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.
Business manager Loc Rivett said the company had been in discussions with Victorian authorities about how to manage dead stock collection and as a result had to cease collections.
He did not close the door to resuming the service at some time in the future.
The VFF expressed disappointment with the cessation of the service.
VFF Livestock Group president Scott Young said the VFF was working with Agriculture Victoria to understand the reasoning behind the halt and what options there are to reinstate the service.
“It’s an absolutely vital service for local farmers and it’s critical we get a solution as soon as possible,” Mr Young said.
There is another service available to farmers, based at Shepparton’s Daldy Rd knackery, called the Goulburn Valley Stock Removers.
Owner Peter Loffell said his business provided the service across the immediate Shepparton region including Tatura, Kyabram and Katandra.
Mr Rivett was disappointed with criticism that had been levelled at his Stanhope business as a result of the cessation of the service.
“We’re a private business; we don’t get any government subsidy for the service,” he said.
“Some of the people critical of the decision have not bothered to contact us.”
He said the business worked in a sensitive biosecurity area and there were compliance costs.
The VFF said it was working with the Victorian Government to sort the issue out.
Mr Young said while the service remains halted, it’s important farmers are aware of their responsibilities and the options that are 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,” he said.
“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.
“There are resources and help available to guide farmers through Agriculture Victoria via their website or by calling 136 186,” Mr Young said.
On-farm burial
When planning for on-farm burial, Agriculture Victoria says there are many factors that must be considered.
These include the environment, statutory controls, logistics and safety.
To reduce any impact on the environment, a burial site should be located:
- At least 200m from any groundwater supply (stock and domestic bore).
- At least 2m above the watertable level (measured from the bottom of the pit).
- At least 200m from any surface water (creek, river, lake or spring), excluding dams that are not seeping into groundwater or flowing off-site.
- Away from surface water drainage features, low points or areas at risk of erosion.
- On clay soil of low permeability and good stability.
- Away from underground and above-ground infrastructure (such as powerlines, telephone and fibre optic lines, gas lines, waterpipes or sewerage).
- Above the one-in-100-year flood level.
- At least 200m from another burial area.
- On elevated land but with a slope of less than five per cent (preferably less than two per cent).
- Away from conservation areas and areas of cultural sensitivity.
- At least 200m from the boundary of neighbouring privately owned land.
- At least 300m from any sensitive use (such as a neighbouring house).
- Out of view of the public (by either being far away from public areas or by screening).
For further information, go to the Agriculture Victoria website.
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