LAMB, sheep, goat and beef producers are being urged to complete an online course to register or re-commit to the Livestock Production Assurance program, but an offline compliance print option will be available.

From September 1 this year, producers seeking LPA accreditation for the first time must work through the online course — LPA Learning — and then successfully complete a 10-question assessment before they can become accredited.

From January 2017, producers already accredited under LPA will be asked to complete the online assessment when they re-commit to the program. Producers will be notified by email or by letter when their re-commitment is due, which will happen progressively on a three-year cycle. They may also work through the LPA Learning tool in preparation for their re-commitment.

Producers without internet or computer access or who wish to complete the LPA Learning offline can call the LPA hotline 1800 683 111 and have the print version of the elearning resource sent to them. This material will include an assessment form and producers can use a phone service to provide required answers.

The online course educating Australia’s red meat producers in on-farm safe food practices is being unveiled as the next step forward in the national LPA program. Australian livestock producers must be LPA-accredited and have a Producer Identification Code to sell stock with the National Vendor Declaration. LPA-accredited producers must provide an LPA NVD for any stock movement.

The 30-minute electronic course was developed by Meat & Livestock Australia is aimed at improving producer knowledge around on-farm food safety practices.

Western Victorian sheep meat and cattle producer Michael Craig said producers are generally very hands-on.

“Through LPA Learning, information is provided in an easy-to-follow story-based approach which includes questions to check each producer’s knowledge and reinforce learning along the way.

“What better way to learn how best to implement LPA on our own properties than by practising real activities in real scenarios?,” he said.

“We are encouraging all producers to get online and test their knowledge of LPA requirements.”

LPA advisory committee member and north-west Queensland cattle producer Peter Hall said it is vital all red meat producers understand their food safety responsibilities.

“LPA Learning supports producers to implement the on-farm practices required to deliver safe red meat to our domestic and international customers.

“With the national trend towards reduction in public extension services, and the remote locations of many producers, online learning is a cost-effective way to deliver training,” he said.

LPA Learning will also be used to strengthen the processes for LPA accreditation and producers’ periodic recommitment to the program.

To complete the online assessment, registered producers must log in from September 1 at http://lpa.ausmeat.com.au/

Source: Livestock Production Assurance.