{"id":32269,"date":"2013-05-06T15:39:07","date_gmt":"2013-05-06T05:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=32269"},"modified":"2020-08-09T15:59:33","modified_gmt":"2020-08-09T05:59:33","slug":"rally-behind-graziers-mp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2013\/05\/06\/rally-behind-graziers-mp\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Rally Behind Graziers’: MP"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Agriculture Minister John McVeigh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

May 6, 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Agriculture Minister John McVeigh has called on feedlotters, backgrounders and grass fatteners to rally behind graziers whose properties have been affected by Bovine Johne\u2019s Disease (BJD).<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the industry is painfully aware, a number of producers affected by BJD, particularly those located in the north and north-west of the State, are unable to feed cattle due to movement restrictions and a failed wet season,\u201d Mr McVeigh said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have taken every opportunity in my discussions with the industry since last year to explain that these producers need support. I stress that they need it and they need it now – others in the industry can support in very practical and low-risk ways.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs such, feedlotters, backgrounders and grass fatteners who have capacity to take cattle are being urged to immediately register their details on a new database designed to help match feeding operations to BJD-affected producers.<\/p>\n

\u201cOperators who can help feed cattle can register and get further details at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au<\/strong><\/a> or by calling 13-25-23.<\/p>\n

\u201cA livestock agent is being employed and will use the database to match producers with feeding operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cAffected producers who need to move cattle can register their need through their Biosecurity Queensland case manager or by contacting the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 13-25-23.<\/p>\n

\u201cBJD has the potential to affect the entire cattle supply chain, and we are asking businesses across the supply chain to help affected producers wherever possible,\u201d Mr McVeigh said.<\/p>\n

Mr McVeigh also urged BJD-affected producers to access the advice available to help them make decisions about their livestock management and movement options.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognise that producers have some tough decisions to make but I stress that they don\u2019t have to make them on their own,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cExperienced staff from the department and from Animal Health Australia can give advice about short-term herd management options and long-term strategies to recover from the disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese officers use a range of decision-making support tools such as Breedcow\/Dynama and Testing Management Options to help affected producers make informed decisions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAffected producers should make sure they have all the information available to them and consider all options before making decisions about their property management.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr McVeigh said affected cattle producers may also be eligible to apply for Sustainability Loans of up to $650,000 to assist with productivity improvements.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese loans are administered by QRAA and are offered at concessional rates, no fees or charges are incurred,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe term of the loan will be determined by the activities being undertaken with a maximum term of 20 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cProducers can contact QRAA directly to discuss their individual circumstances on Freecall 1800-623-946.\u201d<\/p>\n

Affected producers can also continue to apply for support through the National Bovine Johne’s Disease Financial and Non-Financial Assistance Package through Animal Health Australia.<\/p>\n

BJD counsellors can also be accessed through this program at www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Mr McVeigh said work between government and industry was continuing on the development of the Queensland Cattle Industry Biosecurity Fund to support affected producers. Details would be announced soon.<\/p>\n

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