The Annual Update on Australian Beef Sustainability has recently been published. The Annual Update informs the industry and wider community on how the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework is being implemented. The Framework was first developed to guide the beef industry on how to better meet the changing expectations of consumers, investors and shareholders in terms of sustainability. Sustainability is defined as the production of beef in a socially, environmentally and economically responsible manner. This involves continuous striving to ensure a high standard of animal welfare, and care for natural resources and the community. The Annual Update outlines significant challenges faced by the industry in the past year in relation. These include droughts, floods, bushfires, COVID-19 pandemic and African Swine Fever outbreaks overseas. Despite this, several achievements are reported. Firstly, the number of properties which are covered by biosecurity plans increased from 25 per cent to 90 per cent. In addition, there was a 4.6 per cent reduction in carbon accounts in the last year, regular pain relief usage increased from 15 to 21 per cent and the industry achieved 99.9% compliance with Australian standards for chemical residues. Other significant achievements related to increased antimicrobial stewardship plans covering feedlots and substantially reduced amounts of water needed to raise cattle.
