Animal husbandry techniques
These techniques include castration, disbudding, horn removal (dehorning), branding and spaying. This priority looks at alternatives to practices (e.g. breeding selection for the polled gene, immune-contraceptive desexing, effective electronic identification) and, in the interim, administer pain relief when carrying out necessary but aversive husbandry procedures.
Profitability across value chain
To be economically sustainable, the industry must generate a positive rate of return over the long term on all capital used in cattle raising and beef production. Currently this priority looks at only farm business profit due to data limitations.
Balance of tree and grass cover
Beef production is compatible with well-managed landscapes. This priority looks at industry’s care of natural resources and biodiversity, by measuring area of land managed for environmental outcomes and changes in vegetation.
Antimicrobial stewardship
Maintaining the efficacy of antimicrobials so that infections in humans and animals remain treatable is of critical importance. This priority looks at industry use of antibiotics and surveillance programs to detect resistance to them.
Managing climate change risk
Greenhouse gases are emitted throughout the beef value chain, including methane produced through cattle’s natural digestion. This priority looks at carbon dioxide equivalents emitted when raising and processing beef, as well as carbon sequestration.
Health and safety of people in the industry
Working environments through the beef value chain, especially on-farm, expose employees and contractors to risk. This priority looks at notifiable fatalities, however industry recognises further investigation of injuries could highlight risk factors and improve work safety.