Northern knackery closes shop

ONE certain factor about farming animals is that where you have livestock, you’re bound to have dead stock.

It’s a fact of life, whether its old age, sickness or an accident, farmers need to be able to dispose of their dead stock in a proper manner.

Many farmers and other animal owners rely on knackery services to collect their deceased animals in a timely manner.

This long standing provision is now under threat from the sudden halt of a northern Victorian knackery’s stock disposal service which has left some farmers without access to the critical service.

In our region farmers still have access to dead livestock collection but with this recent closure to the north, there is sure to be more pressure put on this service.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is working with Agriculture Victoria to understand the reasoning behind the halt and what options there are to reinstate the service.

VFF livestock group president Scott Young said it was an absolutely vital service for local farmers and it was critical to find a solution as soon as possible.

“We’re in constant communication with the Victorian government to sort this issue out, and we’re working with the government and industry to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital service going forward.”

He said while the northern service remained halted, it was important farmers were aware of their responsibilities and the options available for the collection and disposal of dead livestock.

“It goes without saying that the health and welfare of our animals is always our top priority, and I would urge farmers to follow best practice advice for deceased stock disposal while a solution is worked on.

“Animal welfare and biosecurity is incredibly important to farmers and the industry and that must stay top of mind at times like this.

“Certain processors and facilities that take deceased livestock will only collect them under certain conditions and farmers are encouraged to have a plan to dispose of dead livestock and to know the facilities in their area that are available.”