In March the region’s largest knackery at Stanhope announced it would no longer collect dead stock from farms.
The Victorian Farmers Federation and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria have been meeting with affected producers, rendering companies, and local government councils to try to find a solution to the problem which is causing stress and cost to producers.
UDV president Bernie Free said they were committed to working constructively with industry and government to explore practical, long term solutions.
“This is about building a solution that works for producers and upholds the integrity of our livestock industries. The work has begun, and we’re in it for the long haul,” he said.
Mr Free said they had talked with the Stanhope knackery owners and they were not discounting the possibility they could one day return to dead stock collection.
However, he said the company had some issues to work through and they had to be satisfied the service was economically viable.
Mr Free said the UDV had talked to Agriculture Victoria and the Environment Protection Authority to stress the need to find a solution to avoid any biosecurity risks.
“When you look around the farm, it’s not easy to find somewhere to bury them, that complies with the regulations.
“And undertaking the work can be difficult as the demand usually rises at the busiest times of the year.”
Auld’s Stock Removalists ceased collecting dead stock from farms on Monday, March 17. The business will continue to take live animals to be euthanased from the Goulburn Valley.
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