A NZ shearer in film footage released by PETA.
AUSTRALIAN wool growers are installing cameras in their shearing sheds in the face of increasing clip certification transparency, animal and worker welfare, and security demands.
The New Zealand-based Zentera Wool Company will start its first Australian trial of in-shed cameras in a Victorian shed this year after a two-year trial in some ZQ-certified properties in New Zealand.
And Sheep Central has been told at least one Victorian shed has already installed cameras over the shearing board and wool room.
The NZ camera trial was initiated after video footage showing alleged animal abuse by shearers on ZQ-certified properties in New Zealand was released by animal activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The footage led to a Ministry of Primary Industries investigation and four NZ shearers are now facing animal welfare charges.
Zentera said the first Australian camera trial will begin in July this year on the Carter family’s Marnoo property ‘Wallaloo Park’ and will run throughout the season.
The footage from the trial will be made available to the growers, Zentera and its auditing body to help the company understand what technology works on farm in different locations, and how cameras can support on farm decision-making and provide a surveillance solution for growers and certification.
Zentera said it will work with growers and other key stakeholders to determine whether in-shed cameras, in a wider strategy to improve and monitor animal handling practices, should be considered as part of ZQ certification in future.
The work to date has focussed on the technology and practicality of cameras in sheds as well as ensuring compliance with relevant privacy laws, the company said.
Zentera contract grower, Wallaloo Park principal Trent Carter said cameras would be installed for the next shearing in July out of a need to be transparent about animal welfare for wool brands and consumers and reassure them that things are being done correctly.
“It’s all about transparency, it’s not something that anyone would be watching, but it will be a reference point if required.”
“The consumer may require that and it could be of benefit to workplace relations as well,” he said.
“It also adds that bit of security in the shed.”
Mr Carter said his shearing contractor was in favour of installing cameras, irrespective of any future clip certification requirements.
Cameras
Zentera Wool Company chief executive officer Angus Street the company supported the charges (against the NZ shearers) that have been laid by the Ministry of Primary Industries and are supportive of its ongoing investigation.
“Animal welfare is at the heart of what we do and the ZQ standard, and we unequivocally condemn the mistreatment of animals.
“ZQ-certified properties uphold the highest standards for animal welfare in the world,” he said.
“This is highlighted in the recent review of multiple wool standards by animal advocacy group Four Paws.
“We are proud of the ZQ certification and the growers and harvesting contractors that we work with, who genuinely care about the animals they work with, and who are driving positive change for the whole wool industry,” Mr Street said.
“ZQ was the world’s first ethical wool standard and continues to initiate world-leading industry review measures, monitoring systems and higher levels of accountability that wouldn’t have otherwise existed.”
He said another six ZQ farm camera trials are planned for the upcoming shearing season, on ZQ certified properties in New Zealand and Australia.
“These trials give us insight into what technology works farm, and how cameras can support on farm decision-making and provide a surveillance solution for growers and certification.
“The growers we’re working with on the camera trials have been supportive and pleased to be involved in this industry-first initiative,” he said.
“The use of cameras in shed, are one part of a wider strategy to improve and monitor animal handling practices including trialling animal welfare observers on farm.
“Additional resources such as induction videos, updated shearing packs, and low-stress stock handling workshops have also been rolled out.”
Mr Street said Zentera’s commitment to delivering ethically grown wool remains unwavering, and it would continue to work with the MPI and others to raise the bar for animal welfare across the entire wool industry.
Contractors support cameras
Marwood Shearing’s Billy Woodgate said a shed at Rokewood had cameras set up over the board and catching pens, he believed as part of their wool contract for auditing purposes. Owners of another district shed were also talking about installing cameras, he said.
“I’m not too worried about it because to be honest people shouldn’t be doing the wrong thing anyway – it shouldn’t be happening anywhere.
“And the way things are going those sort of people don’t end up with a job anyway, so they’re not around,” he said.
“It probably sets a standard, it keeps farmers in the know and for people who are buying the wool it shows that everything was handled correctly.
“And there are lot more farmers putting in security cameras as protection for their wool, there are certainly more cameras going in,” he said.
“I think it’s good, as long as the staff are aware.”
Central Shearing co-owner Emma Morvell said she would not oppose the installation of cameras in a woolshed. She said contractors wanted to keep poor behaviour out of the industry and be transparent and find out what is happening with their teams when absent.
“I think the cameras are good for that because it just brings it all out in the open, what’s going on, doesn’t it?”
We support the decision to install cameras in the shearing sheds to increase transparency within your supply chain. If only the same ethics applied in the red meat processing industry so our members could be confident the standard carcase trim was in place, when producers own the carcase up to the weigh scales.
Well done wool producers.
Australian Cattle Industry Council