Fonterra to appeal Aussie court ruling
Fonterra says its ongoing legal battle with Australian processor Bega Cheese won’t change its divestment plans.
The move follows a 2015 agreement to phase-out calving induction nationally.
Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) chair Simone Jolliffe says this will apply to all farms unless an exemption is granted.
"Exemptions may be granted either by implementing a herd fertility management plan or by obtaining dispensation for exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the herd manager," she said.
A panel will consider requests for exemptions and grant approvals as appropriate.
She says progress will be monitored and reviewed until the phase-out is achieved and no routine induction -- without exemption for exceptional circumstances -- is done.
"We want to be proactive on measures to support excellent animal welfare and to meet the expectations of the community, customers and consumers," Jolliffe says.
"Failure to meet these obligations risks the introduction of onerous and unrealistic regulations and/or damage to our reputation and markets."
She says the ADIC recognised that the target would involve much management change for some farmers.
"We will work with farmers, vets and their advisers to ensure annual targets are achieved."
The approach resembles the NZ strategy where routine calving induction was phased out over time with progressively reduced annual limits.
ADIC is especially concerned about late-calving induction.
"Late inductions (within 4-6 weeks of the due calving date) provide no overall reproductive benefit for the herd and should not be performed except for the welfare of the cow or her calf," she said.
"Early pregnancy testing is required by these practices to make sure late inductions are not occurring."
