Steakholder Spotlight: Australian Veterinary Association

Caption: Dr Stacey Rae.

 

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the peak body representing veterinarians and vet students across Australia. Within the AVA are several special interest groups, including the Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV), led by President Dr Stacey Rae. Stacey is also the principal veterinarian and owner of Monto Veterinary Group.

“As veterinarians, we’re trusted on-farm advisers who help cattle producers connect science, regulation and practical management together,” Stacey said.

“The AVA is in a unique position to support continuous improvement in animal welfare, environmental outcomes and broader business resilience across the beef supply chain.”

Working directly with producers is central to AVA’s role, enabling the delivery of evidence‑based animal health and welfare advice that supports long-term industry outcomes.

A ‘whole’ of system approach 

For AVA, sustainability means producing beef in a way that is ethically responsible, scientifically sound and economically viable over the long term.

“The concept of continuous improvement is central to the AVA definition of sustainability.

“We want to use science, data and innovation to continually improve animal health and welfare, while also supporting producers to adapt to changing community expectations and evolving market requirements” said Stacey.

The AVA’s priorities closely align with the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework’s key themes, particularly:

• animal welfare
• environmental stewardship
• people and community.

“The most obvious similarity is around animal welfare. Our members are always promoting best practice, cattle management and welfare assurance systems,” said Stacey.

“Environmental stewardship is closely linked to disease prevention and biosecurity, while our work also supports producer capability, mental health and workforce development, reflecting the people and community theme.”

Helping producers build skills 

Education is a key pillar of the AVA’s approach to sustainability. By working directly with producers, AVA members play an important role in building knowledge and capability on farm.

“AVA members don’t just care for animals directly, but also play a key role in educating producers.

“We work with producers to build skills, adopt best practice and respond to emerging welfare risks,” said Stacey.

This education-focused approach helps drive high-welfare outcomes not only for individual animals but for the Australian cattle industry as a whole.

What’s ahead?

From 24 to 26 March, the Australian Cattle Veterinarians Conference will be held in Brisbane, bringing ACV members together to focus on cattle reproduction, a key driver of productivity and sustainability.

“This event really allows our members to come together, hear the latest research and developments, and ensure we are all working collaboratively for the betterment of the industry,” Stacey said.

Strengthening collaboration with industry remains a key focus for AVA, as it works to address emerging challenges.

“When we collaborate with industry our efforts are far more impactful. This is particularly important when responding to challenges such as climate variability, workforce capacity and biosecurity threats — the latter being a significant and ongoing concern.”