines and can demonstrate how their on-farm animal welfare practices are being conducted in accordance with the standards.”
The plan can be completed at any time during accreditation, reaccreditation or on demand. To support producers with the new requirement, a transition period has been introduced. From 1 September 2025, any producer undergoing an LPA audit must have a completed AWMP, or they will be given 30 days to submit it.
For White, the shift is a natural one – a reflection of the values already at the core of his operation.
“As a producer, this is just putting down on paper what we already do every day. It’s about showing that care, and continuing to build trust with the people who rely on us,” he said.
Producers needing help with the new plan can contact ISC’s customer service team, available seven days a week. More information is available on the ISC website.
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